After Landscaping
Posted by Steve on August 06, 2026 at 17:05:44
My favorite weather for a dip in the river is hot and sunny, but with low humidity and a bit of a breeze. I hit the jackpot one day last week. I was doing some yard work for a friend that included some tree trimming and branch cutting using a chainsaw, so for protection I was in jeans, work boots with double socks (the work boots are also my winter boots, so sized for extra socks) and a long sleeve cotton button down. When I started, it was a beautiful morning, very comfortable in the 60s, but when I finished in the afternoon, it was in the upper 80s. Still what I consider nice in the shade, dry and breezy, and although I worked up a sweat, it dried quickly while I sat in the shade resting in the breeze. Hit the riverside park on the way home, hid my keys in an old fast food bag on the floor of the car and walked right down the boat ramp. Water was perfect temperature as my boots filled and my jeans got soaked walking in, cool enough to refresh in the warm sun, but not shockingly cold. Then waist deep with that combination of clinging wet boxer briefs while the jeans are loose enough to caress my legs. Finally with the shirt swriling about me in the chest deep water, I dove under still wearing my twill ball cap. Swam and floated a little while before heading back to the ramp. Took my boots off and laid in the sun with about 2/3 of my legs and my feet still in the water.
When I sat up, there was a pregnant woman splashing with her kids in the water. After a bit, she asked if I would do a big favor, the wind had taken their blow up raft to the other side of the river, and she was afraid to go too deep in her condition. My shirt was dry by then, and my upper jeans/underwear were just a bit damp, and I was happy for the excuse to get back in. Bonus that I was doing a favor for someone.