by Erika Schumacher
On Saturday, August 29, five SOMA swimmers met at Lake of the Woods for an open water swim. The group met in the morning and swam about 1.5 miles with Mt. McLoughlin in the backdrop. Some SOMA swimmers began swimming open water in May while the pools were still closed. In the Medford area, we are lucky to have many choices for open water, Emigrant Lake, Lake of the Woods, Squaw Lake, and Lost Creek Reservoir. So far Squaw Lake seems to be a SOMA favorite.
Emigrant Lake
The joy of Open Water swimming is enjoying the outdoors. We have had the joys of seeing Bald Eagles, Egrets, deer, geese and goslings, ducks and ducklings, and Mergansers. At Squaw Lake we were lucky to see lilies in full bloom — a sea of pink. Fish were amazed at being invaded by humans swimming along with them. Until the water turns too cool we will continue to meet once a week for the open water swims.
Connie Wilson at Lost Creek Lake
Vicki Roe at Squaw Lake