After running a bunch of errands I headed to my little conservation area with anticipation. When I pulled up I was dismayed to see that the water seemed to have a very distinct, and unhealthy looking green tint to it. I dismissed it as my imagination as I couldn't imagine it had changed so much in the two weeks since I was there last. Probably it was just the angle of the sun or the time of day or something.
I parked my car and proceeded to squeeze into my wetsuit, but just before I made a final decision I went back down to the shore and spoke to a gentleman who was just landing his canoe. He seemed very knowledgeable about the area and insured me that the water was always this colour. He believed it was entirly safe to swim in, even though he admitted that it would perhaps not taste that good.
So back to my car to finish zipping up and to get my goggles. Upon arriving back at the launch area the man was still there putting his canoe away. He sheepishly pointed out a brand new warning sign nailed to a post. The London Middlesex health unit was apparently not in agreement with his advice. They strongly warned against swimming due to high bacteria counts, namely e-coli!
While the sign was very obvious I probably would not have seen it since I am a chronic sign avoider. Thank goodness for the gentleman.
So back home for some lunch and off I go to Port Stanley to try Lake Erie. The water was decidedly different colour here and I dove in with confidence. Well not quite confidence because with an off shore wind there was quite a chop. Sure enough it was impossible for swimming. The only safe way to swim is along the shore line so as to avoid any boats and all I did was get nauseous.
But I refuse to get stressed. I will figure something else out. After all it's only the stupid swim.
I will focus on having a good bike and run tomorrow, as that is much more important anyway.
(aborted open water swim)
"Sometimes God calms the storm. At other times, he calms the sailor. And sometimes he makes us swim."---Anon
Love
Peter
I parked my car and proceeded to squeeze into my wetsuit, but just before I made a final decision I went back down to the shore and spoke to a gentleman who was just landing his canoe. He seemed very knowledgeable about the area and insured me that the water was always this colour. He believed it was entirly safe to swim in, even though he admitted that it would perhaps not taste that good.
So back to my car to finish zipping up and to get my goggles. Upon arriving back at the launch area the man was still there putting his canoe away. He sheepishly pointed out a brand new warning sign nailed to a post. The London Middlesex health unit was apparently not in agreement with his advice. They strongly warned against swimming due to high bacteria counts, namely e-coli!
While the sign was very obvious I probably would not have seen it since I am a chronic sign avoider. Thank goodness for the gentleman.
So back home for some lunch and off I go to Port Stanley to try Lake Erie. The water was decidedly different colour here and I dove in with confidence. Well not quite confidence because with an off shore wind there was quite a chop. Sure enough it was impossible for swimming. The only safe way to swim is along the shore line so as to avoid any boats and all I did was get nauseous.
But I refuse to get stressed. I will figure something else out. After all it's only the stupid swim.
I will focus on having a good bike and run tomorrow, as that is much more important anyway.
(aborted open water swim)
"Sometimes God calms the storm. At other times, he calms the sailor. And sometimes he makes us swim."---Anon
Love
Peter
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