X-treme Peaks and Valleys

If you missed out on yesterday's opportunity to play in the waves don't despair, just get out there today!

The winds this morning were blowing gently from the east as The Patriarch and I arrived at the Klode parking lot. The familiar sound of waves crashing into the Klode beach were once again prevalent as we stepped out of our cars. We were greeted by a new comer, Mike, who had heard about our group from a friend. Welcome aboard Mike!

As we journeyed down to the beach the scene was quite similar to yesterdays...a bright red sun peaking over the horizon and a lake surface lined with waves but not white capped serpents. We would soon find out though, that today's adventure would have 3 distinct differences from yesterday.

(1) Upon arriving down on the beach it became obvious that today's waves were considerably taller than yesterday. While yesterday had a smattering of 4-6 foot waves just about everyone of them today towered above the shoreline....perhaps all closer to the 6 foot range.

(2) As we walked the plank into the water instead of being greeted by an occasional high five from the lake were were greeted with frequent pommelling attempts by the lake to welcome us to the warm and playful surf.

(3) Our journey northward to our typical first checkpoint (the 'garage') actually turned out to be more of a skip this morning rather than the normal hop, skip and a jump or yesterday's simulation of an endless pool swim . To be honest, I think I may have blinked and missed the section of water between the Klode beach and the garage. After what felt like just a couple swim strokes I was quite surprised to hear the Patriarch call out...'Garage ahoy Captn't...dere she be!".

The waves and current this morning were pushing hard, from the south west. As a result, the trek from Klode to the garage literally took about 90-120 seconds. The return trip, though, took 7-10 minutes depending on how determined you were to maintain your swim stroke. Much like a puppy dog that persistently pulls on your pant legs and begs to play, the Lady of the Lake this morning continually tugged on our arms and tempted us to skip the swim and just play in the waves.

Oh what fun this morning's swim was! Swimming next to the Patriarch and Mike was a virtual magic act...now you see them, now you don't. The extreme peaks and valleys provided quite a thrill. One second you feel like you're on the top of the beach....then suddenly you're in the land of giant waves and see absolutely nothing but walls of water all around you....what a rush!

Upcoming Patriarch / Capt'n Swim Plans:
Wednesday Evening: 4:30pm Klode
Thursday Morning: 6am Klode

Also, the Patriarch has signed up for the Lake Monona Open Water Swim in Madison this Saturday. Anyone else doing it? I plan to swim mid-day / afternoon at Klode on Saturday if anyone is interested in joining me.

Hope to see you on the Beach!
-Capt'n