Being in the middle of a long stretch of being in town definitely has advantages. Actually being in one place for longer than three days at a time, it is amazing how conducive to consistent training this is. During the last couple of weeks, I have been able to get on the water at the center for two-a-days three or four days out of the week and get on the water at least once all the other days. This equals a lot of water time, a very good thing considering I am doing another entire macro-cycle between Trials and Nationals.

As with all things, Mr. Murphy has a way of ensuring there is no way you can have you cake and eat it too. During this time when I have all this opportunity to train, Charlotte has transformed into a blast furnace. A few weeks ago, we were lucky to get as has as the low 60's for a few days. Now, a huge high pressure has stalled out over Charlotte since about Monday and the temperature keeps rising. The water at the center is best described as tepid at best. It is not refreshing at all. Rather, when paddling, it just feels hot, wet and slimy.

Am I whining? No, I most definitely am not! However, my description is best reserved for something other than this public site. Along this thread, there are a few pluses to this state of affairs. Apparently John-Q-Public is not aware that the water here at the center is anything but refreshing. Since the primary determinant for outdoor recreation participation is accessibility, and the center is most definitely accessible, people are booking rafting trips en masse. In their mind hot weather means it is a good time to do something sporty in the water like go rafting.

Does this mean I like dodging big blue unguided missiles coming down the channel? It most definitely does not. However, it does mean the water times are being extended, especially on Thursday and Friday. At least for right now (it could and frequently does change) the water times are posted as 0900 - 2100 Thursday through Saturday. This means it should actually be relatively reasonable and easy to paddle twice the last two days of the work week and still get in a full day at work. This is, as Bill and Ted would say, MOST EXCELLENT!