Change Your Latitude - 57* North Open Water Challenge

I feel like a dork not being able to figure out how to attach images like what you guys have done. My photos don't have an URL address that I know of and seems to be required by the forum tools provided--and no option to browse to images residing on my computer. I can swim, but I can't dance. Help. USMS tech sent me back here to you guys for directions.

Geog, Are you some sort of undercover agent for the CYL 57*N promotion committee? Either way you are doing one heck of a job! Our discussion seems to have migrated from an enlightening exchange on wetsuit requirement/sanctioning/safety issues in cold-cold events (for which I am most grateful to you and others) to the fabulous scenery and lake swim fantasies in the greater Sitka area. To maintain perspective, there are a couple of things to remember when viewing these idyllic images. 1.5 miles on a topog map in Southeast Alaska = at least 10 miles of hard slogging/bushwacking in southern 48. Most of the hundreds of lakes on Baranof Island are extremely difficult to get to—and don’t forget the bears! The Sitka area gets over 100 inches of rain each year, so quite often you don’t have to jump in a lake to get wet. But that is also why it is so lush and pristine. Even cold-acclimated types need to bring along good raingear and a sunny demeanor—regardless of the weather. Much of this—and more blue sky images—on links soon to be set up on the CYL website. www.changeyourlatitude.org 3244 3245 Yikes those are small images, but will have to do given my lack of URL smarts. Anyway, the first one is shot from mountain overlooking Redoubt Lake. We had to canoe 1 mile across the lake to get to our "special spot". Best way to "do" Redoubt for a visitor, may be to fly in with our neighbor Ken Bellows of Sitka Air to forest service cabin at head of lake for a few days. The lake is over 6 miles long, so few flip turns required. The other image is a pod of sea otters at entrance to Redoubt bay--half of the pod had already dove before I could snap the shot, so you get an idea of the amazing recovery these guys have made since the Russian fur trading days. You may get a chance to rub whiskers with a few sea otters during the race--especially if the seas are calm and we elect to go for the "scenic" 10K to far end of causeway/Ft. Rouseau. Prior to my flight back from Sitka a few weeks back, I walked out to John Brown's Beach, which will be the main land-based spectator viewing area for the CYL swim. A playful sea otter was checking out the course and practicing up for the main event in August.

When I lived in Denali National Park this is where I liked to swim www.lookpictures.net/.../6317-mount-mckinley-and-wonder-lake-denali-national-par.jpg

I slept in a tent and my shoes were covered in frost slept under the stars. frost/cold = no mosquitoes :) :) any photos of Sitka lakes from your time in AK?

The first year at least 3 people did both, the second year at least one person did both. Those that did both found it a bit exhausting and suggested that the two be independant of eachother. It also made scheduling quite difficult due to the tidal issue. I assume you are not counting Chena Lake as farthest North becuase it is in a lake not the ocean? It is a sanctioned USMS event. I'm not sure how I missed finding the Chena Lake swim from years past. I wouldn't discount any swim for being in a lake vs being in the ocean and I plan on changing the language of our claim. I do think that the merit of our ocean open water swim being one of the northern most swims being promoted and potentially sanction is a great draw to swimming in Sitka Sound. Was it Claudia who swam both last year? I don't remember. Either way like 'Grumpytuna' mentioned with the tides the way they are in August and other events we are organizing here in Sitka (a masters invitational for pool swimmers and open water swimmers alike on Saturday), Sunday the 12th was our best day here. well back to writing our safety plan... thanks for all the feedback and ideas everyone!

I feel like a dork not being able to figure out how to attach images like what you guys have done. My photos don't have an URL address that I know of and seems to be required by the forum tools provided--and no option to browse to images residing on my computer. I can swim, but I can't dance. Help. USMS tech sent me back here to you guys for directions. Don't feel bad, I didn't figure out how to do it until I got tired of just posting thumbnails (if you try to attach an image file it just shows up as a thumbnail). I am assuming it's because USMS doesn't want to have a bunch of attachments up loaded to their server.

slept under the stars. frost/cold = no mosquitoes :) :) any photos of Sitka lakes from your time in AK? I slept in a tent because I thought I'd be bothered by mosquitoes (and their was no privacy where I camped). Under the stars was definitely the place to be. I think I have a few slides buried someplace. I was there only briefly. i went through on the ferry. What I remember was that it was overcast, cool temperatures and very big trees.

chaos, Most interesting event in Sweden. Can't help but notice all wearing--wetsuits! What's up with that! Maybe you will educate them as you have me on this odd concept, "cold-acclimated". They also are all towing inflatable geese, with but one kayak and one power boat for the whole lot. Maybe the lawyers in Sweden aren't as effective as those we have in the good old US of A. Which brings up a question. Sitka has a limited number of kayaks--and that is partly the reason for limiting our participation numbers. I hate the idea of towing a blow-up toy in a race, but if it significantly improves the margin of safety, should we consider this as a requirement in lieu of or in addition to a personal kayak escort? Our course does cross one of several navigable channels which is often used by vessels traveling to/from Sitka harbor. And that is very different from a more controlled lake swim. Thoughts anyone?

Geog, Yikes those are small images. Once people click on them they will be shown full size.

Geog, You are correct. The dates were different but no one did both races. That was one factor we had in mind when we set the date without considering what dates Pennock might select. However, the previous Sitka swims were not nearly as well publicized as they will be this year and in future years. This usms online disscussion has opened the Sitka swim committee's eyes quite a bit--and you will probably see some changes to this year's policies as a result. We are in deliberation about that now. I do not know if a closer look at the tides and our schedule will allow us to revise the date. Hearing from more people who want to do both races would be very very helpful at this stage. The first year at least 3 people did both, the second year at least one person did both. Those that did both found it a bit exhausting and suggested that the two be independant of eachother. It also made scheduling quite difficult due to the tidal issue. I assume you are not counting Chena Lake as farthest North becuase it is in a lake not the ocean? It is a sanctioned USMS event.