Worst fear yet!

OMG followers- I am still recovering from fear. I last left off advising that I would be completing an OWS and some bike rides.

Well on Tuesday, I met Mr. and Mrs.P for an OWS. That day, as I recall was quite windy- the beach flag was yellow-meaning swim with caution (aka not advisable). From where I was standing on the sand, I could see waves and I thought to meself-self this does not look good.

Since I did not get the "current" experience in Pinawa, I was sure to get the "wave" experience in Bird's Hill. Let's just say, it was a very difficult swim when swimming against the waves. I ended up swallowing a lot of water and had trouble relaxing in my stroke. Then I remembered something I read about not fighting the water. So I began to relax, and eventually felt I would not secumb to drowning. I also experienced feeling extremely hot in the wet suit. Not sure if it was because I was working really hard, the water temperature or my anxiety. Whatever it was, it was not good. Rubber does not breathe well in case anyone has not figured that one out.

But......that was not the worst part. After the swim, we got on our bikes and headed out of the park. Mr. P took us out onto a highway that was in the process of being resurfaced. I was sure that I would blow out my wheel and get a flat. And if that was not worrisome enough, the traffic was crazy and the wind insane. My hands also began to feel as if I was using a jackhammer as the bumpiness was unreal.

But.......that was not the worst part. After the resurfaced road part, we turned onto another highway. This was the worst. It had no shoulder, and traffic was crazy. Cars and semi's were zooming by me at an alarming rate. The wind was gusting, and I was trying my very best to stay on the white line at the very edge of the highway. If I went right I would invariably get hurt, if I went left, I would definitely get killed. I needed to stay straight, and focused. I am pretty sure my handlebars have imprints in the steel from how hard I was gripping, and the tension in my shoulders and upper back was painful.

And then.....a semi truck carrying oil started honking. It had this huge pipe that was sticking out from the side and if it did not move over, it was going to take me out. I of course thought the semi was honking at me to move, but it was honking at the oncoming traffic. Thank the good Lord, it was able to move out of the way just in time-but I think my face was white as a sheet! There must have been a guardian angel looking out for me that day!

On the way back to the park on Hwy 59 (fortunately this highway had a shoulder) the wind was at my back-an unusual event to say the least. It was a pretty cool feeling to hit cadence speeds over 90 and I was amazed at how fast little Snagster could go. Upon entering the park, I was greeted by some hippies playing the bongos and likely higher than kites (Folk Fest has hit the park) and I can't begin to tell you how relieved I was to be alive.

Mrs. P reassured me, that the ride we completed was the worst it would ever get, and confirmed for me that it was pretty bad.

I of course threatened to kill Mr. P but you really can not blame me. After all I was in a traumatic state of fear. That's my story and I am sticking to it!