Take it Easy

Friday, July 19, 9pm

Wind: from S 5.0 m/sec (11 mph)

Air Temperature: 21.8 °C (71 °F)

Water Temperature: 25.96 °C (79 °F)

Today at the lake it was relaxed as the sun started waning. There were a few people on the beach and in the water, and a few paddle boarders in the deeper water. 

There were small groups of people at both picnic areas, but the energy was very chill. It’s the end of another long, hot week. 

The water looked clear, and it felt so refreshing after two days in bed with pretty intense nausea and dizziness that I now think was from the heat. I took two pills for my headache before I left for the lake, and within seconds of getting in the water I felt relief. 

I still took it very easy, staying in a small area of deep water just about 10 or 20 yards from the swim area perimeter. My friend C swam back and forth, looking serene with her back stroke. I didn’t really swim because I didn’t have the energy. Instead I floated and paddled around, mostly treading water and trying to float. 

I could reach my toes into the deeper water, and could feel that it was colder than the water around my torso. I hoped it was helping cool me down. In the distance, to the north, I could see a hot air balloon. I must figure out where it is because I have seen them in that area before. How far away is it? 

As I paddled over some wild-looking milfoil, I felt almost friendly toward it. We co-exist, after all, and we share this lake. I made a mental note to see if I could figure out how to have the same space for getting along with people I don’t like. I let the thought flow across my head, then released it so I could stay in the moment with the water and its cooling impact. Slow. Peace. Do not think. Be. 

I scanned the beach and the area south of the beach and saw my friends R and T sitting on the bench that overlooks the lake. I did a big wave, hoping they would see me greeting them, and T waved back. Yea. 

I continued floating and experimenting with backwards chair stroke, trying to use as little energy as possible. My body was giving me a very small window of functionality to cool off, and I didn’t want to push it. 

I tried floating on my back but the wakes from the boats made it hard, and I got water in my mouth and stopped. Instead I floated face down, moving my arms so people wouldn’t think I was drowning or dead. All I could feel and think about was gratitude. This lake has given me so much. It regulates me, softening and dispersing  the stress so that I can find my center. My happy place. I envy people who can meditate. I need water and/or movement to achieve that space. 

After what seemed like 20 or 30 minutes, I floated with my arms around my tow bag, slowing and gently kicking to propel myself toward the shallow water. I didn’t want to push past my limits. Back on the beach I walked over to the shower and rinsed off my gear, then my hair, then my body. I love the showers. 

C and her kids were still in the water, so I water so I walked over to my friends, B, T, R, and M, sitting over on the benches. Happy I got to see them, and we all got to see the moon rising behind the mountains in on the horizon. 

Goodnight, moon.