Magical Mellow Morning

Twilight broke as Sarah and I entered the water.  As we sniveled knee-deep, Sarah remarked the water had a chill. I'm thinking to myself, 'Sarah noticed the water felt cooler, not just me - wow!' Maybe, just maybe, my body would finally respond to the cold like a normal open water/coldwater swimmer.

The Wedding Cake ends San Francisco's Municipal Pier 📸: Jeff

We headed out to the San Francisco Bay’s unprotected waters. In fact, it was just after slack and the flood started to kick in. It took about 10 minutes to reach Aquatic Park’s opening, much longer than we expected. We quickly made our way around Muni Pier with only some minor current resistance. Just when I suggested we take a direct route to Fort Mason, the flood reared its nasty little head. Sarah cut closer to shore and I followed. In fact, I followed most of the swim.

About halfway to Fort Mason, the sun broke through the horizon and every water droplet shed during the strokes recovery lit up and glittered yellow and orange. The blue skies and flat waters made Alcatraz seem even closer than it was. We were tempted to ask the passing rowboat to escort us for another crossing!

At Fort Mason, a man fishing must have been trolling for swimmers. He cast his baited line over our heads. Clearly, he knew his trade as he anticipated the current would push us toward his baited line. They did. Carefully, we disentangled ourselves and returned to the cove.

Upon our entering the Cove, we came across pod after pod of swimmers. We exchanged pleasantries and greetings with each group we encountered. Clearly, staying in the water bested sprinting back to the beach to face the realities of our daily grinds. Fortunately, the Fast Kids must have stayed home, ensuring our passage back to the beach would be uneventful.

Hard to believe, after 50 minutes in the water, I left the beach feeling warm. Summer water temps hovered in the low 60s. We swam for 27 minutes to Fort Mason and leisurely made our way back to the South End, leaving plenty of time to ensure I would be on time for my early Monday morning workday to begin.

Days like today bring everything into balance and make me so appreciative for so much wonderful-ness!

Feeling humbled and grateful by today's magical light and color! 📸: Jeff