After staff writer Neil Swidey celebrated the virtues of one particular delight of New England’s all-too-short summer season, readers wrote in to let us know they share his view. Some even sent photos. Here’s a sampling:
Reading Neil Swidey’s essay was unexpected support for my joyous feelings every time I step into that wooden enclosed space in my backyard (“In Praise of the Outdoor Shower,” August 28). Standing in cascading water while enjoying the warm sun and breezes is like standing in your own private waterfall in the beautiful outdoors. It cleanses and rejuvenates in a way a tiled indoor space cannot. Walking across the deck wrapped in a towel, I feel as though I have been given a private moment of utter calm and connection with nature.
Advertisement
Diane Campbell / Brewster
Swidey nailed it. Well done! There are still a lot more outside showers left before winter.
Bob Bennett / Boston and Falmouth
What a charming essay, capturing the symbolism of summer and the spiritual essence of the outdoor shower experience.
Deena M. Siegel / Needham
You never feel as clean leaving an indoor shower as you do emerging from the outdoor shower. We had a summer home in West Dennis and went there for two months every year. The highlight of every day was the shower. It still is. I can’t stand coming home from the Cape and having to shower with (the horror!) a tile ceiling over my head. Thanks for your words; I thought I was the only person with a passion for outdoor showering.
Maria Granfield / Melrose
Loved the piece. You don’t need to live at the Cape to have one. I live in Natick and installed an outdoor shower about 10 years ago. I use it from March to October. It’s great for cleaning off after a dirty day in the garden. I highly recommend it.
Advertisement
Linda Vitagliano / Natick
I’ve had one for years. My boys love it; it’s the first thing they do when they visit. For my oldest, who lives down the Cape, building one was among the first projects at his home. It is one of the most stress-releasing things in the world.
Donald R. Chute / Wrentham
CONTACT US Write to magazine@globe.com or The Boston Globe Magazine/Comments, PO Box 55819, Boston, MA 02205-5819. Comments are subject to editing.