Taking the plunge
Peaks to Portland
It’s a dreary day out here on the island. Last night we had an epic thunderstorm. Lightening cut across the dark sky and the ocean roared throughout the night. This morning the anger subsided, but you can still hear the low hum of the churning waves from our house.
In the spirit of brightening the day, I want to share a memory from this past summer. The Peaks to Portland race is a legendary 2.4 mile swim from Forest City Landing on Peaks Island to East End Beach on the Portland peninsula. Every July the island welcomes a bevy of swimmers – from seasoned open-water pros to first timers. They assemble on the beach by the ferry, wet-suited and ready to take the plunge.
For those of you not familiar with Maine’s waters, let me be the first to warn you they are cold. I mean cold. I have fond memories as a kid running around the shores of Southern Maine with my father, who somehow managed to spend serious time floating in the frigid Atlantic. It’s still a mystery to me how he did it. Regardless, the jumping into the ocean here is a courageous act.
Undeterred by the chill? Once in the water, the Peaks to Portland takes swimmers across Casco Bay. Participants pass House Island, paddle towards Fort Gorges, and navigate the sailboat moorings of East End Beach before running up the shore to the finish line. Joining the racers is a fleet of kayaks. These boaters aren’t out for a pleasure cruise. They are part cheer squad, part EMT – following swimmers and lending a hand when needed.
While I didn’t participate in last year’s Peaks to Portland, our good friend Tim Magner took to the sea. An experienced open-water swimmer, Tim was up for the challenge. He described the swim as “exhilarating”. I trust he’ll suit up again this year. I plan to rustle up a kayak to paddle alongside.
The Peaks to Portland is just another one of those feel-good activities that seem to pop up every month out here on the island. While the summer definitely sees an uptick in community gatherings, the off-season hosts plenty of events including a legendary Halloween party, which I’ll have to detail another day.
Looking to learn more or perhaps dip your toe in the water this summer? Fellow Maine blogger, Shannon Bryan has a great post with details about how to make the most of your first Peaks to Portland.