COEUR d'ALENE - The crowd quieted and moved closer as the splashing arms and bobbing swim cap drew near.

First a few claps, then cheers erupted as the swimmer emerged from the waters of Lake Coeur d'Alene.

Kade Hern, 17, of Coeur d'Alene, was the top finisher in the third annual Coeur d'Alene Crossing, which took place Saturday morning. Although he was slightly winded and a bit tired after swimming 2.4 miles from Discovery Marina at Arrow Point to the beach at the Hagadone Event Center, the aquatically inclined youth said he was feeling good.

"It wasn't too choppy or anything," he said. "It was pretty smooth for today."

Kade swims with the Coeur d'Alene Area Swim Team (CAST) and spends about 15 hours of his week in water practicing. With a time of 48:59, it seemed he was far ahead of the other 174 swimmers, but really it was just by a few minutes. Devin Heilman, CdA Press

I'll be honest. I can't remember when I actually last swam in Lake Coeur d'Alene. I've waded. I've trailed my fingers and dangled my legs from a boat or dock, but full immerstion? Nope. When is the last time you actually swam in the lake?

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