Swimming in Loch Carron

That wasn’t my intent of course, it was February after all, but it turns out that long, skinny kayaks are not as stable as the wider ones I was used to.  Once we got past the point of land offering protection from the wind, I became a rescue exercise for the guide.  Some people from the Inn had invited me and since I figured that kayaking in Loch Carron in February was an offer not likely to come around again, I took them up on it.  As I watched my Red Sox cap sink, I was grateful that the water wasn’t as cold as expected (the river in my backyard wouldn’t have presented the same problem as that had about a foot (30 cm) of ice).  It soon felt cold enough though as the others stabilized my kayak so I could get back in. Now I felt the cold.  The leader of the group later joked that he hadn’t done a rescue like that in a while and it was good practice for him.  While I slowly made my way to shore the leader raced ahead to a friend’s house to alert him I was coming.  As I sloshed my way to his home he called to the leader “Another swimmer, hey”.  This wasn’t the first time someone needed warming up.  One of the others went back to the cars to get my dry cloths while I took full advantage of the hot shower. I can’t remember the names of the homeowner or guide, but they combined to save my life and I am very thankful.  Would have been a daft way to go although it might have allowed for a creative obit.  Dinner that evening was in the croft below.