THE LONG LAST JUMP INTO THE LAKE

Becca takes one last jump into Bass Lake and into Colton's waiting arms (That's Nicholas standing behind him). Only a few days before Colton left, he and Becca spent some time swimming in the lake, getting in those last strokes before calling it a summer.

A note or two about Bass Lake: Yes, it's that shallow, yes, that's Becca being that brave, and yes, Colton did, though partially, catch her.

Becca spent the summer learning how to swim, and as this picture testifies, becoming quite the lake jumper. She has learned how to hold her breath under water for about 10 seconds, and can swim strokes when she pushes off the bottom of the lake and practically swims like a fish. We think next year she'll be swimming without the aid of floaties.

After this picture was taken (by Grandpa, who just happened to catch the frolicers at the right second) more rain poured in at the end of August and the lake rose about 8-10 inches and came right up to the bottom of the pier. Even though the water looks dark, Bass Lake filled up with so much water this year, it's actually been the cleanest in several years.

The boats are out now, and by the time this gets posted, the pier will be in and the shore keepers will be readying the lake for winter. The year-rounders (1 in 8 lake residents) keep watch and people come and go, even on the weekends, and theft of equipment is a rarity (much of it is too hard to carry off).

As the weather cools, so goes the lake Rats. Mom and Dad have left, returning to Arizona, and we're spending our days pulling out the winter gear, rooting for the Rockies and Notre Dame football teams (Plymouth is up two wins more than ND, but are struggling just the same). So, we're looking forward to another quiet winter with, hopefully, a sunny respite in December.:-)