Sometimes fun is worth the sunburn.

Now, don’t get me wrong. Sun exposure is a very real issue as melanoma skin cancer is a real possibility for young and old people alike.

In fact, just one bad sunburn can significantly increase your risk for developing melanoma. That’s why it’s important to wear a broad spectrum sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF) every time you go outside. You should also regularly examine yourself for any irregularities on your skin, especially after you’ve been out in the sun.

With that being said, I enjoyed my sunburn-inducing weekend at Ute Lake and was glad to get to see the lake during the daylight for the first time.

On Friday night, I joined some Texas friends at the lake for my friend Jerrod’s bachelor party. We hooped, hollered, stargazed, swam and — most importantly — ate a lot. I was surprised at how well Doritos and Oreos complement each other after an invigorating swim.

On Saturday afternoon, my friend Todd took his boat out to the lake. I had never been out on a boat before unless you count those feet-powered paddle boats, which I certainly do not.

I learned a couple of interesting things that afternoon. First, it’s probably better not to swallow the water out there. Second, inflatable rafts are entirely capable of inducing whiplash. Third, use caution when exiting a boat. I had tied a lifejacket around my waist and put my legs through the armholes so I could sort of sit on top of the water. As I slid off the back of the docked boat, the jacket caught one the pegs used for holding ropes. I quickly found myself face down in the muddy water, thrashing around to try and escape.

As I dangled, a massive frog looked at me from some rocks by the shore, no doubt amused as my friends laughed and laughed.

A couple of sore muscles and sunburns later, I’m ready to do it all again. This time I will have my SPF 100 spray in tow and I might just bring some floaties for good measure. Maybe I will see you out at the lake.

Russell Anglin is the managing editor of the Quay County Sun. Contact him at:

ranglin@qcsunonline.com