Today we had a cheerful holiday swim gathering at the Albany Bulb. Lots of swimmers came out, which seemed extra special because the numbers have been dwindling lately. It was great to swim with a big crowd again. There’s nothing like watching a dozen people brave the cold and go paddling off in all directions. … Read More Celebrating (Day 351)
Today was a lovely swim at sunrise with friends. It’s rare that Sheila, Arwen, Angie, and I all manage to swim together these days and so it always feels special when it happens. A frigid wind blew as we got into the water and with each wince and groan, I thought, it’s going to be… Read More Greeting the Day with Friends (Day 350)
Today I swam with Marcia, Wendy, and Tonya down at the Albany Bulb. They are all faster than me and, while I can just manage to keep up in warmer months, I didn’t even try today. At 50 degrees, I prefer to take my time. It’s still nice to be out together and to begin… Read More Back Stroke (Day 349)
As is so often the case these days, I swam into the sunrise this morning. Sometimes as I’m setting off in the dark, I wonder why we keep planning these early swims and then I remember that we aren’t necessarily changing our patterns, but rather, it’s the sun that’s changing hers: rising a little later… Read More Another Sunrise (Day 348)
I had to scrape a thick layer of ice off my car window before I could set off on my swim this morning. I nestled into my swim robe and dreaded the cold ahead of me. But when I met up with Arwen at the Albany Bulb, the sun was shining in a nearly-cloudless sky… Read More Peaceful Swim (Day 347)
Sheila and I met at the Bulb at 6:30 for an early, sunrise swim. It was beautiful when we arrived; silvery and blue with a clear view of the city and bridge, dramatic clouds and calm water. We were cold getting in and, though the temperature was the same as yesterday (51), it felt colder.… Read More Blue Sunrise (Day 346)
It was a small crowd for a Sunday 8 o’clock swim at the Albany Bulb; just myself, Rosemary, Caz, Sheila, Angie, and Arwen. We’ve had a gorgeous abundance of rain in the last twenty-four hours and many swimmers are opting to stay out of the water for a few more days. This question of how… Read More Rain and Risk (Day 345)
Sheila and I met for a 6:30 swim this morning in the middle of a crazy storm. There was so much wind that branches were falling from trees on my drive down to the Albany Bulb. When I saw Sheila’s lone car in the dark parking lot I couldn’t decide whether I was glad she’d… Read More Stormy Swim (Day 344)
It’s kind of crazy that I haven’t posted this amazing swim yet. I got behind because it was the same day I left for Bakersfield, and I’m only getting back to it now. But, wow. What a beautiful swim it was! Sheila, Arwen, Kim, and I met at the Albany Bulb at 6:30. Right from… Read More Majestic Sunrise (Day 342)
Yikes! I nearly forgot to write my blog today. I had an early swim with Angie, Sheila, and Kira. At the risk of sounding redundant (but isn’t that the way with this blog?), the light was captivating today. There’s just something about those early mornings. The clouds and sun in a game of hide and… Read More Succumbing to the Cold (Day 341)