As most of you know it's been a bit hot in W.Washington. My little mountain hamlet was beginning to feel like a huge hell. 111.7* one day, two days of 105*, one at 104* and now it's 91*. It has not been below 90* here for well over a week. But hey, it is really better than 9' of snow!!

The above picture is taken from the famous "Fortson Hole" swimming place. It's a wonderful spot on the north fork of the Stillaquamish river accessable off Hwy 530 or Swede Haven Road. To those is swim in the Stilly in Arlington and think it's cold at first, try swimming in the water that is close to the headwaters. But surprisingly it's not so bad.The hole is deep enough for the teenages (and a very couple brave younger kids) to jump off a tree limb from a fallen tree. There is no huge hidden rapid so it's really nice. The tree is still growing into the bank. The picture was taken around 8pm on the 111.7* day.

I absolutley loved being in that water. I have such great memories of swimming all day in the Stillaquamish river or Dan's Creek. I went across to the other shore and a little boy was standing with his swimming trunks hanging a little lower than perhaps they should have been. The following short conversation took place.

Me "A little cold huh"

Boy "Ya, but you get used to it"

Me " Probably but maybe I'm just a little old for it"

Boy with a very serious look " Well, ya!" with that voice inflection that says "you should know that"

Note to self: Never talk to that boy again.

Inspite of that conversation it was a wonderful swim. Cooled me off so well that I had no trouble going to sleep, with 3 fans in my room and an a/c unit blowing in the living room!

Tomorrow is the Roy & Maggie Green family reunions.

Here is a picture of the one and only time the entire family of parents and siblings were together.

By the time the younger ones were born the older were already married and the family was split between the mountains of Washington State and the mountains of North Carolina. They had 15 children, one set of twins of which one died at age 2 weeks. It will be a fun day swimming in the river and reconnecting with cousins from afar!