Yesterday we took advantage of beautiful weather and went to the Townsend Wye, a popular swimming hole just inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Jackson was at basketball camp, so Mom and I took Jeremy, Jacob, and Owen for a dip.
The mountain water was chilly, something locals understand but Chicagoans don’t.
There were serious reservations about swimming, particularly on Owen’s part. He spent much of the morning saying he wasn’t going to have fun at the river, that he didn’t want to go, but we reassured him that he WOULD have fun and that it would be worth it.
Once they got used to the temperature, they opened up to the possibility of cliff jumping. Jeremy went first.
Jacob watched others jump in – even dive in – so he stood on the edge until he was mentally ready.
Even Owen jumped! The kid who said he wasn’t going to have fun JUMPED OFF A BOULDER.
Then Jacob started diving.
They swam for an hour or so, until their bodies were sufficiently numb.
Here’s a side view of Jacob diving into the Little River.
Jeremy and Owen swam across the river to a little island to explore and skip rocks.
I am most proud of Owen! He was nervous and in a negative head space about swimming in a cold river, but I swear he had a good time once he went for it!
Despite the temperatures, the water was crystal clear and perfect for swimming.
On our way home we picked up Major from his boarding camp and brought home a very sleepy puppy.
