Suntan

Yesterday was the end of my boring streak. It was Friday, so I felt relaxed and energetic. The sun shone bright in the blue sky. My cross country skis just got a fresh wax, and Duce and I were going to try them out.

For starters on this fabulous ski, the sun was just gleaming unto my cheeks. The second wonderful part was that the trail had just been groomed. My skis were the first ones to glide through its flawlessness (not bad for not getting any snow for weeks). And the next great thing in a row was that my skis actually glided in the tracks! Oh, heavenly wax, where have you been all my life?

I rounded half the loop much quicker than ever before because I wasn't walking on sticks -- I was skiing. (Oh, so that's what skiing is like.) When I came to a tiny downhill, I had too much speed to control, and flew off the track. It worked out well because I was going to walk out to the middle of Fanny Hooe anyway. See? She calls me every time. Would you say no on a sun-shiny day?

So I sweatily hoofed it out to as middle as I could. A breeze blew through me, and the sun warmed my soul. But I knew it could warm more than that.

I looked all around to make sure no one was around. Of course no one was. I had a crazy idea and only myself to document it. I knew it was now or never because I can't travel to the middle of the lake without a boat or a swim (of which I'm not too fond).

If you don't already think I'm crazy, you may after today. But when inspiration strikes, I have to go with it. The sun tempted me beyond rationalization. In the middle of the Great Fanny Hooe, I pulled off my hat and gloves. I threw my coat and shirt on the ice. I dropped my pants to my boots. I threw my hands up in the air and yelled, "SUNTAN!" Then I spun around rotisserie style to get a full dose of Vitamin D.

Wow. That is the best cure for the winter blahs I have ever found. I recommend it if the conditions are right. That may have been my only chance, and I had to take it. It was worth every goose bump.