I was up early- probably some opening day anxiety that something could go wrong. There is a lot of that going around these days. The pool was going to open at ten- and I had to be ready.

In preparation I cooked some of the Neuski’s corned beef hash and a couple eggs, sunny side up. I put on my swim trunks, found the flip-flops and slipped them on my feet and the Frenchy’s Clearwater-logo hoodie and went to the front door. I took a deep breath and went out into the morning.

I looked at the patio, and decided to do something constructive while I waited for the lifeguard to appear and unlock the pool. Then I peeled the cover off the beach umbrella over the patio table, and walked down to the storage locker and got the cushions for the chairs. Well, at least the three that had not been stolen in the baffling raid that occurred three years ago. Then, there was nothing to do but wait.

Donna is the new lifeguard. She is Polish, as is our tradition, and a sweet gal. I knew that the second I saw a bicycle tentatively nose it’s front wheel into the parking lot. It was getting close, but there were issues- the lock to the Lifeguard Room down in the garage is tricky, and I had to help her get set up. She was anxious about her first day of work in the US, a little uncomfortable with her English. I went down the external concrete stairs and showed her how to jiggle the lock, and where the chorline was stored.

When we got back up to the pool deck, I could see no competition lurking to spoil the First Dive.

I have to confess, I was not the first one in this year. Wait, the streak is alive at 15 years as First In.

I may not have been first, but I was definitely the first human. I have to give first honors to the Mallard and his mate who flew in two weeks ago. She must have complained, since the Mallard has been solo the last few days. They won’t be back, in my experience, not once the human loons have re-occupied our traditional positions around the remodeled pool deck.

The pictures tell the story. Thanks to Marty Lee and Cindy for showing up to honor the solemnity of the morning. And the coldness of the water.

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I think I am going to go to the Fairfax Surf Shop and get a wet suit. The cold that shot up my body when I jumped in he water was more than a tingle. It was a bright white light of pain delivered direct from my feet to the brain. Felt good, though I suppose you would have to be a loon to enjoy this so intensely.

It is summer. Life is good.

Copyright 2017 Vic Socotra
www.vicsocotra.com