“On Saturday, Sept. 12, NANCY FREDERICK of Warrenton (pictured, above left) and WENDY MONTGOMERY of Astoria (pictured, above right), two local teachers, donned wet suits, goggles and swim caps to swim in a race across the Columbia River from Pasco, Wash., to Kennewick, Wash., in the Columbia Crossing Swim,” Mike Engelbretson wrote to the Ear. “The race was a 1.5-mile-long course with 116 swimmers. Of the 54 women in the race, Nancy came in 19th with a time of 41:20 and Wendy came in 43rd with a time of 52:15.”

“The weather was gorgeous, with a bright blue sky and just-right temperatures in the water,” Engelbretson added. “These women recommend this swim next year to all who are interested. It was a wonderful way to spend a September Saturday.”