I swam with Colleen to the Point of the Point this morning. For anyone who is keeping track, we measure our swims according to four landmarks: The Little Tree, which is maybe a quarter mile out, depending on how we meander. In the winter or when we are feeling relaxed and chatty, The Little Tree… Read More The Point of the Point (Day 141)
I woke up uncharacteristically late today and it discombobulated me; threw my plans into disarray. I ended up heading down to the Albany Bulb by myself at 7:30—a group had gone in at 7 and another was going in at 8, but there I was betwixt and between. Part of me was looking forward to… Read More Monkey Mind (Day 140)
Sheila, Angie, and I arrived at the bulb at 6:15 this morning and it already felt like a sultry summer day. We are in the midst of one of those heat waves where the warmth of the day doesn’t fully disappear overnight and I was eager to jump into the bay; had been dreaming about… Read More Heat Wave (Day 139)
In retrospect, my close encounter with a shark yesterday did not fill me with the kind of fear I would have expected it to. As I’ve mentioned on this blog before, I’m a total wimp when it comes to wildlife encounters (at sea or elsewhere). Each time I see a seal at a distance my… Read More Getting Back In (Day 138)
Thump. We were a twenty-minute swim from shore in the Berkeley Marina when something solid rammed into the side of my leg. “What…?” I barely had time to register that something was amiss when I felt the firm, slick skin of something very alive and riled-up slither under my legs; then back again along my… Read More Shark! (Day 137)
Last night was the super flower blood moon lunar eclipse. I had lots of good intentions and even several plans to go and view the eclipse from the water, all of which unraveled as clouds gathered; as 9:00 started to seem really late; as the full weight of a busy weekend had me changing into… Read More Super Full Flower Moonset (Day 136)
Yesterday’s swim was summer and this morning was winter. It was all whipping wind, fog, and clouds at the Albany Bulb this morning. This was the big tree yesterday and today: While the bay looked wild in its dark greens and grays, it felt amazing. Perhaps because the air was so much colder than the water;… Read More What a Difference a Day Makes (Day 135)
Today was a summery morning at the Albany Bulb. So many swimmers came out; it was all fluorescent buoys and brightly-colored caps. Arwen, Sheila, and I started out together. We thought Angie had stayed in bed, but it turned out she arrived late and got in after we were already swimming. I forgot my booties,… Read More Summery (Day 134)
It was sunny, calm, and clear today at the Albany Bulb. I met up with Gabe for another chatty swim. It was a great day for it; the water was silky and luxurious; perfect for gliding along and talking about big and small things while a light breeze fluttered and the sun kept us warm. … Read More Reasons to Swim (Day 133)
Today’s swim felt especially glorious. I’m not sure why. When Angie, Sheila, and I were getting reading to jump in, a cold wind blew and every cell in my body told me to turn around, climb back into the car, and put my warm clothes back on. I rubbed my bare arms, hopped up and… Read More Energy (Day 132)