Em(ily) and hardy friends like Kate have been doing occasional swims
at Berryessa to stay acclimated to open water, while folks like me
haven't put a toe in the lake since the air and water temp started
dipping in early October.

Today we took Emily up on her enthusiasm and met her at Markley Cove
at Lake Berryessa. At 2:30 p.m. we boated out to a sunny cove we have
enjoyed in warmer weather. Not surprisingly, we were the only boat in
the cove, and one of about 3 total out there; needless to say, we were
the ONLY people swimming;>)

Alan and dog Taj watched us from the boat while I, clad in my wetsuit,
"hot head" swim cap and booties, and Em, wearing a single swim suit
and two caps, set off swimming (we both used ear plugs). Em is a much
faster swimmer than I am, so she swam a zig-zag course while I headed
straight for the land point. That worked out perfectly, as she crossed
my path several times and we ended up at the point at close to the
same time.

As usual, it took me about 5 minutes to stop doing the breast stroke
and put my face in the water, but after that it was absolutely lovely.
The water is that unique Berryessa turquoise, the sky was blue blue
blue, and the trees looked lovely in their fall dress.

We swam for half an hour, then got in the boat and dried off, while
Alan poured us hot cocoa and chocolate liquor from the thermos. He had
his wetsuit on by then, and I drove the boat for him for his first
December water ski run in many years. He skied back to the 5-mile-per
hour area, which was enough time for him to get a nice smile on his
face and make some lovely rooster tails with his spray. We saw lots of
loons or grebes, and Em was keeping an eye out for bald eagles, who
are said to come to the lake in the winter.

The sun was setting, and there was a ripple of a breeze across the
lake. We were on the road home by 4:30 p.m. Thanks, Em, for your
inspiring enthusiasm and love of the outdoors. Just what we needed
today.

Cheers,
Lyra