When the temperatures soar into the 90s, my cold plunge pool becomes absolutely essential to my survival (or at least to my positive mental attitude). Immersion in the chilly water brings my core temperature back to normal, and I stay in long enough to get goose bumps from head to toe. When it is 100+ degrees I get in the pool half a dozen times a day to stay sane.
The wetlands along Coulee Creek are home to a remarkable number of animals, including a beaver family that dams up the creek into a beautiful marshy pond. It is one of my favorite places to explore. On this morning, the glassy surface of the pond created a perfect reflection of the sky and moon. The full moon of August has many names, though I am drawn to the name “Ripe Plums Moon” given to it by the Lakota. Indeed the wild plums were ripe and juicy in August.
This year my garden has become a survival of the fittest situation. Luckily, peppers are doing very well with our salty water and clay soil amongst the competition from weeds. I haven’t had to buy a bell pepper all month.
Our bulls are off duty until next year, enjoying the solitude of bachelor life under the immense sky at the top of the ranch where one can see the Snowy Mountains, Crazy Mountains, Bull Mountains, Little Belts and Beartooths on a clear day. A high hazy blanket of smoke has come and gone periodically from our skies as large fires burn far away in Oregon, Washington, and Canada. I am sending out wishes for ample autumn rains across the northwest!
Coulee Creek Ranch 
we have been watching your weather and wanting the best for you two and the animals and chickens Do you take turns in cold.plunges what do you do to keep the plunge water cold. Love to all. Aunt Barb. And uncle dennis
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Hi Aunt Barb and Uncle Dennis! Bart is not a fan of the cold plunge so I get it all to myself. I empty the tub (and water the lawn with it) every other day or so. I refill it with our well water, which is very cold. Our night temperatures usually get down in the 60s, even when the day time is 100. So that helps the water stay cool, around 60 degrees. It is also on the shady side of the house and only receives a bare minimum of sunlight in the evening!
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