Deflated Ego

Before I go into how my ego got deflated, let me tell you how I helped inflate someone else's. Yesterday morning I helped get another human being to the top of Mission Peak (2,512 feet). It's not huge but it is pretty big for this area. This time it was my step-daughter, Loren. The morning started off cool and foggy. Perfect for this hike. Unlike a few months ago when I took my daughter up here, this time we went up from Ohlone College. (Locals know what I'm talking about).

After a couple of miles, we rose above the fog! There's Mount Diablo, poking up above the fog.

I also took Loren around the back side of the mountain and approached the peak from the south end. It's a much easier climb this way. 4.25 miles of climbing and we were finally at the top. Yay Loren!! Good job. This was to prepare Loren for Half Dome next weekend. I think you will be fine. ;)

We spent a few minutes on the top, looking at the view, eating snacks, taking pictures and feeding Boomer and Bella.

Now onto my ego being deflated today. I decided I would go to Quarry Lakes and do some lake swimming. Now that I feel confident about my swimming abilities, I was not worried about this at all. I figured I could work on my tan and swim at the same time.

I was very excited when I got there. The beach area is HUGE and there was only one other person there, besides the lifeguard. I walked down to the water, took my shorts off and walked into the water towards the roped off area. It was a little colder than I'm used to. It wasn't getting any warmer as I walked in deeper either. It took me 10 minutes to become fully submerged! I almost got back out. I finally made myself float on over and went under the rope. I still wasn't warming up at all. I slipped on my goggles and started to swim. As soon as I put my head under and opened my eyes, I literally could not breathe. So, I kept my eyes closed. That didn't work too well. I may have made it 25 yards before having to grab onto the rope. I could NOT catch my breath. Holy crap! What is happening? I saw a fish almost as big as me and I was afraid he might think my toe was bait! I was able to swim (breast stroke, float on my back, move along the rope) to the other side. Phew! Could I leave now? No? Damn! I went back to the other side, stopping a few times along the way. By the 3rd or 4th trip I was opening my eyes and almost making it to the other side without stopping. I was more than sure it was at least ONE FULL MILE from side to side but was told by the lifeguard it was about 120 yards. Are you kidding me? I did eight laps. That is not impressive, by any means. The other guy that was there told me this was his third time swimming here and it does get easier. I hope he's right.

I won't give up. I'm just more determined to keep trying until I get better.

Until later.............