Jellyfish

Thursday, August 24, 2023

Today at the lake, I swam with the jellyfish. And I rocked. And I think they might have, too. 

It’s about a mile or more to bike there, and the bike is too small for me, so it’s a bit tricky because my feet sometimes hit the front wheel. But I am getting it done. And I walk on the hills. 

There was a young Italian couple at the beach today, and they weren’t swimming. I asked why, and it was because of the jellyfish. I told them that I was afraid of them too and that everyone has been telling me they don’t sting. 

Then I ran into a German guy. Same. Not getting in because of the jellyfish. Whatevs. 

I was smart today, and brought my gloves. Still, I saw 5 or 6 big jellyfish before I got in, and really wished they weren’t there. Then I filmed them for a few seconds so I could have a record to prove how many I saw. 

I got all my gear on, and climbed into the water, using the ladder on the dock. It’s a cool dock that encircles the shallow water so there is a safe and designated area for kids. Nice. I decided to swim out and back from that spot, modifying further my already modified breast stroke so swept away from my face, pushing water to the sides of my body. I took huge strokes, hoping I would sweep jellyfish out of my path. 

It worked pretty well, but I still swam right into a few. I didn’t feel anything, but I worried about them. I gently pushed a few out of the way, trying to make contact with my hand to see what these things are made of. I was surprised to feel some substance. That made me feel better because I don’t want to hurt them or kill them just so I can swim. 

I saw some sunbeams, so I immediately started my chant, “T, R, A, H, E, SC, SP, TW.” I repeated it a few times. The water is too thick to create a sunbeam tunnel, so I just focused on the beams, the light. Why not? I greeted my grandparents, then I greeted all of my grandfather’s siblings, cause why not? Next time I will greet my grandmother’s family, too. 

I could see the sandy bottom and few green seaweed stalks here and there. It bothered me a bit that I couldn’t see more clearly. Maybe it’s my goggles or my eyes. But I’m pretty sure the water isn’t so clear. 

On my way back I didn’t see as many jellyfish. I wondered if they know I’m here now and are steering clear. That would be awesome. I remained vigilant, doing my weird stroke to sweep them out of my path. The water felt so perfect. Cold, but not brrr cold. Cold like refreshing. After the misery of the crazy heat and humidity, it feels luxurious to swim around, batting away sea creatures. I’m gonna need a ride to get to any nearby lakes, so it’s on me to figure out how to share the sea with jellyfish. My cousin T said that this is the time of year when they are out. Great. I can do this. 

I’m testing a lot of gear while I’m here, including some sweet sunscreen. All natural, with minerals to block the UV rays. I’m still laughing that the hottest vacay I’ve been on is in Sweden and I”m using sunscreen here more than I ever would at home. 

There is a huge diving platform about 200 yards (meters) from the little swim area. People were on it today, but nobody was diving or jumping in. Guess I was the only person willing to deal with the jellyfish. 

Someone commented, “brave,” on my FB post yesterday, but it’s really just desperation. I really need swimming to keep my head on straight, to push out anxiety and frustration, to keep my body feeling strong. To be honest, I’m a big mess. I wasn’t physically or emotionally prepared for this adventure, and I’m paying for it. Still glad to be here, but it’s hard. 

I won’t go into details here because my back hurts and I need to stop writing, but swimming is escape for me. And my way of connecting with this new place. If I swim then problems don’t get too big. My cognitive mess gets a break. My body gets to be horizontal in a beneficial way.  I’m willing to deal with an awful lot in the water if I can just get my swim in. 

Cha cha cha

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