Fred

There's a guy who shows up to every single one of the open water swims that I've done through Pacific Masters. I mean, every one. His name is Fred. Now, I don't know Fred personally, but I know who he is. I think anyone who's done a couple of open water swims through Pacific Masters knows who Fred is.

He's the guy who comes in last. Every time.

He's been there at Lake Berryessa, every year I've done that swim. He's there at Lake Del Valle. This weekend, he was there at Lake Donner. If he wasn't there something would be missing. And his name would be Fred. When I saw Fred there, I knew I could do the swim. Why? Cause if Fred was doing it, then I could do it.

Mostly everyone will be standing around finished with the swim, and we'll be waiting for the last few swimmers to make it into the shore. You check on the last kayacker (who is bringing up the rear) and you know that person will be escorting Fred. He's got a distinctive stroke, and everyone will say, oh, here comes Fred. When Fred comes out of the water - he gets the most applause of all and people will rush to help him, if he looks like he needs it.

Fred is shaky on his pins - and usually someone will offer to carry his stuff for him. Fred is brown as a berry, with sticky out ears, and a nice face. Fred wraps his feet in duct tape for swimming, I don't know why. It's quite obvious that Fred loves open water swimming, just for the sake of swimming, cause Fred is not out there breaking any speed records.

Fred looks like he's in his late 50's or 60's, but in reality Fred is 80+ years old. Fred is totally cool.

Maybe one day, I can help him with his stuff.