the Way of the Turtle

Freakin' Bee!
Saturday, August 23, 2008

I rarely wear sandals... mostly just after races, when I want to give my feet some fresh air to cool off or dry off, or sometimes if I'm just running outdoors quick to do something and expect to come right back in. But today I figured they were a sensible idea, since I'd be changing into and out of my paddling shoes.

After we arrived at the Churchville Park "boat launch" I walked over to the edge of the water to check out the two possible sites to put in. The closest was small and looked a bit muddy, so I headed over to the larger spot and decided it was a better choice, with a layer of gravel extending out into the water.

As I walked back to Ann's truck, something jabbed my second toe on my right foot, so I shook my foot figuring I'd picked up some type of biting insect, got jabbed again, and out popped a bee.

That really didn't put me in the best mood...

It could have been worse. I generally only have mild reactions to bee stings (though the last few have stayed swollen and itchy for quite a while) and this one was at least in a spot that wouldn't interfere with my paddling (or riding over the next few days, though it remains to be seen if I'll be able to run.)

I had a bunch of choice words to say at the time, but at this point I'll settle for "sigh."

JMH