Olympic Gold

Yesterday evening I was feeling pretty lazy... really lazy if I'm going to be truthful but I knew sitting on the couch wasn't really the best idea if I'm in Olympic training mode.  Yes, you heard me correctly.  I, along with my mother, are now training for the flat water kayak Olympic team.  Mom still doesn't wonder off too far and secures herself in a life jacket (safety first) but is actually getting to be pretty competitive so watch out. 

The rain let up around 7p yesterday evening so I decided to shove the kayak into the lake (seriously) and for the first time ever I managed to hoist myself into the little boat without assistance or flipping it over.  Success.  I took a short 2 mile paddle down the lake.  There are three to four bald eagles that live nestled in the treeline that I see on a rare occasion but this time baby boy got a little too close for my own good. 

Picture this...

As I'm paddling along I look up and this huge bird is flying straight toward me.  The first thing that crosses my mind... prepare for an attack.  This thought was disappointing, not because I am fully prepared to swat at an American legacy, but because I really really had no desire to get wet and fighting with a bald eagle would inevitably land me in the water.  By the grace of God, he dipped down 50 feet in front of me, snatched a little fish and flew away.  Phew.  What a relief to know I wasn't his target.  That was a close call. 

I regroup and continue paddling.  No rest for the weary but now my senses are on high alert.  I just avoided an attack so I'm pretty impressed with myself and relieved I didn't have to go swimming.  Some six or seven houses past the bridge an older gentleman was sitting on his dock.  The best part about lake life is everyone waves and talks to one another.  Of course I stopped for a chat.

It went something like this:

Man: I'm surprised to see you out here.  You know it just rained, right?
Me: Yes, but it's not raining anymore.
Man: No, no it is not. Just taking a ride down the river?
Me: No, I'm training for the 2016 Olympics.

The man then bursts into a fit of laughter as I solemnly paddle away.  New goal... bring home the gold at the Olympic games in Rio.  This is going to be a piece of cake!

next challenge:

no big deal