I grew up on my Great Uncles Farm which sat alongside the Kennebecasis River in Bloomfield. Although I continue to visit the place, the summer of 1989 is one that I remember vividly. Many of the farms and cottages that neighboured our farm had pools. I remember asking my father why we didn't have a pool and complaining about the other children enjoying their 'personal oasis'. Yet the answer my father gave me was simple yet profound, "We have the river". I think this began my connection with the river and the one I still have today. We would swim, fish and take breaks from work during the long summers day in the clear, cool water.