My Stinky, Stinky Friend

Next Swims:  Tuesday 8/7 6AM & 6PM, Wed 8/8 6AM

Last Swims: Sunday 8/5 9AM, Monday 8/6 6AM & 6PM
Water Temps: 71.1 - 76.3+
Waves:  calm for AM swims, slight chop PM swim
Water Clarity:  Outstanding for all swims!
Sunday Crew: The Patriarch, Diablo, Gumdrop, Padre, Wonder Woman, David, Ryan, Ron, Kim, Capt'n
Monday AM Crew: Diablo, Gumdrop, Showgirl, Sir James, Ron, Ali, Capt'n
Monday PM Crew: The Patriarch, Wonder Woman, Crash, Dave, Not Dave's Wife, John, Matt, Capt'n

For those who haven't become accustomed to it, encountering it can be a bit unsettling.  No, I'm not referring to Gumdrop's speedo collection or witnessing The Patriarch and his love lube.  I like to refer to it with one of my favorite phrases...."say hello to my stinky, stinky friend!"  Yes, I''m referring to the green algae that will typically line 2 of Klode's 4 beaches this time of year.  The green slime will typically stretch out 5-10 feet from shore, remain between the rock piles and become a little pungent after a few days of fermentation under the hot summer sun.

Where it comes from and where it goes has always been a mystery...but I like to think of it as the way the lake gets back us for the "stinky, stinky friends" we can be sometimes be to the lake...especially for those who like to employ those alternative propulsion and wetsuit warming options.  :(

With the incredibly warm air and water temps this summer one would think it would be a banner year for my "stinky, stinky friend" to hanging around the Klode beach...but it hasn't.  We have seen the algae accumulate along a few of Klode's beaches from time to time this summer but when it has been around it hasn't been nearly as aromatic as in past years.  Even more mysterious recently was the sudden disappearance of the algae from Klode's shores Sunday morning...and the subsequent pleasant arrival of some exceptionally clear water.

What ever the reason it certainly has been the best year ever for swimming in the Lake....crystal clear water, consistently comfortable warm water and only a few brief instances where I've said hello to my "stinky, stinky friend."