Swim Day #35 Lead Mills - Take 2

Categories: Atlantic Ocean, Christopher Swain, climate change, Conditions, logistics

Feb 4, 2010 04:00 am

Three days ago, I made the call to bail out of a swim in Salem Harbor when conditions turned against us. In the ensuing 72 hours, I plotted another attempt. This time, I was able to line up the wind and the tide.

Lighthouse at Winter Island, Salem, MA. Photo: Christopher Swain

I scooted over black rocks erupting with barnacles and headed up Salem Harbor. Along the way, I glimpsed the Salem Power Station, belching its offering of CO2, Mercury, and smoke to the autumn sky.

Photo of Dominion's Salem Power Station, Salem, MA. Photo: Christopher Swain

(Going to have to sort that sort of thing out if we want to solve the global climate crisis...)

As the swells picked up, I put my head down and bashed my way forward. It was heavy going, and slow. I was racing to get to Lead Mills before the sun dropped.

Bridge over Route 114 at Mouth of Forest River, Marblehead/Salem, MA. Photo: Christopher Swain

I reached the mouth of the Forest River as the twilight turned azure. I swam under the darkling trees and into the cove. I grabbed one last water sample, and then it was full dark.

Thanks for reading.

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