A Pod of Moby Dicks

Next Swims: Sat & Sun, July 31st and Aug 1st, 2PM both days, Klode Beach

I hesitate to predict anything, but this should be a prime swimming weekend. The water is warm and clear and should just get better.

Last Swims:

Fri 7/30 5:45AM

Water Temp: 67

Waves: Calm

Water Clarity: Excellent

Crew: Diablo, Cap'n, Blondie, David, Lane, Greg, Patriarch

Thu 7/29 6:30PM

Water Temp: 70!

Waves: Small Rollers

Water Clarity: Somewhat Cloudy

Crew: Diablo, Gumdrop, Perry, Erin, Sarah, JJ, Patriarch

Thursday evening we were joined by a new swimmer, Sarah. Her dad watched from shore, and he told me that he had seen us Monday night, swimming and howling under the full moon. He said we looked like a pod of whales.

Which got me to thinking about how normal people perceive us. I used to think that we were viewed as brave, but foolish and reckless for swimming in a cold, dangerous and polluted lake. Or perhaps we were viewed as crazy or idiotic.

But now I realize we are seen as the evil consequence of man's abuse of nature. Man has dumped excrement, pesticides, fertilizers, oil, medical waste, and god knows what else into the lake. And anyone that would venture in must inevitably be affected. And so our brains are eaten away by ecoli, our skins turned glowing green by radioactive waste, our flesh gnawed by invasive species. We are a pod of mutant malevolent Moby Dicks, lurking in the frigid depths, surfacing in the dark to howl at the moon.

Let's Do Two

Next Swims: 6:30PM Today Thu 7/29 Klode,

5:45AM Fri 7/30 Klode

Last Swim: 5:45AM Thu 7/29

Water Temp: 65

Waves: One Foot Rollers

Water Clarity: Excellent

Crew: Cap'n, Diablo, Kahuna, Beth, Big Sista, Lil Sista, Patriarch

It was such fine morning on the beach, and such a great swim, that Diablo and I decided we needed to do it again tonight at 6:30. See you on the beach.

Lost Dumbbells

Next Swim: Thu 7/29, 5:45AM Klode

Last Swim: Wed 7/28, 5:45AM Klode

Water temp: 64

Waves: Calm

Water Clarity: A little cloudy, but bottom visible

Crew: Cap'n, Diablo, Kahuna, Blondie, Both Perrys

When we returned to the top of the bluff, Donika, one of the exercise group leaders, asked me if I had seen a pair of lost dumbbells. Shame on you, dear reader, for thinking what you're thinking, but no, it wasn't Cap'n and Diablo she was seeking (they could only wish).

Other highlights from this morning: a great skin swim, a twenty-one bun salute from the other exercise group, and breakfast at Stone Creek. Brueggers Bagels, next door to Stone Creek is advertising egg bagel sandwiches, it might be worth a try one of these fine mornings.

Much to Report, and to Apologize For

Next Swim: Wed 7/28 5:45 AM, followed by coffee and/or bakery at Stone Creek

Here is a picture from last night's Howl at the Full Moon Swim. Notice how the moonbeams shine directly on me. It's a sign.

Last Swims: Mon 5:45, Mon 8PM, Tue 5:45AM

Water Temps - Mon morning 63, Mon evening 68, Tue morning 65

Waves: calm

Water Clarity: Very Clear

Mon AM Crew: Cap'n, Diablo, David, Patriarch

Howl at the Moon Crew: Cap'n, Gumdrop, Diablo, Kahuna, David, Greg, Brad, Beth, Robin (Crash?), Brad, Patriarch

Tue AM Crew: Cap'n, Diablo, Blondie, Greg, Ruth, PerryB, Patriarch

First, the apology. I have committed the unforgivable sin of forgetting to bring the Killepitsch last night. As penance I will drink multiple shots clad in a leopard skin European cut swimsuit.

Second, a word on water quality. As you probably know all the Milwaukee County beaches have been closed since Thursday's storm. You wouldn't know it to look at the water though, it's crystal clear, even near shore. Of course clear water does not necessarily mean clean water, but it's a chance I'm willing to take.

Third, the Howl at the Full Moon swim worked out very well. Luckily the skies were clear and we witnessed a monster moon rise over the lake. We did a lot of howling too.

Finally, I want to say that the swimming has been GREAT. Most of the time it's plenty warm enough to swim without wetsuits. And the weather forecast looks very favorable, with warm temps and generally easterly winds. Now is the time to swim!

There is an "i" in Captain.

Next Swims: 5:45AM Monday 7/26

Howl at the Full Moon Swim 8PM Monday (the moon rises over the lake about 8:30)

Last Swim: Sunday 7/25

Water temp: 64

Waves: 1-2 feet

Water Clarity: Really gunky near shore but crystal clear a short way out

Crew: Cap'n, Diablo, Brad, Greg, Gwen, Perry, Robin, Patriarch

No time to comment, but I would like to quickly mention that while there is no I in Cap'n, we can easily put it back. Eh, el Capitano?

No "I" in team but there is one in Patriarch

Next Swim: Sunday 7/25 1pm Klode

Last Swim: Sat: 7/24 noon Klode

Water temp: 62

Waves: calm

Water Clarity: still surprisingly clear

Crew: The PatrIarch, Diablo, Beth, Robin, Lane and his daughter, Capt'n

Arrg! After I be readin' this here last blog entry one thing is certainly becomin' apparent...The Patriarch be enjoyin' his grog just a wee bit too much during his retirement. "Wimp"??? Surely he be forgettin' bout all those times his wiskers nearly lept right off his face when he unexpectedly saw his shadow while swimin'! Ha, ha...now those be some tales worth tellin' over a pint of grog!!

Alas, we shall save those tales for another time. Today's adventure was a rather pleasant one. Amazingly, the water clarity continued to be unphased by Thursday's big storms. If you're into theories as I am...one possibly explanation for our amazing clarity is that we've been saved by the Conveyor Belt whereby our surface water (including all the storm gunk) has been pushed towards Michigan and the cooler (...and clearer!) water from the bottom of the lake has surfaced on our side. This would explain the cold water temps yesterday depite air temps near 90 under sunny skies.

The water temp today made a remarkable recovery from yesterday. 52 yesterday....62 today with pockets of cooler water & warmer water that tempted you to ditch your wetsuit. Our journey today took us up to the rockwall and back. With tomorrow's forecast calling for sunny skies, warm temps and an east breeze there's a good chance we'll enjoy even warmer water temps than today.....and perhaps even an opportunity for a skin swim.

Keeping the Streak Alive

Next Swim: Sat 7/24 noon Klode

Last Swim: Fri: 7/23 6:30PM Klode

Water temp: 54

Waves: calm

Water Clarity: surprisingly clear, I would have expected murky water after the storm

Crew: Cap', Diablo, Robin, Patriarch

Thursday night's deluge marooned me at my mom's nursing home until almost midnight, and when I finally made it home I was greeted with six inches of water in my basement. So with a huge mess to clean up, I didn't go to the beach Friday morning.

But I figured I could count on Cap'n and Diablo to take command and keep our swim streak alive. Alas, I expected too much. They showed up at the beach, but they didn't swim! Wimps! Apparently they are lost without me.

A hero was needed, and (humbly) yours truly stepped to the plate. After spending all day hauling and cleaning and scrubbing, I dragged my sorry aching butt down to the beach, enduring biting flies and cold water to show Cap'n and Diablo how it's done. Did they appreciate this? Of course not.

Note: Their version of this tale might differ in a few insignificant details, but there's no way they could spin this to make it anything other than me being a hero and them being wimps.

The good news: I would have thought that the water would have been full of gunk from the storm, but although there was some gunk right near shore, out just a bit it was amazingly clear.

Everything is Trending Up

Next Swim: Fri 7/23 5:45AM Klode

Last Swims: Wed & Thu 5:45 AM

Water Temp: We think low to mid-sixties (the thermometer is on the fritz, so we're not sure).

Waves: Calm

Water Clarity: a little clearer each day since the big storms, but today's storms may stir it up again.

Wed Crew: Cap'n, Diablo, Kahuna, Blondie, David, Perry, Robin, Patriarch

Thu Crew: Cap'n, Diablo, Kahuna, Blondie, Robin, Beth, Ruth, Rob, Greg, Patriarch

It must be something in the water in Whitefish Bay. Rabbits, biting flies, and swimmers are proliferating like little Diablos. It's good to see such a big crew. Even better, the water is warming into skin-swim territory, although it's cool enough that you need to limit your swim to 20-30 minutes or pay the shiver-price (check with Cap'n, he is the expert on this).

Another upward trend is that we stopped for breakfast for the second time this week, this time at Stone Creek, where I heartedly recommend the dark chocolate mocha and the cherry scones. No better way to start the day than a gorgeous sunrise, a skin-swim, and breakfast.

Hopefully, the water will warm enough that we could attempt longer skin-swims this weekend. Would noon or 1PM work for people? Please comment. Also, how about a "howl at the full moon" swim at moonrise (sunset) on Monday? Teacher Blondie will present a lesson on Why the Full Moon Always Rises at Sunset (quiz to follow).

Breakfast At Solly's

Next Swim: Wed 7/21 5:45 AM Klode

Last Swim: Tue 7/21 5:45AM Klode

Water Temp: 62

Waves: Two feet

Water Clarity: Poor, lots of stirred up sand and silt

Crew: Diablo, Cap'n, Kahuna, David, Patriarch

Something a little different today - fairly large waves to play in. Cap'n and me were having so much fun we decided to swim further when the others headed back to the beach. Just one small problem. I had forgotten that Kahuna left his briefcase in my locked car. To make it up to him I bought him breakfast at Solly's.

Solly has lots of pictures of local sports celebrities on the wall, and other sports mementos, but we observed that there is still plenty of room for a picture of celebrity swimmers.

Patriarch's Recommendation: a triple stack of Solly's buttermilk pancakes, loaded with Door County cherries, slathered in butter, and swimming in real maple syrup. Yum, yum, YUM. According to the menu, it's the heart-healthy alternative, which might seem dubious, until you compare it to the rest of the menu.

Yo Yo Water Temps

Next Swim: Tue 7/20 5:45Am Klode

Last Swim: Mon 7/19 5:45AM

Water Temp: 57, although it felt even colder

Waves: Calm

Water Clarity: good

Crew: Cap'n, Diablo, Kahuna, Sonnakuhuna, Patriarch

It happened again! The water temp changed more than 10 degrees in one day, this time for the worse. And it could be happening again, as today's onshore winds blow the warm water in again, at least it looks that way on the colored map. I've seen these kinds of temperature shifts before, but never so many and so rapidly as this year.

Congrats to Cap'n , who had an outstanding Racine Tri, and scored a spot in the Ironman 70.3 championships in Clearwater FL. Now, of course, he is committed to swimming in the lake until November.

On the way down to the beach today Marcella, the leader of the exercise class, asks "How are you today? I reply, "I couldn't be better". So she asks, "What do you mean, you couldn't be better?". Why do people keep asking me such difficult questions, especially so early in the morning? Ah, the burden of being Patriarch.

Flies on S**t

Next Swim: Mon 7/19 5:45 AM Klode

Last Swim: Sun 7/17 noon Klode

Water Temp: 67?

Waves: Calm

Water Clarity: Good

Crew: Gumdrop, Diablo, Kahuna, Patriarch

Whodathunk that after yesterday's freezefest it would be warm enough for a skin swim today? What a surprise! The water temps are going up and down like the stock market. For the most part the water was very warm, but there were also pockets of very cold water that literally took your breath away.

On the way back up the bluff I was attacked by swarm of biting flies. Diablo, helpful as always, pointed out that flies are attracted to piles of s**t.

Speaking of s**t, the beach is still listed as "closed" on the Beach Health website, but the last actual test of the beach was done on Thursday morning, which of course is basically meaningless three days later. They used to test every day, so I'm not sure what the deal is.

I have no doubt that the recent torrential rains caused lots of water quality issues for the lake. MMSD dumped partially treated sewage into the river and the harbor mouth, which of course is many miles from Klode. I think the bigger issue for Klode is the storm sewers that run directly from streets into Whitefish Bay. We swim past several of them. While they're not draining sewage, they're certainly full of gas and oil from the streets, lawn fertilizers, insecticides and other gunk. From what I've read, the lake has an amazing ability to absorb all this stuff, and the lake as a whole is generally very clean. But you wonder how long that can last.

Cold Enough Yet?

Next Swim: Sun 7/18 noon Klode

Last Swim: Sat 7/17 10AM

Water temp: 52

Waves: calm

Water Clarity: Clear

Crew: Diablo, Cap'n, Blondie, Beth, Gwen, Jeff, Patriarch

The average lake temperature is 71 degrees, but unfortunately we happen to swim in a place that is much below the average today. It didn't seem to bother Beth, though. After we got back to the beach she took off her wetsuit and jumped in without it, saying "I'm not cold enough yet". That's the true Lake Michigan swimmer spirit!

The Existential Why

Next Swim: Sat 7/16, 10AM Klode

Last Swims: Thu 6:30PM, Fri 5:45AM

Water Temp: Thu evening 65, Fri morning 59

Waves: choppy last night, calm this morning

Water Clarity: cloudy last night, starting to clear this morning

Thu evening crew: Diablo, Erin, Greg, Rob, Patriarch

Fri morning crew: Diablo, Cap'n, Kahuna, Jen, Tim, Patriarch

Note: although was no posting on the beach this morning (I looked for it), this afternoon the Beach Health website lists Klode as "closed" due to high ecoli counts. Seems odd, as the water looked much better today than yesterday, but just so you know. This is probably due to the recent storms, and hopefully things will clear up in the next day or two.

Perhaps it was because the water temps are going down again. Or perhaps it was because the bluff erosion from the storms washed sharp gravel over our nice sandy beach. Or perhaps it was because Cap'n was particularly annoying this morning, thinking it was funny to repeat whatever I said.

Whatever the reason, we were even grouchier than our usual this-is-too-damn-early-in-the-morning grouchy. So while we're getting ready to plunge, a gentleman in a wetsuit walks up and introduces himself, and asks if we're the swim group with the blog. We say we are. He tells us that he'd like to swim with us in the future. We say that would be great, everyone is welcome. Then he asks why we do this. Why do we get up so damn early in the morning to plunge into cold water. Are we training for something? Why?

No one replies. No rustle of leaves, no mummer of waves from the calm lake, just silence.

The Yin and Yang of Swimming

Next Swims: 6:30 PM today Thu 7/15 Klode, tomorrow morning Fri 7/16 5:45AM

This morning's swim was washed out by a thunderstorm, but we managed a nice skin swim last night:

Wed 7/14 6:30PM

Water Temp: 66? (just a guess, didn't actually measure it)

Waves: 1-2 feet, very rough and choppy

Water Clarity: somewhat cloudy near shore, clear a bit further out

Crew: Diablo, Gumdrop, Kahuna, Robin, Megan, Gui, Patriarch

It was tough going in the rough water, but since was the second swim of the day, there was no pressure to make it a long one. We swam to "south south" beach and back, except for Megan and Gui who swam much further and much deeper than the rest of us. They are amazing. It's fun to watch them swim side by side, as they're both great swimmers but they have totally opposite strokes. Gui takes huge water-slapping windmill strokes, while Megan is much more compact with a more rapid turnover. Power versus polish, energy versus efficiency, yin and yang, male and female.

Double Dip Days

Next Swims: Tonight Wed 7/14 6:30PM Klode,

Tomorrow morning: Thu 7/15 5 :45AM Klode

Last Swims: Wed 7/14 5:45AM, Tue 6:30PM

Water Temp: Last night 70, this morning 66

Waves: One foot rollers

Water Clarity: Very good, except for some gunky spots near shore

Crew: This morning: Diablo, Cap'n, Blondie, Perry, Mike, Ruth, Patriarch

Last night: by myself, but I ran into a bunch of other people: Walt & Chris, Lane and his daughter, and another couple whose names I don't know.

It's hard to believe that a week ago it was a major struggle to complete even a short swim with full wetsuit, three caps and booties. Now the water is so much warmer, and it's so much more fun to swim without a wetsuit. There's something about the feel of the water on skin that makes me want to swim and swim and swim. We'll be back tonight, and tomorrow morning. Please join us.

Predictably Unpredictable

Breaking News: after blogging this morning's swim (see below) I went for a bike ride, and on the way back I stopped at Big Bay, and the water is even warmer, high sixties at least. I will be swimming again tonight at 6:30PM at Klode, if anyone can join me.

Next Swim: Wed 7/14 5:45AM Klode

Last Swim: Tue 7/13 5:45AM Klode

Water Temp: 64

Waves: One Foot Rollers

Water Clarity: Excellent

Crew: Diablo, Kahuna, Perry, Cap'n, Patriarch

Sometimes it doesn't matter what the map says, or what the predictions are. You never really know what the swim conditions will be until you're on the beach. I would have never predicted that the water was a full nine degrees warmer than yesterday, but it was.

Apparently there was just enough of a shift in winds and currents that the warm water that has been hanging just offshore all week, has finally moved in. Of course, it could move out just as quickly and just as unpredictably. Or it could warm even more. We won't know until we're there. So don't show up (or not show up) because of a prediction of warm (or cold) water.

My theory is to show up every day and hope for the best. Some days will be disappointing, but other days will be unexpectedly and spectacularly rewarding. Like this morning.

A Few Minutes More

Next Swim: Tue 7/13 5:45AM Klode

Last Swim: Mon 7/12 :45 AM Klode

Water Temp: 55

Waves: Calm

Water Clarity: Very Clear

Crew: Blondie, Diablo, Cap'n, Jen, Ruth, David, Patriarch

I would have been happy with a short swim in the 55 degree water, but Jen kept saying "a few minutes more". So we ended up swimming all the way to mudslide and back. I was thoroughly chilled, but a twenty-one bun salute (I can't explain it, you have to see it) by Marcella's exercise class on the beach, quickly warmed me up.

Nifty Fifty

Next Swim: Monday 7/12 5:45AM Klode

Last Swim: Sun 7/11 1pm Klode

Water temp: about 54-56 at Klode, but around 60 as we swam south

Waves: none - slight current from south

Water Clarity: Crystal Clear

Crew: The Patriarch, Diablo, Gumdrop, David, Brad, Lane, Robin, Capt'n

Arrg, we certainly be livin' the dream! 50 consecutive days of swimming in the lake and it's only July 11th! :) It's very likely that we're closing in on the record for consecutive swim days....need to do a little more research through the blog though....so far 28 consecutive days of Skin Swims set at the end of last September is the only streak I've been able to track down.

The water today at Klode was considerable colder than away from it. Our trusty temperature gauge put the Klode beach water at 54-56 degrees but as it would turn out the water temp at Klode today was more the exception than the norm.

Today's swim took us from Klode down to flat rock and back....an amazing journey considering we thought we would be lucky to make it past south south beach when we first entered the water. The total distance of today's swim was in the neighborhood of 1.5 miles. To celebrate our 50th swim of the year we all hoisted a round of Killepitsch following the successful completion of today's journey.

Good Trends, Bad Trends

Next Swim: Sunday 7/11 1:00PM Klode

Last Swim: Sat 7/10 noon Klode

Water temp: about 60, but pockets of much warmer and much colder

Waves: small chop

Water Clarity: Crystal Clear

Crew: Diablo, Gumdrop, Cap'n, Blondie, Perry, Robin, Beth, Patriarch

I'm very happy to report a warming trend in water temps. There are still pockets of very very cold water, but mostly it's much warmer. Hopefully the water warm will win the battle.

On the other hand I'm sorry to report that Cap'n has joined the disturbing trend started by Gumdrop by wearing a "European cut" suit. It might be OK for the likes of Michael Phelps and Mark Spitz, but ........................ need I say more?

Can't Say No

Next Swim: Sat 7/10 noon Klode

Last Swim: Fri 7/9 5:45AM

Water Temp: 52

Waves: Calm,

Water Clarity: Crystal Clear

Crew: Cap'n, Diablo, Kahuna, Blondie, Perry, Lane, Beth, Robin, Carrie, Tim, Patriarch

Like all men, I like to think I'm in charge, but in reality I can't say no to certain women, like for example I can't say no to my daughter, and our Lady of the Lake. I was firmly resolved to stay on shore if the temp was below 55, but when I saw everyone else jumping in I just couldn't say no.

On the other hand, there are women who I have no problem saying no to, like my wife, but she just ignores me. I should probably just stop pretending I'm in charge of anything. Ladies, do with me what you will.

Melancholy Morning

Next Swim: Fri 7/9 5:45AM Klode

Last Swim: Thur 7/8 5:45AM

Water Temp: 48

Waves: Calm

Water Clarity: Very Clear

Crew: Diablo, Cap'n, Kahuna, Beth, Robin, Patriarch

The beach was exceptionally beautiful this morning, in an eerie sort of way, as heavy fog rolled in. Exceptionally cold water temps added to the melancholy mood. Guts, persistence, and determination were required to swim this morning, all of which I lack, so Robin and me watched from shore as Diablo, Cap'n, Kahuna, and Beth disappeared into the fog. They didn't make it far, but far enough to count, and keep our streak of consecutive swim days alive.

The good news: the big offshore winds have finally ceased, so perhaps there is a chance of warming.

Swimmers, Skin Swimmer, and Spectators

Next Swims: Wed 6:30PM, Thu 5:45AM - Klode

Last Swim: Tue 6:30PM

Water Temp: 46-51, depending on where it was measured

Waves: Calm

Water Clarity: Very clear

Crew: Gumdrop, Diablo, Cap'n, Blondie, Jon, Perry, Patriarch

It was too cold for Blondie, Perry, and I, but Cap'n, Diablo, and Jon managed a short swim despite the cold water, and Gumdrop performed another Amazing Iceman act by swimming without a wetsuit.

It's frustrating to look at the water temperature maps and see the lake covered in warm water except for a thin strip on the Wisconsin shore. Damn you, Wicked Witch of the West Wind!

Shiver Me Timbers

Next Swim: Tuesday, July 6, 6:30PM Klode

Last Swim: Noon, July 5th, Klode

Water Temp: 49 !!!!!!!!!

Waves: Small Chop

Water Clarity: Ver Clear

Crew: Gumdrop, Diablo, Cap'n, Blondie, Jon, Jen, H2, and a group of H2's friends.

Wow! The water hasn't been anywhere near this cold since we started the season 43 days ago. Cap'n and Diablo managed decent swims, and Gumdrop made it all the way to mudslide. But I couldn't keep my face in the water, it just hurt too much.

Hopefully we're not going to see a replay of last August when the water was very cold several weeks straight. But the season is young, I'm sure there is still plenty of good swimming ahead. For Tuesday we're switching to an evening swim, to give the lake a chance to warm, at least a little.

On the brighter side, we did manage to add ten to the Killepitsch count, a great way to warm up after a cold swim.

Patriarch 7, Cap'n 0

Next Swim: Noon Monday, July 5, Klode

Followed by a cookout at my place. Beers, Burgers, & Brats, and of course shots of our favorite beverage.

Last Swim: July 4th, 1PM, Big Bay

Water Temp: 56 (yikes!)

Waves: Calm

Water Clarity: Very Clear

Crew: Gumdop, Diablo, Kahuna, Jen, Gwen, Erin, Walt, Cap'n, Patriarch

Today there was a choice to swim with Patriarch at 1PM or Cap'n at 3PM. The title of today's blog tells you the score. I can't blame you for not wanting to swim with Turd, oops, I mean Ted.

Sadly, the persistent offshore winds have put the dreaded Lake Michigan Conveyor Belt into motion. The Conveyor Belt pushes the warm surface water towards the Michigan shore and replaces it with cold water from below.

It was barely swimmable today, and the forecast would indicate continued offshore winds, intensifying the conveyor belt for even colder water. But, as always with Lake Michigan, predictions aren't worth a turd (and Turd's predictions are worth even less), we'll just have to show up and see what happens tomorrow.

And keep in mind, no matter how cold it is, we'll have shots of Killepitsch to warm ourselves afterwards.

Deceiving Looks

Next Swims: Sunday 1pm Big Bay, Sunday 3pm Big Bay, Monday noon Klode

Last Swim: Saturday 1PM Klode

Water Temp: 62ish

Waves: choppy form southeast

Water Clarity: Clear

Crew: The Patriarch, Diablo, Gumdrop, Kahuna, Brad, Perry, Dave, Gigi, Eileen, Mike, Capt'n

The skies were sunny, the air temp was in the low 80s and the lake appeared to be oh so inviting. Indeed, weather wise it was a great day for a swim. The lake though, made swimming a bit more of a challenge. A steady chop form the southeast and an offshore water temp hovering around 60 made for an adventurous swim from Klode's south beach southward to the down spout.

Due to the 4th of July Fireworks at Klode we will not be able to swim Sunday from Klode. Instead the group will be swimming from Big Bay which is approximately 1 1/4 miles south of Klode. The main group will be swimming at 1pm. Due to the New Berlin National Dash I will not be able to make the 1pm swim but will try to make it to Big Bay around 3pm.

Too Nice to Stop

Holiday Weekend Swims:

Saturday: 1 :00 PM Klode

Sunday: 1:00 PM Big Bay (Klode will be closed because of the fireworks setup)

Monday: Noon Klode, followed by cookout at my place

Last Swim: Fri 5:45AM Klode

Water Temp: 62

Waves: Calm

Water Clarity: Very Clear

Crew: Cap'n, Diablo, Kahuna, Blondie, 2 Perrys, Lane, Jen, Christine, Patriarch

It was just way too nice this morning to turn back at rockpile. The water was so clear and calm, and the waves sparkled so brightly in the sun, that everyone wanted to keep going, so we did. We ended up swimming a mile and a half, maybe more.

Patriarch Prophesies Propitious Plunging This Weekend

Next Swim: Friday the Twoth of Julie 5:45AM Klode

Sat: 1:00PM Klode, to Big Bay or Bust

Sun & Mon: Still working on the plan(see below)

Last Swim: Fri 7/1 5:45 AM, Klode

Water temp: 60

Waves: Calm

Water Clarity: clear some places, but still cloudy others

Crew: Cap'n, Diablo, Kahuna, David, Perry, Beth, The Treder Sistas, Patriarch

Another glorious sunrise on the beach, foretelling a fantastic holiday weekend for swimming. Saturday we'll swim at 1:00PM from Klode, and conditions permitting we'll head for Big Bay (a little more than a mile) , and for the really ambitious Big Bay and back, and for the truly nuts you could try for Atwater, which would be a little less than three miles, and would require rounding the point at the southern end of Whitefish Bay.

We're still looking for input on plans for the Fourth and Monday. We'll probably need to swim from Big Bay on the Fourth, as Klode and Atwater will be closed for the fireworks. If there's interest and the weather is good on Monday, we could do a post swim cookout at my place.