A week since Capitol Reef

capreef
Originally uploaded by rfin.

Here's another shot from last weekend's trip to Capitol Reef.

The Paradox of Winter Swimming

To many people the thought of swimming in winter has little appeal, yet thousands of others are confirmed winter swimmers. Now some researchers in Finland are shedding some scientific light on why this choice makes sense.

The study compared the mood of winter swimmers with a control group. At the start of the study there were few differences between the groups, but the swimmers showed several advantages as the research continued.

“Tension, fatigue, memory and mood negative state points in the swimmers significantly decreased with the duration of the swimming period. After four months, the swimmers felt themselves to be more energetic, active and brisk than the controls,” according to International journal of circumpolar health [Int J Circumpolar Health] 2004 May; 63 (2), pp. 140-4.

The study also noted that swimmers who suffered from rheumatism, fibromyalgia, or asthma, reported that winter swimming relieved pain.

Found with the MEDLINE database at Pioneer, Utah's Online Library

A Barn for Aunt Susan

barn.JPG
Originally uploaded by rfin.

My Aunt Susan loved all things nostalgic. As I rode past this Fruita barn at Capitol Reef National Park over the weekend, I could almost hear her saying, "Oh Richard, look at the wood on that barn." I also like the way the line of the roof works with the cliffs and the sky.

Finding Florida at Capitol Reef

crflorida
Originally uploaded by rfin.

I'd never thought of red rock as ocean until I saw Florida in the blue sky and clouds this weekend at Capitol Reef National Park in Utah.