Two weeks ago, I loaded up my family in the station wagon and drove into the Maine countryside for a swimming race that was advertised as "The Hobbs Pond Swim":
No entry fees. No prizes. No T-shirts.
Distance is about a half mile. Participants may race or relax.
Among the fastest have been a 67 year-old and a 10 year-old.
Just show up and swim or help. After the swim, many swimmers,
helpers and spectators will socialize at Bill & Judith's
pond camp. There will be snacks and soft drinks. This low-key event appealed greatly to me this year, as my usual training regimen had been cut drastically by the recent birth of our son, who refuses to sleep.
As we approached the pond on winding country roads, There was a home-made cardboard sign directing us to the boat landing that served as the starting area. 48 swimmers of all ages (9 to 71), shapes and sizes mingled, children played in the water, and everyone was given an orange cap, recycled from the previous year's swim. Last year's winner was given a pink cap.
Two young women stood in bikinis made more for tanning than swimming, and having just seen the cardboard sign on their way to a friends house, decided to join the race right then and there.
The race director said "ready, set, go!" and we all jumped in. The water temp was a perfect 72, and as clear and clean as the water in a poland spring bottle.
After the finish, we returned our caps, talked about swimming, drank iced tea and beer, and ate brownies at the race director's cottage.
I love this sport.
Hopper
http://www.swimvacation.com
Parents
Former Member
What was the maximum distance from shore?
Where there any support boats?
