Multisport Maps: Feature (part 3)

Two times I written features about the training in Vermont, and twice, I've featured pools. It's winter, so I figure that's where my mind was... but really, anyone who's spent a summer in Vermont knows the best swimming comes far from chlorinated water, lane lines, and the black-tiles-of-death-by-boredom. It comes under the late-afternoon sun, past trees that hang out over the water, and through schools of fish darting around the bottom-rocks. It comes, of course, in the open water. Vermont holds almost unlimited open-water adventure; every town it seems, has it's own favorite rivers and lakes. Each one is worthy of an afternoon’s-worth of exploration, but I'll try and narrow it down to a few to feature here.

The first is a spot pretty near to my former home, and only 2 or 3 miles outside of Brattleboro: the West River. The water there, depending on rain and draught, can be as shallow as 3-4 feet in some points. Deep enough to swim easily, but shallow enough to bring the fish right under your nose, and shallow enough to give the swim a safe feel – absent of loud and threatening motor boats. A steep, tree-green hill rises up immediately to the east of the water, which not only beautiful, gives the river a closed-in feel, and makes the swimming seem even more safe. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy the calm, worry-free Vermont evenings.

We usually swim from the launch (a 1/4 mile hike from rte. 30) downstream to the 91 bridge that goes over the water. There’s always cool stuff that’s dropped off the bridge to explore there (I’ve found a fork, a pair of women’s sunglasses, and a couple hubcaps), and then, we swim more slowly back up. It’s a great time, and being only 2 or 3 miles out of town, is a great option for people in Brattleboro.

Pictures... Two of Bad-ass Steve T. and I goofing around, and then an afternoon series of Friends Noah, Paul and Hilary.

Steve and I: