Place on Water

by Robert Kimber, Welsey McNair, Bill Roorbach

Bob, living in a farmhouse near the pond, buys a dilapidated camp at the water's edge and finds his way down there almost daily, to swim or ski, depending on the season. His friends discover the allure of the pond, too--summer afternoons of swimming with Bob, his wife Rita, and an assortment of canine dog-paddlers, or companionable conversations over a beer, enjoying the beauty of a quiet pond beyond the porch. Bob tells the McNairs about a neighboring camp up for sale, a perfect little camp, compact as a ship in all its details, and they buy it. Roorbach feels drawn to the pond so strongly that he and his wife sometimes bushwack through underbrush so as not to intrude, but the pond is a place where this trio of friendships flourishes. Told with humor and affection, the stories in this small book will appeal to anyone who feels drawn to spend time near water.

128 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

Phyllis Austin is a professional journalist whose focus has been on environmental issues for many years. Most of her career was with Maine Times, a statewide weekly, the Associated Press, and numerous magazines and newspapers."

Reviews

[Susan Emmet · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely small collections of essays by three of my favorite Maine authors, Robert Kimber, Wesley McNair and Bill Roorbach. Centered on Drury Pond, each writer delves into flora and fauna, the topography of the small pond, interactions/friendships among the men and their spouses and families.
It's just a wonderful and calming evocation of slow life and its gifts. And of figuring/doing things yourself or with the help of friends.

[Ida · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Edmund Davis-Quinn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really nice book about a special place. Three camps on Drury Pond, Maine. Going to leave it at the camp on Lake Sebec I'm staying in.