November 17, 2020

Splash!

Maybe I needed to jump start my system, feel the holy cold jolt of November’s icy saltwater on my skin, or maybe prove my youthfulness to my son, but either way today’s “swim” was definitely more of a plunge.

When the endless rain took a pause this afternoon, I grabbed hold of a half hour window and invited my youngest to accompany me to the landing for a quick dip. I’d drive, take my first November “skin swim” plunge (no accoutrements but my swimsuit) and ask Anders to capture it on film.

My energy was low, after waking too early, sleep alluding me like so many others these days. I wished for the energy to take a long swim, but didn’t have it and heeding my inner voice I opted to try a “dip” in the tradition of the Irish and English women who continue to inspire me. The goal was to get in, get wet, maybe splash a bit and finish with cake.

Sometimes it pays to move quickly, suspend thought and act on intuition. It worked in my favor today and my exuberance got us both out the door in minutes, and to the landing shortly thereafter. My heart rate shot up with the reckless excitement of leaving my selkie suit behind and trying a dip in the shadows of trees shedding their leaves, revealing their nakedness—boldly signaling winter’s imminent arrival.

With little time to spare and my heart racing, we hopped out of the truck and dashed to the shore. My adrenaline made me giddy and after dumping my pile of clothes and towel on the rock wall, I made for the waves.

A few steps in, I hollered with joy at having arrived and with a quick wave to Anders, dove under. I had expected a giant shock of cold, not being snug in my wetsuit, and was rather surprised how well I handled the cold. For a moment. My sense of elation and release of just being back in the water kept me happy, almost feeling strangely warm, even as the cold soaked in, tingling my skin.

Well, I didn’t go into shock, and after a few strokes, one quick trip ashore and a second plunge I was out quicker than the time I usually spend just getting acclimated.

I whooped again, feeling rejuvenated and wide awake—joyful relief knowing that the water is still there ready to take me in. Even in November, especially in this November when the sky is dark and dull and full of rain, and our second lockdown is just underway.

My dear son took some photos, congratulated me and quick as a wink we were back in the truck. My toes gave me an icy scolding on the way there, as I squished them naked and turning white through thick dark mud.

Through the rain soaked windshield white caps waved goodbye in the distance, and I scanned the water one last time hoping to spot the porpoise that Anders had spotted earlier in the day.

No luck. Today’s wildlife was us. With our shaggy hair and twinkling eyes we smiled and laughed and had a happy moment, in the wind together on this little wild beach.

Returning home for a quick shower, I thanked Anders again and had a piece of cake.

Not a bad day.

Being with my son was the best part.