Crash's Birthday Sunday

Next Swims: Today Saturday 6/30 1PM, Sunday 1PM

Last Swim: Friday 6/29 6PM
Water Temp: 58
Waves: Small Chop
Water Clarity: Excellent
Crew: Kungfu, Matt, Brian, Nivens McTwist, Bo, Patriarch, Gumdrop, Cap'n, Crash, Showgirl

Since Friday evening was "skin or bust" I was forced to walk the plank sans wetsuit.  I've never swum in water that cold without a wetsuit, and I believe the same for Showgirl.  To celebrate this momentus achievement we indulged in a shot of Pitsch and a trip to the Pirate's Kitchen.

After tomorrow's (Sunday) swim please join us at the new Biergarten in Estabrook Park to celebrate Crash's birthday.  I believe it's your 19th, right Crash?

Note:  This morning I ended my sunrise run at Big Bay for a quick cool down plunge.  The water temp was 60, so it was an effective cool down.

Pirates Pizza Night

Next Swims:  6PM today Friday 6/29, afterwards please join us for pizza
Saturday & Sunday 1PM

Last Swims:  Thursday 6/28 6PM Friday 6AM
Thur evening water temp:  Top 2 inches very warm (70) much colder (60) below
Friday morning water temp: 58
Waves: Calm
Water Clarity: Excellent
Thursday PM Crew:  Patriarch, Gumdrop, Cap'n
Friday AM Crew: Patriarch, Brain, Gumdrop, Kahuna, Diablo, Phil, Two Jeffs, and newcomer Ed

Today will be warm, sunny, and calm, perfect conditions for warmer water, therefore we proclaim a "Skin Swim or Bust" for 6PM tonight, followed by "Pirate's Pizza Night".  (As with all our predictions of warm water, we're probably wrong but we remain eternally and irrationally optimistic.)

The favorable conditions are predicted to persist all weekend, so I am hopeful we can do our first Big Bay swim of the season either Sat or Sun.  Big Bay is just over a mile as the crow flies from Klode, a bit longer if you follow the shore.  We'll shuttle bags for those who want to run or walk back (1.5 miles by land), or we can drop a car at the other end, or of course you can swim back.

The Return of Fish (and Padre)

Next Swims: "Beat the Heat, Skin Swim or Bust" 6PM today Thursday 6/28
Also, Friday 6/29 6AM

Last Swim: Thursday 6/28 6AM
Water Temp: 57
Waves: Small Rollers
Water Clarity: Excellent
Crew:  Padre, Showgirl, Brain, Patriarch, Diablo, Kahuna (and his wonder dog Boden)

For the first time this season large schools of small fish and a few big ones have returned to Whitefish Bay.  Also, for the  first time this season, Padre returned to Whitefish Bay.  Coincidence?  I think not.  I'm not sure how these two facts are related, but I'm sure they are somehow. If anyone can explain this mystery, please leave a comment.

I am predicting (irrationally hoping is probably a better way to put it) that hot sun beating down on the lake all day will heat up the surface water, so I'll be back at the beach at 6PM to swim skin or bust.  If nothing else it will be a great way to beat the heat.

Wednesday 6/27 AM Swim Summary

Next Swim: Thurs 6/28 5:30-6:00 AM


Last Swim: Wed 6/27 5:30-6:00 AM
Water Temp: 62.1
Waves: none
Water Clarity: OK, not great
Crew: The Patriarch, Diablo, The Brain, Gumdrop, Showgirl, Kahuna, SonofKuhuna, Scuba Steve (Scoobie), Chris, Jeff, Capt'n

Today's highlights:
   * The Patriarch was released from custody (...see last blog post....).
   * Crew size this morning was 11!
   * The water temp was a comfortable 62+
   * The water surface was relatively flat.
   * The number of skin swimming crew members is increasing....5 today.
   * Gumdrop swam all the way up to Cedar grove and back...along with Jeff and a few others.

Menage a Trois

Next Swim: Wed 6/27 5:30-6:00 AM

Last Swim: Tue 6/26 6PM
Water Temp:  Measured 64 at shore, but it was warmer away from the beach
Waves: small
Water Clarity:  OK, not great
Crew:  Patriarch, Barbie, and the Lady

A hot time on the beach tonight!  Barbie and I had the Lady to ourselves.  The Lady warmly embraced me as Barbie hugged my waist.  I began to throb as they began slowly, rhythmically, erotically....... [the remainder of this blog post has been deleted and the author placed in custody pending charges of obscenity, indecency, corruption, and peeing in the lake]  

"Fear, Pain, Defeat....does not exist"

Next Swim:  Monday 6/25 6AM?

Last Swim:  Sunday 6/24 1PM
Water Temp: 55 - 57  (warmer on the surface)
Air Temp: 86 & Sunny
Waves: slightly rippled
Water Clarity:  Crystal Clear
Crew:  Diablo, KungFu, Nivens McTwisp, Ele, Phil, Capt'n with guest appearance by Kelli

A pleasant day for a swim despite the deceptively warm looking water.  Diablo continued his streak of consecutive skin swims by logging a Garage and back swim.  Ele, Phil and I swam to mudslide and back (approx. 1 mile round trip) while KungFu and Nivens journeyed up to the orange kayak (approx. 1.5 miles round trip)

A round of Pitsch was enjoyed by all following today's most excellent adventure and a toast was raised to our newest nicknamed member (KungFu) who boasts an amazing kick, can quote the Karate Kid (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0087538/quotes?qt=qt0449937) in the blink of my patchless eye and even has a blog of her own:  http://adrienneamman.blogspot.com/

Continuing to Improve

Next Swim:  Sunday 6/24 1PM

Last Swim:  Saturday 6/23 1PM
Water Temp: 59.4-60.6
Air Temp: 74 & Mostly Sunny
Waves: none....rippled glass
Water Clarity:  Crystal Clear
Crew:  Diablo, Phil with guest appearance by Capt'n

It appears that someone decided to get married this afternoon at the very spot the Klode Kru typically walks the plank at.  (Klode's south east beach)  Diablo theorized though that it may have been a funeral....come to think of it we haven't seen The Patriarch in awhile.  Anywho...so rather than pose for pictures with the Bride & Groom or give our condolences the Klode Kru migrated up to Klode's northeast beach for today's festivities.

Klode's north and northeast beaches are a little trickier to walk the plank from as a smattering of small stones greet your feet for the first 15-20 feet of the plank.  Beyond that though it's nothing but sand and shallow water.  The surface water today was pleasant (low 60's) although noticeably cooler water could be felt a few feet below the surface.

The current plan is to swim at 1pm Sunday.  Who's in?

Heading in the right direction

Next Swims:

• Saturday 6/23 8AM & 1PM?
• Sunday 6/24 1PM?

Last Swims: 

• Thursday 6/21 6AM
• Friday 6/22 6AM & 6PM

Friday 6PM Conditions:
Water Temp: 52.4
Air Temp: Sunny & 70 with light SE winds
Waves: slight chop
Water Clarity:  Crystal Clear like an ice cube (...as quoted from Showgirl)

Friday AM Crew:  Diablo, Gumdrop, Kahuna, The Brain
Friday PM Crew:  Gumdrop, Nivens McTwisp, Showgirl with Special Appearance from Crash, Capt'n

The water temp is rising and the easterly winds might just be enough to bring back our warm water.  Plans are currently sketchy for the swims this weekend....please comment if you have a preferred swim time.  It's unlikely that I'll swim but I plan to make an appearance at the 1pm swims if that time sticks.

Pins, Needles...and Skin Swimmers

Next Swim:  Thursday 6/21 6AM

Last Swim:  Wcd 6/20 6AM
Water Temp: 47.4!
Waves: small
Water Clarity:  Excellent
Crew:  Diablo, Gumdrop, Showgirl, Kahuna, Chris, Jeff with guest appearance by Capt'n

(Editor's Note....this blog entry has been updated to ensure it is clear that Diablo, Gumdrop and Kahuna logged an official skin swim in 47.4 degree water down to the south-south beach picnic table and back.)

Despite a high in the mid 90's yesterday the 7:30pm water temperature measured only a degree warmer than at 6am. (....50.2 at 7:30pm to be exact....).  The night time low around 80 also was unsuccessful in preventing the water temp from plummeting even lower.  It would appear that as long as the strong west winds prevail there is little hope of the water temps rebounding regardless of how warm the day time highs are.  :(

The water felt like pins & needles to the feet this morning....but that didn't stop Diablo, Gumdrop and Kahuna from logging an official skin swim and becoming the first Skin Crew this year to out number the Suit Crew.  (Technically 3 suit and 3 skin swimmers walked the plank this morning but of the wetsuit swimmers only Showgirl endured the conditions to log an official swim this morning.) Contrary to what one may think about a swim in 47 degree water...the swim down to south-south beach and back for Diablo, Gumdrop and Kahuna was not fast-n-furious....rather it was a slow methodical journey reminiscent of swimmers who are savoring every stroke of a very pleasurable swim in paradise.

Wind Beats Sun

Next Swim:  Wed 6/20 6AM

Last Swims:  Mon 6/18 6PM, Tue 6/19 6AM
Water Temp: 49!
Waves: small
Water Clarity:  Excellent
Mon PM crew:  Diablo, Mike, Diamond Dave, Kelly, Gumdrop (not sure I got everyone)
Tue AM crew: Gumdrop, Showgirl, Brain, Kahuna, Diablo

You would think the long hot sunny days would warm the water, but apparently the sun was overwhelmed by the strong offshore winds that bring up the cold water from the bottom.  Diablo set a new record for skin swims, swimming at 49 degrees and beating his previous record of 50.

If the warm water won't come to Patriarch, Patriarch will go to the warm water.  I'll be in Door County Wednesday and Thursday, and if the maps are correct the water temps on the Green Bay side of the peninsula are much warmer.

Warm Up, Damn It!

Next Swim: Mon 6/18 6AM

Last Swims: Sat 8AM, Sun 1PM
Water Temp:  Sat 55, Sun 50
Waves:  small
Water Clarity:  excellent
Sat Crew: Gumdrop, Showgirl, Kahuna, Sonnakahuna, Patriarch
Sun Crew: Kahuna, Sonnakahuna, Brain, Diablo, Phil, Kelly, and watching from shore Cap'n & Patriarch

It's frustrating to look at the satellite map and see warm water everywhere on the lake, except along the eastern shore.  Perhaps I should join the trolls - denizens of the dark regions below the (Mackinaw) bridge.

Of course I should stop whining, after all it doesn't stop "all cojones but no brains" Diablo, who executed another amazing skin swim.  Anyhow, long warm sunny days are in the forecast, it shouldn't take long to warm things up if the wind is right.  Cross your fingers.

Weekend Plans

Weekend Swims: Sat 6/16 8AM, Sun 6/17 1PM

Last Swim: Fri 6/15 6AM
Water Temp: high 50’s
Waves: 2-3 Foot Rollers, pushy current!
Water Clarity: stirred up 
Crew: Kahuna, Beth, Gumdrop, Phil, Jeff

Cold and Clear

Next Swim: Fri 6/15 6AM

Last Swim:  Thu 6/14 6AM
Water Temp: 54
Waves:  One Foot Rollers, Building
Water Clarity:  Very Good
Crew: Kahuna, Beth, Gumdrop, David, Diablo, Patriarch

Today was pretty much a repeat of the last few days, a nice sunny morning with clear cold water.  Except today Gumdrop decided that if Diablo could swim skin he could too.  Brrrrrrrr!!!!

Time to make plans for the weekend.  Typically we swim at noon or 1PM to allow people to participate in early morning events.  But Kahuna is proposing an earlier swim of 8 or 9AM.  I am fine with any time.  If you have a preference please comment.  I am hoping the water will warm up soon so that we can start doing longer swims, especially on the weekends.

No Brain No Pain

Next Swim:  Thu 6/14 6AM

Last Swim: Wed 6/13 6AM
Water Temp: 55
Waves:  One Foot, Very Choppy
Water Clarity: Excellent
Swim Crew: Cap'n, Diablo, Kahuna, Gumdrop, Jeff
Shore Crew:  Jack Frost

I hoped that Diablo would tell me his secret.  What powers of mind over matter had he used to swim so far yesterday in 50 degree water without a wetsuit?  What mystery had he solved?  What level of transcendence had he achieved?  How had he obtained the seventh circle of Lake Michigan Zen swimming?  I breathlessly awaited the wisdom he would impart.  But all he said was "No Brain No Pain".  

Diablo Breaks the Record!

Next Swim:  Wed 6/13 6AM

Last Swim:  Tue 6AM
Water Temp: 50!  Yikes!
Waves:  small
Water Clarity:OK
Crew that swam: Beth, Gumdrop, David with wetsuits. Diablo skin!
Wimps that watched from shore:  me, Ben, Cap'n (who at least has his broken arm as an excuse)

I got a text from Steve early this morning that the water on his beach was very cold, he estimated 50.  I thought he might be exaggerating, but he was exactly right, it was 50.2 to be precise.  Beth had a lot of fun trashing talking, saying things like "are you girls going to join me this morning?"  Diablo said nothing, just gritted his teeth and plunged in with no wetsuit.  As far as anyone could remember, no one has ever swum an "official" skin swim (at least to storm spout and back) in such cold water, and he actually took it a step further, coming back the long way around the south rock pile.  Wow!  For his excellent effort he was greeted with the first twenty-one bun salute of the season (yes, the beach exercise group is back).

The endless discussion about choosing a swim nickname for Ben continued today.  "Brain" was suggested as a comment on his shaved head, but it would be an oxymoron to suggest that anyone in our group has any brains.

Monday (6/11) PM Conditions

Next Swim:  Tuesday (6/12) @ 6AM

Tuesday 6PM Conditions:
Water Temp:  55.2
Air Temp:  83 & Sunny
Water Clarity: cloudy near shore
Waves:  slight chop from south

Picture Perfect

Next Swims:
   1pm Sunday (6/10) @ Bradford
   6pm Monday (6/11) @ Klode

Last Swim:  Saturday (6/9) 1pm
Water Temp:  60.6 with a pocket of 66.8 just a few steps away
Air Temp:  87 & Sunny
Waves:  none
Clarity:  Spectacular
Crew: Kahuna, Gumdrop, Jack Frost, eRun, Ele, Crash, Brad, David, Mike, Capt'n, Diablo

The view overlooking the bay from Klode's bluff on Saturday was just like one of those post cards from a mysterious tropical paradise.  The sky was cloudless, the water sporting various hues of turquoise blue and a water clarity so clear that you could easily identify the various sandbars across the bay.

An impressive sized crew assembled for Saturday's swim.  11 total with Diablo showing up for the traditional round of Pitsch before walking the plank.  The water Saturday was a bit cooler than Friday but the number of skin swimmers is growing.  4 total swimmers walked the plank skin...a record for the young season.

Great start to a very promising weekend

Next Swims:
   Saturday June 9th, 1PM Klode
   Sunday June 10th, 1PM Bradford Beach

Last Swim:  Friday June 8th, 6PM
Water Temp:  63.2
Air Temp:  77 & Sunny
Water Clarity:  Clear
Waves:  none
Crew:  Kahuna, Nivens McTwisp, eRun, Slip-n-Slide, Matt, Matt, Mary, Capt'n
Special Guest Appearance:  Gumdrop

Conditions were nearly perfect for this evening's swim.  An occasional rolling wave and a few stray patches of floating tree pollen were the only blemishes that could be found in the water today.  Other than that the flat lake surface and exceptional water clarity made for an exceptional swim.

The current water temp and conditions combined with the forecasted highs this weekend pushing 90 should make for a great weekend for a swim in the lake.  Plans are to swim Saturday from Klode at 1pm and Sunday at 1pm from Bradford Beach.  Kahuna is rumored to be all in for hitting the Cabanas at Bradford following Sunday's swim.

Nivens McTwisp

Next Swims:  6AM Friday (Diablo) & 6PM Friday?

Last Swim:  Thursday 6pm
Water Temp:  64.4
Water Clarity:  Clear
Waves:  none but slight current from south
Crew:  Diablo, Nivens McTwisp, Capt'n

Arrg...the water be absolutely delightful this evening!!  64.4 and relatively flat.  A round a Pitsch was hoisted to celebrate the water conditions as well as a new crew mate nickname....Nivens McTwisp!!

Diablo has spread a rumor that there be a crew goin' out at 6am Friday morning.  Nivens McTwisp may also be back Friday evening.  We're working on another order of Klode Kru swim caps with nicknames.  Interested?  Let me know!

Thursday (6/7) Evening Swim Plan

Next Swim:  Thursday, June 7th @ 6pm
Beach:  Klode

The conditions look/sound spectacular for this time of year!  Who's in?

Next Swim:  ?? (I will be gone until Tuesday, so please use comments to let the others know when you can swim.  Hopefully Cap'n will keep the blog up to date even if he's not swimming.)

Last Swim: Tue 6/5 6AM

Water Temp: 55

Waves: Small waves, but a moderate current going south

Water Clarity:  Gunky near shore, clear away from shore

Crew:  Beth, Gumdrop, Kahuna, David, Patriarch, Joey

A fine sunny morning on the beach.  The others had to turn back early to get to work (I feel bad about that, I really do), but I enjoyed a leisurely swim to the "rock wall" and back.  When I returned I met a new swimmer, Joey who hopefully will join us.  I'm off to spoil my granddaughter - see you Tuesday.   

Cap'n Gets His Hook?

Update from yesterday's post:  Today I received an ominous text from Cap'n that he may be receiving his hook.  If I were him I'd ask for a paddle.

Anyhow, I will be swimming at 6AM tomorrow (Tue 6-5).  Please join me!

Cap'n Takes a Dive

Next Swims: I believe Ben and Gumdrop and Beth are swimming on weekday mornings at 6AM.  Is anyone interested in a 6PM swim on Monday?

Last Swim: Sunday June 3 1PM
Water Temps:  we got readings from 55 to 60, and there were warm and cool pockets as swam along.
Waves:  Calm
Water Clarity:  Excellent
Crew:  Kahuna, Diablo, Pat, James, Patriarch, and Injured Guest Cap'n

From the bruises and cuts on Capn's arms and legs, it must have been one hell of a fight.  One arm was so swollen and sore he was carrying it with the other.  He claims he fell off his bike, but I think a more likely explanation was a jealous husband.  A lesser man might have sought out medical help, but Cap'n claimed all he needed was a 'pitsch and some rest.  But he didn't even attempt to swim, and if you know Cap'n, that says it all.

He missed a great swim.  Clear, calm water on a warm and sunny day.  The bay was full of boats and jet skis, so we stayed closer to shore and of course I towed Barbie (my bright orange float).  Apparently that pervert Kahuna couldn't control himself as he kept tugging at her.  The water is definitely getting warmer but still in wetsuit range for everyone except Diablo who continued his streak of skin swims (I guess the cliche about hot blooded Spaniards  has some truth to it).

Flat Water = Long Swim

Next Swim:  Sunday, June 3rd, 1pm

Last Swim:  Saturday June 2nd, 1pm
Water Temp:  55.4 - 57.3
Air Temp:  74 & Sunny
Waves: rippled surface
Water Color & Clarity:  Caribbean Blue & Clear 5-7ft
Crew: The Patriarch, Diablo, Gumdrop, Kahuna, Lane, Capt'n
Special Guest Appearance: Steve on Jetski with two mermaids on-board

Today marked the first official swim on flat water. The bluff surrounding the Klode bay protected the water from gusty westerly winds which resulted in a relatively smooth lake surface.  The calm waters combined with plentiful sunshine, warm air temps and a dazzling blue water hue made it impossible to pass-up an opportunity to swim long today.  ...although, truth be told, Mermaid sightings may have played a role in encouraging the crew to log a longer swim adventure today.

As has been the case all season Diablo logged his swim today skin and made it up to Garage before turning back.  The Patriarch hung with the crew up to "Cedar Grove" before turning around.  The rest of the crew continued up to "Three Piers" before reluctantly turning around....although the mermaid sightings between "Mudslide" and "Three Piers" may have had something to do with that.  (fyi...per Gmap-Pedometer the distance from Klode to Three Piers is .9 miles...round trip is 1.8 miles)

The forecast for tomorrow calls for even better weather than today.  Hope to see ya' on the beach at 1 bell!

Weekend Swim Plans - 6/2 & 6/3

Next Swims:

• Saturday 6/2 - 1pm
• Sunday 6/3 - 1pm

Weather Forecast:

• Saturday - 71 & Sunny
• Sunday - 78 & Sunny

Congrats to the Klode Kru members who participated in last night's Aquathon at Menomonee Park.   The weather conditions were far from ideal (48 & drizzle) but at least the water was warm (67 at the beach.)  Sir James led all skin swimmers and was 6th overall out of the water.

Results Include:

• Riptide - 8th Overall (35:29)
• Capt'n - 13th Overall (37:19....skin!)
• Sir James - 16th Overall (38:19....skin!)
• Not Dave's Wife's Husband (Dave) - 17th Overall (39:01)
• Eileen - 60th Overall (51:21)
• Padre - 71st Overall (55:16)
• AleWife's Husband (Mike) - 72nd Overall (55:43)
• AleWife - 77th Overall (57:54)

Complete results can be found at:  http://www.onlineraceresults.com/race/view_race.php?race_id=25404&relist_record_type=result&lower_bound=0&upper_bound=86&use_previous_sql=1&group_by=default#racetop