crystal lake | beulah, mi | swimmer's itch

What the heck is "swimmer's itch"?! I don't know exactly, but I have it! The water was crystal clear, but I guess that doesn't matter! 

With Lulu on board, I had the most peaceful day floating around Crystal Lake. The water was pristine, or so I thought! Never in my wildest dreams did I think little tiny, microscopic parasites were waiting to burst my happy bubble.

I got back from the lake and took a quick shower before heading over to see my new friends all gathered around the campfire singing and drinking. Bob was strumming his guitar and belting out Hank Williams tunes. Awesome. I couldn't wait to join!

Pam asked where I'd been. When I responded Crystal Lake, the group immediately erupted "be careful of swimmer's itch"... completely befuddled, I stared back in confusion. "What the heck is swimmer's itch!?" Little did I know I would soon find out. argh

I woke up with my arms on fire! Thankfully you can't see any "spots" just yet, and hopefully they won't appear at all, but MAN I AM SO ITCHY! I'm popping Benedryl like raisinets and need to buy another tube of cortizone cream.

Never dull! Even though I itch, you can't take away my nice day :)

Swimmer's itch: The schistosomatidae dies in the skin immediately and cannot infect humans, but gives inflammatory, immune reactions.