Tuesday, September 09, 2008

I Feel It In My Bones...

...and I don't much like it. Maybe it's about getting older. Maybe it's about liking my creature comforts too much. What ever, I feel the chill in my bones as fall approaches. Last Saturday, I and some of the students actually put on Farmer Johns after our first wet exits, and the temp was about 70F. The wind was just enough to cool us off.

Maybe, on the other hand, it's a water thing. I still enjoy camping in the fall. In fact, I look forward to being ensconced in a cozy sleeping bag or sitting around a camp fire. In the end, on the water or off, it's all about proper clothing. Or, should I say Layering? Still, as soon as I get wet I easily chill.

I would rather be on freezing water in a dry suit (with fleece underneath) than be wet on a 60F. day. Freud would say it has to do with the wetness in the womb, but he was crazy as hell and never touched a paddle. Perhaps I should put on pounds (instead of always trying to lose them). After all, adipose tissue makes for a wonder insulating layer and increases survival time in conditions that can lead to hypothermia.

I know that when I am done grumbling about it, I will simply dress as if it were 10 degrees colder than it actually is. I would rather feel overheated in a dry suit than slightly chilled in anything else.

Paddle safe...

DS

4 comments:

Captn O Dark 30 and Super Boo said...

Don't forget about the other smaller ponds in the area...The water is warmer, shelter of the lee shore makes for great fall paddling. But you already knew that... paddle paddle

Silbs said...

I hate it when you're right :)

Ben said...

It's definitely coming.... I had to get the jacket out this morning- and I've been regretting leaving the windows open at night, despite the relief the cool, fresh air provides from one particularly flatulant bulldog.

Silbs said...

Simon rules!