July 4th Swim Summary

 Captn's log: July 4th, 2026 - Noon  <location: Big Bay Beach>

NEXT SWIM:  Sunday July 5th - Noon  <location:  likely Klode unless July 4th Fireworks postponed>

SWIM CONDITIONS:

Water Temp: 

• Captn's ToeMometer - 52
• Duck-Mometer - 51
• Itch-O-Meter - 54

Air Temp:  67 & fog

Water Clarity:  crystal clear

Waves: steadily increasing from flat to 1ft+

Kru: Itch, Kahuna, MoonDawg-Gumdrop, Yonica,  Hawaii-4-0, Luna Lagoona, BeachLoaf, Capt'n

☠️ Ahoy, Mateys! Happy 4th o' July to ye all!

'Twas a mighty peculiar day on the shores o' Lake Michigan. The mornin' began as fine as any sailor could hope fer—bright sunshine, calm seas, and air temperatures hoverin' around 80 degrees. But just before our traditional 4th o' July Walk o' the Plank at Big Bay, the Lady o' the Lake had other plans. Out o' nowhere, a thick fog rolled in, the mercury dropped into the 60s, and the shoreline took on a ghostly look worthy o' any pirate tale.

Despite the recent "Ring o' Fire" scorcher that sent landlubbers sweatin' through temperatures in the 90s with enough humidity to float a galleon, the Lady o' the Lake turned her icy shoulder upon us. She drove the water temperatures down into the upper 40s and low 50s, remindin' us who's truly captain o' these waters.

But the Kru be made o' sterner stuff! We remained steadfast and fearless, continuin' to walk the plank and brave the frigid depths without so much as a mutiny.

Now fer Sunday's voyage...

Our plan be to return to Klode, unless tonight's fireworks be delayed on account o' the fog. Should the annual Whitefish Bay fireworks be postponed until Sunday, I'd expect the Whitefish Bay Facebook page to spread the word.

If the Klode fireworks be moved to Sunday, July 5th, we'll set sail from Big Bay instead.

And fer any matey lookin' fer a bit more adventure after the swim, there be whispers throughout the fleet o' a post-swim gatherin' at the Estabrook Bier Garten. Cast yer eyes upon the picture below to spy Sunday's specials, and mayhaps we'll hoist a pint together after conquerin' the cold waters.

Fair winds, calm seas... and may the Lady o' the Lake show us a wee bit more mercy next voyage! ☠️

July Fourth Swim

Details re a July Fourth Swim:  As Klode Beach is closed on July 4th, the Kru's July Fourth Swim will be at noon, at Big Bay Beach.  Forecast water temp is ~55 degrees.  Post swim toast to 'MERECA likely.  

Likely Next Swims:  6am M-F (no guarantees) 

                                            noon M-F (this is hearsay)
                                            8am Sat/Sun, 
                                            noon Sat/Sun

Like a Rock

 

It's Been a Minute

 

 Likely Next Swims:  6am M-F (no guarantees) 
                                            noon M-F (this is hearsay)
                                            8am Sat/Sun, 
                                            noon Sat/Sun

Last Swim: Sat., noon.  

Water temp: 60F (I'm a good luck charm), cooler further out

Air Temp: 70's

Water Quality: Bit o chop from the North

Clarity: pretty clear further out

Kru: WeTac, the Family Laguna, Mr. A, Hardware Hank, Sandy (Beach Name Sandy), Several Young Friends of Sandy (I think their names were Zeph, Kylie, Elena and Maggie), Hawaii 4-O, Spawn of Hawaii 4-O, Diablo, Itch, Peaches, Brick (and probably others I forgot). 

Shore Support: Lots of families on the beach, just enjoying the beach

My only comment is it was great to see lots of familiar faces, and lots of new faces.  

Gang Violence: bird edition

 Likely Next Swims:    6am M-F (no guarantees) 
                                            noon M-F (this is hearsay)
                                            8am Sat/Sun, 
                                            noon Sat/Sun

Last Swim: Fri 6am.  

Water temp: 54-56F

Air Temp: 60's

Water Quality: flat!

Clarity: pretty clear

Kru: Lydia the Tattoo'd Lady, Showgirl,  Lt. MJ, Dragonfly, Ala Mode, Linda the Lamprey, Diablo on the early shift

Shore Support: Annoyed Sand Cleaning Lady

The wave forecast changed from chop to flat, so we went to the beach for what might be the last flat day for a few days.  The air was cool, and TTL measured the water at 55? 56?  Yes, still cold.  Unseasonably cold.

Anyway, Dragonfly and Lamprey swam skin, and undoubtedly Diablo did also.

TTL, MJ, and I suited up (no booties) and headed north to just past the cute chairs.  It was really beautiful.

Shortly after we got back on shore, the beach cleaning heavy equipment arrived.  The driver waited patiently (or not) until we changed and got off the beach.

We watched the process for a little bit.  It will be interesting to see the results tomorrow morning, because it seemed a bit awkward.

While we were watching the sand cleaning drama unfold, there was even more drama between a small flock of teenage ducks and a couple of seagulls.  The gulls made an aerial attack and the ducks responded, and that was the end of it.

Into the Fog

Likely Next Swims:    6am M-F (no guarantees) 

                                            noon M-F (this is hearsay)

                                            8am Sat/Sun, 

                                            noon Sat/Sun

Last Swim: Thurs 6am.  

Water temp: 52-54

Air Temp: low 70's

Water Quality: small swells

Clarity: pretty clear

Kru: Lydia the Tattoo'd Lady, Showgirl, Fyn-Fin, Hollywood, Lt. MJ

Shore Support: no 

Before

It was pretty warm up in the parking lot, but the air got progressively cooler towards the water.  Also, fog.  Also, minor waves/chop.  

But we were there to swim, so we suited up and went north. The water was definitely cooler than yesterday. TTL and I went almost to the rock wall.  Who knows where Fyn-fin and Hollywood went-- it was far, given the cooler water.

Lt. MJ forgot her wetsuit.  She wore her accessories (gloves/boots) and still accomplished an impressive swim.

After

When we started swimming, the fog was delightfully thick and we hugged the shore.  As the swim progressed the fog dissipated, and by the end of the swim it was only visible far off shore.

A Visit to Flatrock

 Likely Next Swims: 6am M-F (no guarantees) 8am Sat/Sun, noon Sat/sun, also I hear that there are often m-f noon swims

Last Swim: Wed 6am.  Also Tuesday 6am

Water temp: 57F

Air Temp: high 50's

Water Quality: flat with rising chop out of the south

Clarity: pretty clear

Kru: Lydia the Tattoo'd Lady, Showgirl, The UnaSwimmer

Shore Support: no 

We had high hopes for a rainy swim, but alas, it was not meant to be.  It rained on the way to Klode.  It rained for the whole walk down the ramp, and then promptly stopped.  We set up camp under the smelly overhang, but it stayed dry.

It looked like there was a slight current out of the south.  We talked about flatrock, and headed that way.

By the time we arrived there, the wind had picked up and there was a slight chop out of the south.  It was enough so that we stood on the adjacent rocks for a moment, and headed home.

FYI, flatrock is about 1200 yards south of Klode, just past the garage-chalet (chalarage?) that is above beach level.

This Saturday: Annual Shipwreck Swim and Shorewood Men's Club BBQ!!

The Appomattox, Shorewood, WI

Important Next Swim:  10:00 AM, Saturday June 13, meet us at the overlook at Atwater Park in Shorewood.

Important Next Meal: Shorewood Men's Club BBQ, Saturday, 11:30 - whenever

Yes, yes, other swims have been happening, but this blog post is to loop you in on one of the hallmark events of the swimming summer:  the Appomattox Shipwreck Swim followed by the Shorewood Men's Club annual BBQ.

The Swim:  We will meet at Shorewood's Atwater Park overlook at 10:00am, Saturday June 13.  Parking can be challenging. Plan accordingly.  Don't be late.  Just kidding-- there is no "late" in swimming.  After a sufficient time, we will proceed down the ramp to the beach.  We will set up camp, carefully assess the waves, wind,  and water temp, and select our attire appropriately.

We will launch and swim out to the shipwreck.  

Haha, we will launch and swim, but there is always some bumbling about, swimming here, swimming there, until someone spots the amazing spectacle of the Appomattox, see above photo.

Haha, who am I kidding. Lower your expectations kids, this is what the shipwreck really looks like:

The Appomattox, Shorewood, WI

Also, if the water isn't clear, all bets are off.

NEVERTHELESS!  Fun will had by all.  Ambitious swimmers will swim additional yardage.  Really ambitious swimmers have been known to swim to the weather buoy.  Ultimately, everyone returns to the beach and heads up to phase 2 of the day, the bbq.  

The BBQ: The food is amazing. The company is great!  Often there is live music.  There is beer!  There is ice cream!  Please join us.  This event is brought to you by swimmers Moondawg and Kahuna, and probably some other dudes.  You can buy tickets there or from Moondaug or Kahuna.

BBQ Deets:
https://www.shorewoodmensclub.org/upcoming-events#!event/2026/6/13/annual-chicken-ribs-bbq-fundraiser

Shipwreck Deets: 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SS_Appomattox

Welcome to 2026 - Good Luck....have fun... don't die

Captn's Blog: Sunday May 24th, noon

Likely Next Swims: Monday (Memorial Day) Noon

Water temp: 52

Air Temp:  Mid 60s & sunny with light breeze from SE

Water Quality: very slight chop from south

Clarity: clear

Kru: Itch, Brick, Diablo, Dragonfly 

Shore Support:  Sandy, Beach Loaf, Capt'n

Ahoy Mates!   Welcome to me first Klode adventure of 2026 and me first words of wisdom fer 2026...  "Good Luck... have fun.. don't die".  

ps.  whatcha think of me new hand?  Boy do I have a whale of a story bout that one!  :) 

pps. does the last picture below remind you of any Kru mates?

Beach Hazards

Likely Next Swims: Saturday 12pm, Sunday 10am?, Sunday 12pm

Last Swim: Fri 7am

Water temp: 48?

Air Temp: 50's  with increasing wind

Water Quality: chop out of the south

Clarity: pretty clear

Kru: Lydia the Tattoo'd Lady, Dragonfly, Showgirl 

Shore Support (if you can call it that):  sauna dudes, fox 6 dudes, bobcat dude, and a late-arriving chainsaw dude

The situation.

Okay, well, today's swim fell under the category of, "we got it done."

After a flurry of "running late" texts, things looked promising in the parking lot.

The first obstacle we encountered were the Sauna Dudes hauling an epic amount of gear down to the beach.

The second obstacle was Sand Distribution dude who appeared to be planning to take the entire day to push around a small-ish pile of sand, all while making an atrocious amount of noise.  Backup beeper was an extra bonus.

The third obstacle was a Fox 6 crew (+ big ass vehicle) filming.... who knows what.  They were probably waiting for Sand Dude to stop making noise and that never happened.

We overcome all that.  We suited up, and headed into the small, but annoying chop.  Just making it to picnic table felt like it took forever.  I finally made it to love rock.  TTL, angry that love rock appears to have been moved 100 yards closer to Klode, slogged on to the sewer pipe.  Dragonfly was her usual speedy self.

The return trip was slightly less arduous.

We arrived back at Klode to find the Sand Dude still driving aimlessly and noisily about, Sauna Dude #2 doing a cold plunge IN HIS UNDERWEAR, and Fox 6 still loitering about.

We struggled out of our wet gear.  We struggled into our dry gear.  

As we headed up the ramp, the icing on the cake of annoyance arrived in the form of a dude with a chainsaw.

Accept no substitutes.

It was really quite lovely. 
If you have noise-cancelling headphones.

Swim Now and 60's Will Feel Warm

Likely Next Swims: Saturday 12pm, Sunday 10am, Sunday 12pm

Last Swim: Fri 7am

Water temp: f-ing 46 

Air Temp: 50's and warming

Water Quality: flat as glass

Clarity: crystal clear

Kru: Lydia the Tattoo'd Lady, Lt. MJ, Showgirl 

Shore Support: fearless ducks

The lake is getting hard to resist.  

This morning it was crystal clear and flat as glass.  TTL and Lt MJ swam about 1000yds, and I did a tiny skin swim around the rock pile.

The water temperature was not ideal, but the sunshine and flat water made up for it.

If you've been to Klode recently, you've seen the enormous pile of sand in the parking lot.  That sand has now migrated down to the top of the hill, but has yet to be distributed around the beach.

This sums it up.

New beach geography.

Friendly fauna

Northshore Nancy

 

This is a hard blog to write.  

My good friend, Renee Scherck-Meyer, aka Northshore Nancy, passed away on February 13.  She was 61, and had metastatic breast cancer.

Renee and husband Mark, aka Handyman Hank, started swimming with the Kru in 2015.

Renee had a big, fun, loud, personality.  She used profanity skillfully and with delight. 

She was extremely knowledgeable and extremely angry about our current political situation.  

She lifted heavy weights at the Top Line gym, and danced her heart out with the Bucks Grand Dancers.  She coached aqua-bootcamp for Shorewood Recreation.  

She raised two sons into productive adulthood.  

She and Mark rode in the elite tandem division of the Riverwest 24, some years riding with competitive bad-assery and other years with relaxed bonhomie. They also rampaged with the Santas, tandem-style.

It seems to me that friendship was one of Renee's super powers. I am honored to have been included in that magic tribe, and sad that it ended all too soon.

Mark invites you to celebrate Renee's life on April 26th:

R.I.P. Renee.

Nothing Quite So Enjoyable As A Good Slush Swim

 Last Swim: Sunday noon, February 1st

Water temp: Ice and slush

Air Temp: Cold, judging from the photos

Water Quality: Small, plate-like bergs that turned to slush as you struck them

Clarity: ??

Kru: Itch, Brick, Lydia the Tatooed Lady, Fin Fyn Klodecky, Diablo

Shore support:  Synchro 

*Important note* - I wasn't there.  This blog is based on testimony from Lydia the Tattooed Lady

An intrepid Kru gathered as the air temperature edged into the 20s on Sunday, February 1st.  After initial exploration determined that there was "no way" to get into the Lake between the rocks, Itch, with the aid of Yak Tracks, rigged up a guiding rope leading to the beach South of the barrier.  Climbing over some snow mounds, the Kru found a flat frozen shelf directly on the beach.  It was a dicey business, getting into the water (?) and even more so getting out. 

Gear ranged from full wetsuits to skin (Diablo of course)

Itch pioneers a route.

Negotiating the down climb to the ice shelf for launching.

A beautiful vista

The wide open spaces generated anticipatory excitement about actually getting in.

A closer view of the platelets which TTL said shattered into slush when struck. She enjoyed a 15-minute swim in the cove with Diablo.  Itch and Fin Fyn went "somewhere," and Brick went to "maybe frickin' Love Rock."

Afterwards, hot tea and beers were consumed.  Synchro provided popcorn!

And now.... 2026

Okay, well, in spite of the weather, lots of peeps jumped in the lake on New Year's day.  Here's the documentation.

Moondog's cooler of hot water

Assorted Plunge-ers, plus support staff

Hardy Souls

Swim gear is beginning to freeze solid

A blanket blanketed in snow.