UPDATE: In response to a comment left on this post, please take heed that I am not encouraging people to engage in irresponsible behavior. Although the quarry is available for swimming, do not attempt to swim there if you have poor swimming skills or are unable to tread water for an extended period of time. It is not a swimming pool - there is no shallow end - in fact, most of it is about 60 feet deep. There are no lifeguards. Don't do stupid stuff - if bad things continue to happen out there, the quarry could become off limits to everyone - therefore, if you make your way out there, be safe. Go with other people. Bring a float or lifejacket. With that being said - on to the original post!!
This weekend, I was privileged enough to be taken to Durham's "quarry." A seldom talked about, excellent place for those who call Durham home. Browsing the web, there are few mentions of this special place. The Eno River Association says this about the quarry:
Eno Quarry : From 1960-1964 stone was removed from this site for the construction of Interstate 85. After ceasing operation the quarry gradually filled with ground water leaving a 4 acre scenic pond next to the river. ..[the trail] is dangerous with steep drop offs, no shallow areas, depths at the banks generally exceeding 25 feet, and maximum depths of 60 feet. There are hidden hazards below the surface near the banks. Banks are difficult to climb. For safety, stay on the marked trail. There are openings on the bank suitable for fishing.
As you can see, nowhere in here does it mention swimming. But, we all know that is why nearly everyone goes to the quarry! The 4 acre swimming hole is absolutely pristine. The water is temperate and clear. The scenery is unmatched. It really is a little piece of heaven in Durham. Lauren took me out there yesterday. She had been trying to get me to go for ages, but I always resisted. I think I was just afraid of having fish touch me in a big pond. The fact that you do not (and cannot) touch bottom, is huge for me. To get in, you have to take a flying leap. Once you are in, settle onto your float or your fun-noodle (the floatie of choice for many at the quarry, as you have to hike in about a mile), and just relax. For thrill seekers, there is a large cliff at one side of the quarry, but the only way to clear the rocky edge is to take a running start far back from the edge. I don't have enough huevos to pull that off. To get out, there are a couple places on the bank that are fairly accessible to exit the water. Some slippery rocks to deal with, but one can figure it out.
If you do find your way to the quarry - don't bring alcohol. It isn't allowed, and there are rangers that patrol the area. Also, don't plan on getting in the water if you can't swim. That's an accident waiting to happen.
Oh, so you want to know how to get there? Sorry, folks, can't tell you. To keep this place quiet, it is best not to advertise it too much. I have already probably said too much here. But if you are really interested, ask around. You can figure it out :-)
3 comments:
but, but, but--
A number of people have died there since I have been in the area (I came in 1990). Seriously. I am being a fuddy duddy, I know (hence the use of the term "fuddy duddy), but it's really, truly, very dangerous.
I just read your "update" to the original post. Girl, you rock!
By the way, I went to the quarry once-- long ago, when I was in college-- and it was indeed lovely. I just got freaked out by a couple of bad accidents out there-- mainly from people jumping off the cliff, which you very wisely stayed away from. :)
You are too sweet! As for the cliff thing, people have to be nuts for doing that. Lauren saw someone dislocate their shoulder, and we saw a girl smack a tree on her way down. No way, man.
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