Dolphin Swim

No, I don't mean the kick you learn how to do to accelerate off the wall in the pool. I mean actual dolphins.

Monday, I meant to wake up early to do the annual "Polar Bear Swim" at La Jolla Shores. When my alarm went off, however, I was not ready to get up. I was too exhausted. I'm not sure why; I hadn't even gone out the night before but I definitely wanted sleep. So by the time I got up, it was too late for the group swim. Despite the fact that Jason was gone, I decided to go it alone. I needed to swim, all the pools were closed, and I was in the mood. So I got my gear ready, took a deep breath, and headed toward the shores to brave the 58 degree water.

It was a bit windy so there was a little more surf than I expected but nothing bad. I was surprised how quickly I acclimated to the water. I didn't feel that cold to me. Those weeks of getting in the ocean must be paying off. After warming up, I settle into a nice rhythm. I felt actually kind of speedy, thanks to the wetsuit. I kept having to swim farther out because the tide was low and the waves were breaking pretty far out. I still was only in 8-10 feet deep water when I heard this strange whistling and clacking. Disoriented, I stopped and looked around to see who it was. All of a sudden, this gray fin swims past me. Then, I could clearly see gray, shimmery bodies, eyes, and faces, belonging to a pod of about 8 bottle-nose dolphins! I couldn't believe how close they were to me! I couldn't reach out and touch them but they were only a few meters away. Incredible. They seemed to be showing off and in very good spirits. They wished me a Happy New Year, and I wished them the same. They arced between me and the shore before cutting out to sea again. I had felt so alone before their appearance, and I realized I wasn't alone at all. Talk about noticing the magic in my life! It doesn't take much noticing to notice that! It was an absolutely fabulous experience. I can't wait to get in again! (Only thing is, I swam over some kelp beds and I guess something scratched my neck so it looks like I have a great big ole' hicky on my neck this morning. Gotta watch out for that seaweed!)