They Never Knew

Next Swims: Tue 7/17 6AM & 6PM, and Wed 7/18 6AM (and maybe 6PM too, check back)

Last Swims: Mon 7/16 6AM & 6PM
Water Temp: 70, but cooler pockets in some places
Waves: Small Rollers
Water Clarity:  Not good near shore, but excellent away from shore
AM Crew: Gumdrop, Showgirl, Diablo, Brain, David, Kahuna, Patriarch
PM Crew: Jack Frost, Ele, Kungfu, Patriarch, and about ten triathletes whose names I don't know

Several of the triathletes had never swum in Lake Michigan before, despite having lived here for years or even their whole lives.  They never knew how much fun was to be had right at their doorstep.  They were amazed how good the swimming is.

Here's the thing.  The papers and newscasts are full of negative stories about Lake Michigan.  Sewage overflows, invasive species, algae blooms, polluted beaches, drownings, etc. etc.  The lake can be cold, rough, murky, frightening, dangerous.  It's not surprising that most people think that only a certified nut cake would swim in the Lake.  It's all true, but there's another side to the story, one that's seldom told.  Despite all the problems, all the degradation, all the insults that man can hurl at her, despite all that and more, the Lake is still beautiful, awe inspiring, wild and free.  And on certain days, like today, it can be warm, clear, calm, inviting, fun, addicting.  Perhaps by swimming in her we are doing our little bit to restore the beauty that few others see.