I think the craziness factor, for me, is dependent upon conditions.  Sometimes a swim is just to refresh when tired, dirty and sweaty and it is a quick dip.  But if you get a lovely beach, (admittedly rare) and beautiful sunshine (not as rare) it can be such a treat!

For me, what comes to mind is a July 3rd afternoon in 2005, the last full day out of our 11-day trip.  We had camped on the northern part of Loon Lake and awoke to a rainy morning.  We had intended to make a side trip to the Devil's Cascade, but decided to forego that because of the weather and we paddled the Loon River in what could only be called a deluge.  At times the rain was so heavy I (in the bow) literally couldn't see where we were going.

As we came into the south end of Little Vermilion Lake the rain suddenly stopped and the sun came out.  It was a very dramatic change.  We stopped at the campsite there, which has a sandy beach, and not much else to recommend it, and at first I said I didn't want to stay there, but as we looked at the possibility of getting everything dried out on the last night before the long trip back to Michigan it began to look like an OK idea.

That beach was wonderful.  The warm sun felt so good and I swam and swam.  That time I finally got Spartan1 to even come in for a short dip!  I remember it as one of the more pleasurable swims I have ever had in canoe country.

We had a resident spruce grouse for entertainment that afternoon, and a spectacular cloud show at sunset.  The next day we braved choppy waves and power boats across Crane Lake and hung around the Crane Lake area for the July 4th fireworks--which I would highly recommend if you are ever in the area on that holiday.

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