Birthday week countdown Day 6 – Taking a dip

On day 6 of my birthday week countdown and the temperatures being in the 90’s all week, I am treating myself to a dip in the cool blue goodness of my favorite swimming hole. Water always helps the arthritis, loses any tension I might hold in the body, and just look at that place!!! Wouldn’t you love to hang there for the day?

It’s a moderate climb to the lake and the good thing is that it’s only a little over a mile. I don’t do well hiking in the heat and usually by the time I get there, sweating and all, the water is more than inviting to cool off. I remember back to as I hiked it the first time years ago and what challenge it was for me. Having to stop along the way and rest, struggling to catch my breath. It’s almost surreal to think back to it as I realize I was years younger but in worse shape than I am now. I have definitely gotten stronger and these days I can handle the trail with much more ease and without stopping. Even in the heat and I guess I’m just determined to get there sooner rather than later, knowing the water and the rewards await.

The spot I visit has a perfect, big, flat, rock at the water’s edge that is partially shaded by mid afternoon. Usually a breeze kicks up later in the day making it a perfect spot to escape the heat, do a little swimming, and take an afternoon nap. Even with temps in the 90’s down into in The Valley, up there at higher elevation, it usually feels comfortable and much better.

It’s also where “Slitherine” lives, a Mama water snake with her baby and it’s the only thing I’m less fond of. I’m sure it’s because several years back I dislocated my elbow in a fall almost stepping on a snake by accident, with over correcting on wet, slippery ground. Since then snakes and I are not the closest friends and I wasn’t happy seeing Mama snake hang out under the rocks where I enter the water. I thought for sure she would be startled just as much as I was and stay away. That was until I was sitting there, on a rock, feet in the water, all of a sudden seeing some movement and her slithering right over my shins. Yeah, unexpected, just like the huge scream I let out hahaha.