Brace Yourself!
Monday, 20. November 2006, 04:12:53
Sometimes, fighting your instincts can have its rewards. Yesterday I initiated myself into the Polar Bear Club with an underpants-only dip in the creek that runs through Whittington Park. I've been interested in the reported health benefits of bathing in very cold water for some time, but until yesterday I have been too squeamish to try it. But, on such a beautiful fall afternoon after several days of hard rain, who could resist? The creek was running quicker and deeper than it ever runs in the summer.
All along the banks were piled great brown leaves, and in the creek they were stacked against the stones, soggy sheaves hastily filed by the swift current. "I know you can't resist, Milly," my friend said, reading my mind as I stared longingly into the water. "You're the person who always wants to go swimming, even when no one else wants to."
The deepest spot was by the bridge. My friend indulgently stood gaurd over me and my pile of discarded clothing while I climbed down the stone wall to the water's edge. I didn't stop to think, I just slipped in. My lungs constricted instantly, before I actually felt anything. I forced my body from its curled position in the shallows to the small pool where we had seen fish swimming. Making my muscles swim instead of using them to jump onto the shore was like moving them through a pool of refrigerated grits. Suddenly I was overcome by the most amazing sensation! My skin felt like it was being sprayed with snow, or rubbed with burning sand. My heart raced, fast and light as a hare in my breast. I felt lightheaded and giddy and delighted, like eating an oyster heaped with horseradish while snow skiing. In short, it was exhilarating. Unfortunately, I couldn't stay in very long. But the afterglow, the warm, calm, relaxed feeling I got while I struggled back into my clothes has inspired me to increase my stamina. Tonight, before I got out of the shower, I forced myself to stand in the jets with only the cold water turned on. The effect was nearly the same. It's the way you want to feel after a massage, but usually (in my experience) don't. I dare anyone to try it- they say it adds years to your life!
All along the banks were piled great brown leaves, and in the creek they were stacked against the stones, soggy sheaves hastily filed by the swift current. "I know you can't resist, Milly," my friend said, reading my mind as I stared longingly into the water. "You're the person who always wants to go swimming, even when no one else wants to." The deepest spot was by the bridge. My friend indulgently stood gaurd over me and my pile of discarded clothing while I climbed down the stone wall to the water's edge. I didn't stop to think, I just slipped in. My lungs constricted instantly, before I actually felt anything. I forced my body from its curled position in the shallows to the small pool where we had seen fish swimming. Making my muscles swim instead of using them to jump onto the shore was like moving them through a pool of refrigerated grits. Suddenly I was overcome by the most amazing sensation! My skin felt like it was being sprayed with snow, or rubbed with burning sand. My heart raced, fast and light as a hare in my breast. I felt lightheaded and giddy and delighted, like eating an oyster heaped with horseradish while snow skiing. In short, it was exhilarating. Unfortunately, I couldn't stay in very long. But the afterglow, the warm, calm, relaxed feeling I got while I struggled back into my clothes has inspired me to increase my stamina. Tonight, before I got out of the shower, I forced myself to stand in the jets with only the cold water turned on. The effect was nearly the same. It's the way you want to feel after a massage, but usually (in my experience) don't. I dare anyone to try it- they say it adds years to your life!














Dillon Roberts # 20. November 2006, 05:34
since I was little. I always hesitated because the rules were that you
had to take off EVERYTHING. All my cousins are girls and I always thought it was kinda weird for them to see their dad's pecker. They're a very laid back family. I certainly didn't want to flop around my pecker in front of them. I'd do it in front of stangers before my cousins. I dove into the the Frio River in San Marcus a couple of Januarys ago and felt the burn though.
Who knows, maybe this Christmas it will happen. Congratulations by the way!
What's next on the list? The Mile High Club?
lokutus_prime # 20. November 2006, 09:08
Emily Davis # 20. November 2006, 13:39
Dillon, let it be a Christmas present to yourself. You won't regret it! Swimming naked is fun, not weird. Especially when your uncle is with you!
About the Mile High Club- I can't rule it out, but since I'm planning on being a pilot, I might have to refrain. I imagine there are some things you simply shouldn't do while flying a plane, even if it is called a cockpit.
dɹɐzılpǝkɔıw ɐʞɐ ɹǝɥgɐllɐg lǝbɐsı # 21. November 2006, 11:43
Nicolas Borgsmidt # 21. November 2006, 13:33
Dillon Roberts # 21. November 2006, 16:47
I won't be wussy about it. Get ready Village Creek! I'm going in!
Oh, and
There are some things you can do while flying a plane....
Well, not the one flying, but the co-pilot.... The trick is to
Hey that reminds me. I've got to hook you up with E in Austin!
Richard # 22. November 2006, 03:11
Emily Davis # 22. November 2006, 14:10
Then turn it off and feel the buzz!
Then have some tea.
Dillon Roberts # 24. November 2006, 18:39
Dillon