Storsjön

Weds Sept 6, 7pm

Today at the lake I took a bus 30 minutes away to try a new swimming spot in the tiny village of Edsbruk. 

I got off at the wrong stop, so I had to walk almost a mile, but I didn’t mind. Maybe it was only 1/2 a mile. 

There were huge rock formations surrounded the swim beach, and then a little back beach on the other side where I saw lots of little motorboats. There was also a diving board. And, if you’ve got time to kill, a tiny bookcase library. Naturally.

I got changed in the changing room, then walked the wooden dock to the ladder. I didn’t feel that cold as I lowered myself into the water. Maybe that’s because it’s been sunny and warm for the past couple of days. 

Cool, Cool Water

The water felt cool and refreshing. Perfect. I swam out to the second mini dock, for diving, then past it so I could be in deeper water. My shoulders always feel strong when I swim my wacky breast stroke, and I like that. I like to feel things moving, working, taking me forward. So many things in life knock me back, knock me on my ass, but in the lake I can just stroke and glide. I thought of trying crawl, but I didn’t have the energy or interest. I just wanted to do what works and what’s simple. 

The water was brown on the bottom, then greenish-yellow on the top because of the sun. It was late in the day, maybe 5pm, so I wasn’t getting any sunbeams today. So, no chants, either. Just a day for me to enjoy the water, stretch my limbs, let my brain rest. 

Because I was in a new place, I decided to swim in wide circles around the diving dock. In the shallow water it looked like just sand on the bottom, with hardly any weeds or plants. A few mussel shells? Empty. Fresh water mussels? 

I couldn’t see anything in the water but teeny tiny bubbles and maybe some teeny tiny sediment of some sort. The lake is surrounded my farmland, so I have to wonder what gets into the water. It still felt clean. I like how my skin feels after being in the lakes. Soft. Lovely. Perfect. 

I was trying to stay somewhat alert to what I was doing because I needed to catch the next bus back to my village. I set an alarm, but stopped swimming just before it went off. 

Exhausting Little Mistakes

I hauled myself out of the water, feeling lighter, happier, more relaxed. I changed into my clothes, which I had left in the changing room, then scampered up the road to the bus stop. Duh. I had missed it by 20 minutes because I got the time wrong. I have been doing this for a month. Also, I have been buying the wrong tickets for buses and trains because I can’t read Swedish! So, that sucks. 

I went to the little grocery store and got some gluten-free noodles and granola for tonight. Then I threw in a bag of chips. Cause I burned calories today! My dream is that I lose 20 pounds while I’m here. I’m eating better, sleeping better, and exercising more, so why not? 

The young woman at the grocery store told me there is an 83-year-old woman who swims in the lake every day. And in winter, she breaks the ice with a stick and gets in. I loved the respect she had for this woman. If I had more time, more energy, I would have tried to figure out a way to connect with this swimming woman. But not today. 

I had some time to kill so I walked around a bit, and found some old ruins and an old tractor. Picturesque. For sure. 

Then I walked to the bus stop and sat on the bench to wait for the bus and demolish the bag of chips. Parmesan. 

Missing My Swim Buddies

I am getting ansty. I like it here, of course, but it’s too much alone time. I knew this would happen, and I’m ok with it, but it’s hard that my trip got cancelled this week. I was looking forward to spending time with another cousin. It will happen. 

Also, there is a cool 7-speed city bike with fancy baskets for sale at the bike shop down the road. It’s $500, which is way too much for me, but I really want it. When I start my new life in Malmo I’m getting it. 

Tomorrow, I am back in the kiddy pool, the sea. ‘Cause I can’t do this bus thing every day just for a swim. But three times a week, yes. 

Peace. Love. El sol.