I live within a 10-minute walk of the Gordon Downie Pier in Kingston. One of my goals this summer is to be more connected to the lake.

I walked down the other night just as night had fallen. The pier had quieted, except for a few young kids hanging out with their friends. I eased myself into the water and listened as the kids joked and laughed, living carefree as kids do during summertime. A Bob Marley song provided that evening's musical backdrop as a girl pedalled her bike with a speaker attached.

God, I love the Pier.