Walden

Now that the ice is breaking up, it's time to get back to Walden! I stopped on the way home from work today for a dip, and wound up also doing a walk around the lake. Wednesdays at work are always so stressful because everyone is there and it's so people-e, I just feel tired at the end of the day. Fortunately we sprang forward over the weekend and sunset is now around 7 - I just love when this time of year comes! 

They are doing construction on the beach bath houses right now, and it's kind of a mess. The regular beach is closed so I had to go to red cross beach - I hope they get everything finished soon because it's a kind of small spot. Anyhow, the pond is still covered with ice, but there's some breaks in it, and there was a big swim area by the beach. I decided that I would keep my hands out of the water because I'm finally getting feeling back in my fingers, and I don't want to hurt them again just as the are healing. Plus, it's just so much easier.

I took my time getting my stuff together and ready, and then waded in. It was pretty chilly, probably around 38 I would guess. Since I didn't put my hands in all the way my watch didn't pick up the temperature. I walked around in the water for about 5-6 minutes and it felt amazing. As I was getting out this guy came swimming through the ice in a wet suit. I was being friendly-ish and asking him about his swim when this other dude arrived with a little dog. Wetsuit guy just got all up in arms about it because dogs aren't allowed at Walden, and he started yelling and swearing at dog guy, who was like "chill dude," and then ignored him, got undressed and went in the water. He left the dog tied to a fence and, to be honest, it wasn't bothering anyone. But wetsuit guy was making things tense - he was all "you think you are so special, you don't have to follow the rules. I'm going to go tell the rangers, there's a $250 fine." Apparently this other guy who was dipping called the police because of the yelling and swearing, which was a bit of an over reaction to the over reaction. 

Anyhow, I decided to get some movement in and walk to Thoreau's cabin site, just to warm up. And once I got there I decided to just walk around the rest of the pond because it was so nice. But I could see the sirens up on the street. Not sure what the outcome was there. I'm excited that I can stop at the pond on the way home from work again - it's a nice way to end my Wednesdays.

Over the weekend I went up to Gloucester and went for a dip in this quarry up there with one of my friends. The water there was just breaking up as well, and we were able to get in and float around a little. That quarry is awesome, hope to get in a few more dips before it gets warm.