I'm lucky to be located near some warm water for the next few weeks. I took a dip this morning for about 30 minutes, knocking out about a mile in low 70-ish degree water. It was fun, good practice, and comfortable. Until I touched something.
Beautiful, isn't she?
It kind of freaked me out. Ironically, I was just thinking about the gentleman in the gray suit. I was debating with myself on whether or not it was too cold for him. Of course I would swim through the occasional warm patch, and just wonder if he was around. Perhaps I was too shallow? I was only swimming about 50-60 yards off shore, since I was alone. I didn't want to go out too far. There weren't many folks on the beach either, so I wanted my bright red swim cap to be seen by at least the one or two runners on the beach.
Then I touched it. Something mushy. Mushy doesn't feel right. I stopped short, freaked out. What the hell was that? There was no evidence of jellies on the surface, no fins (thank God). So what did I hit? I peaked below the water. Nothing. How is that possible? Maybe it was just a fish? Oh well, I guess I should continue swimming, even with chills running up my spine. Give me a tree branch or vines or seaweed anyday. But not something I can't figure out or see.
And then I hit it again, almost immediately. Where the hell is it? Why can't I see it? At this point I had to really calm myself down and realize that I didn't have to stop my workout, not only 15-20 minutes into it. I swam a bit perpendicular to the magic invisible mushy thing, then continued. But I did sight a bit more than I had during the first leg of swimming. And that chilly spine didn't stop until I was done.
All in all, though, a great time in the ocean. I am jealous of the people who get this kind of access all year round. Of course, they also have hot-as-hell summers. Never mind. Not jealous anymore.
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