Significant shrinkage

Winter arrived in Uppsala a few weeks ago, with temperatures getting as low as -17 °C. This led to most of the shallower lakes freezing over. There was an insignificant snowfall during the cold period, most of the snow melted when the temperature rose to slightly over zero for a few days. The result was lakes with mirror-like ice, 20 cm thick. The temperature is now a few degrees below zero. It is a real paradise for skaters and others wishing to enjoy the ability to walk on water.

A trend in Sweden over the past couple of winters, fuelled by a need to get out during the periods of restrictions, is winter bathing. We, Bitte, her sister Annika and me, have joined the winter-bathers and have joined in the trend with an ambition to bathe at least once a month for the whole year. This ambition was fulfilled during the last weekend when we took a (in my case, very brief) plunge in a nearby lake.

I have to admit that, while there is a certain degree of trepidation before entering the water. Winter bathing is quite exhilarating. However, the production of adrenaline and various endorphins, which contribute to the feel-good effect of winter bathing, are coupled to a less endearing effect on the male members (pun/double entendre intentional) of the species.

We intend to continue in our endeavours to bathe, at least, once a month during the coming year. With that I wish you all a very merry Christmas, and a happy and prosperous new year.

Merry Chris tmas