Summer Fun

During the Depression a massive project to build a diversion drain - to divert the Harvey River from its original course to the ocean, a depth of about 30' and a distance of abut 20 miles - was completed (by men with shovels). This ensured that the river wouldn't flood and industries based on irrigation could be developed in the Harvey area. That is my memory of the story of how it all came about anyway.

In any case, as a result of the development, the entire district has grids of drains that carry the irrigation water. Not only did this water feed the 'beloved' oranges but it also gave us an almost permanent swimming hole (well a long hole) that went right through the property. This luxury had a still pond at one end (very suitable for just lounging), it had water that ran fast enough you could actually ride it for much of the length, and a tunnel (bridge that went over the road). And if you get get over the periodic leach attack, this was heaven on a stick.

So while going to the Weir (these are the days waaaay before the town had a public pool) was a lot of fun, it did necessitate getting parental transport and conning them into spending time away from whatever they were doing. The irrigation drain was right there on the doorstop and only needed a quick holler as you ran out the door to let the adults know where to find you, and it was as cold and wet as any girl could dream of on a hot summer's day.

Happy days :-)