Day: Thursday June 9th, 2011
Location: Green River Reservoir
Water Temp: unknowen
Air Temperature: 76 degrees, Swim Time: 2 Hours 8 minutes
Thursday is here, I arrive to meet Deb at the canoe launch, as we are getting the Kayak loaded with supplies, I yawn, in fact I can’t stop yawning, ” Wake me up when we have swum will ya Deb, I’m sleepy”, she laughs, gets in the boat and looks back, ” come on”.
Cap and Goggles ready to go, but where is that darn Kiwi?....Snoozing!
I slither slowly into the water, I feel like I have an overdose of relaxation, even the cool water doesn’t snap me awake, the choppy water soon does, it is an overcast day with a menacing wind, a tail wind helping us on the way down to Picnic Island and a head wind hindering us on the way back. The good news is that I wake up, I am in ” game on mode” and having fun riding the swell of the water as the waves roll, again today I am looking down, ” I wonder if those bubble makers are down there again today?” They are there and they are loons, the loons are diving under me, they wait until I am about 10 feet away then dive and swim directly under me then pop up behind me, Deb is watching it all go down ” Charlotte they are playing with you”. What fun, I am curious and want to learn more about these birds, here is what I discover…
In 1987, the common Loon was placed on the Vermont state endangered species list. In 2005, the species recovered enough to be delisted, the Green River Reservoir is the home of many loon chicks. ( Source: Green River Reservoir State Park)
The Loon is the best swimmer of all birds in North America
I am still curious about how this bird dives and swims so well underwater….
The loon is a powerful swimmer, it’s wings steer and it’s feet act like a divers fins, the loon can swim underwater up to 5 minutes, they are like miniature submarines.
Unlike most birds their bones are solid, not filled with air, to sink and dive the loon empties it’s lungs, retaining just enough air to sustain itself. To many the loons call is it’s most distinctive feature, one call is similar to the sound of a howling wolf, the other a trilling laugh.
Source: Animal Speak by Ted Andrews page 162-163
I read on…
Many myths and stories symbolize a move to a new state of consciousness by describing trips across seas. The loon awakens the imagination, and it reminds us that we are never given a hope, wish or dreamwithout also being given the opportunities to make them a reality. And the only thing that can shatter that possibility is compromise. The loon can lead you back to your greatest dreams and imaginings
Source: Animal Speak by Ted Andrews page 164
Lead on Loons, lead on….what is up next Pool Swim session, Friday then Saturday Open Water, the goal 4 hours, will the weather help or hinder? I’ll keep you posted.