#530 Just Keep Swimming

It's been a wet summer!

With all this rain this summer I have been able to squeeze in two swims in an actual lake and not resort to one of the massive puddles located around town.

The first swim was delayed a day due to the above mentioned downpours but was completed on June 29th in Lake Mendota.  We had seven brave swimmers fight through the weeds paddling along until we found a relatively clear area to do the mile swim.  One of the highlights of the day was having my two Michigan cousins and two women from Florida join me on spreading the word.

The main highlight of the swim was the abundant number of donations that generated a whopping $4,700 in donations and, along with the match, contributed a ginormous amount equaling $9,400 for the researchers to do what they do best--finding a cure.  Thrilled beyond words at the generosity of everyone.  We are making a difference!

The other swim was in Echo Lake in Acadia National Park in Maine.  Saying it was a lovely place does not quite capture the beauty of the area in a few words. Clean crisp air enveloped us as we made a brisk dash in the limpid sixty degree water.  It was not a long swim--we were on a vacation time constraint and the lobster dishes were calling our names.  As we hurriedly exited the water we discovered a loon making his/her nest in the weeds near shore.  It was a perfect way to end this splendid swim.

If the weather cooperates and the stars all align I'll be swimming in Long Lake, Wisconsin on August 19.  Join me in the water or donate to the swim.  Both deeds would make me very very happy.

To keep me swimming go to UW Carbone Cancer Center and imagine a great big smile on my face with gratitude.

Thanks for reading #530 of 7777.