Angie Swims

It is so great to be back home! And by home, I mean the Columbia River. Right now the Columbia at Broughton Beach is 47°. My first swim back was 48 a solid four to five degree drop from my last swim at Turner Lake. I forgot how much I love the 40s. Somehow it's easier to get going than in the fifties where I just want to stand on the beach and winge about feeling cold. In the 40s, there's no time for that I just have to get right on into the swimming. I love how freeing the cold water is I can have all the worries in the world and ironically they melt away in the icy water. The day before Thanksgiving a group of Yetis and friends gathered at Broughton and shared a lovely swim. It was almost like pre-covid times but not quite. We're still not back to huddling on the beach under blankets and sharing beverages. Sadly I don't know if we'll ever go back to those practices. I will always look back on them with love and fondness and keep

It's my last day in Salem for my first level 2 fieldwork. It's also my last morning swim at Turner Lake. Appropriately, it is pitch black raining and windy. Both of my thermometers aren't working right now so my best guess is the water is somewhere right around 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Maybe a little warmer than 50 maybe a little cooler than 50 not really sure. Lovely swim to end on. 20minutes and some shivers in the parking lot.  It has been a true pleasure getting to swim with new friends and a new place for the last 3 months. Thank you Susan, Sue, and Marlis for coming out and swimming with me in the dark and the rain as it got colder and colder. Much love and gratitude to the Turner Lake Swimmers.