Saturday, August 31, 2013

Big Bay & Back Sunday at 8am?

Next Swims:
   Sunday September 1st @ 8am
   Monday (Labor Day) September 2nd @ noon

Last Swims:
   Friday August 30th @ 8am
      Water Temp:  64.8
      Air Temp: 71 & sunny
      Waves: flat
      Clarity: clear
      Crew: The Patriarch, Diablo, Kahuna, Bubba, Sir James, The Big Show, Nanook, Jillybean, Ben, Pat, Eric, Panini, Capt'n
      Skin Count: 8
      Suit Count: 5

   Friday August 30th @ 6pm
      Water Temp:  60.9
      Air Temp: 78 & cloudy
      Waves: slight chop from east
      Clarity: stirred up
      Crew: The Patriarch, Gumdrop, Crash, Zoom-Zoom, Capt'n
      Skin Count: 4
      Suit Count: 1
      Pitsch Count: 4

   Saturday August 31st @ 8am
      Water Temp: 66.4
      Air Temp: 69 fog/sun
      Waves: moderate chop & current from northeast
      Clarity:  stirred up near shore / clear further out
      Crew:  The Patriarch, Diablo, Kahuna, Nivens McTwisp, Bo, Neo, Nanook, David, Phil, Capt'n with guest appearances by Steph, Gigi, Gumdrop, Sir James, The Big Show, The Fine Wench, Mike and many more...
      Skin Count: 5
      Suit Count: 5

Today's conditions would have made for a fairly challenging Big Bay and back swim so we're hoping to give it another go Sunday morning at 8am.  This morning the Kru opted for a Deadwood (Mudslide) and back swim instead.  Swimming north there were a few instances where you felt like you were going nowhere...but going south felt nearly effortless.  The water was considerably clearer and warmer further out from shore.  With the east winds and waves rolling in perhaps the warmer water will grace our swim tomorrow.

Thursday, August 29, 2013

GTGBFTOTB.....Success!

Next Swims:
   Friday 8/30 @ 6am
   Friday 8/30 @ 6pm (Fish Fry or Blue Sombrero after?)
   Saturday 8/31 @ 8am (Klode to Big Bay & Back?)

Last Swim:
   Thursday 8/29 @ 6pm
      Water Temp: 73!!!
      Air Temp: 78 & sunny
      Waves: slight chop from south
      Clarity: clear
      Crew: The Patriarch, Diablo, Showgirl, Kahuna, Sir James, Sketch, Zoom-Zoom, David, Beth, Christine, Ashly, Capt'n with cameo by Gumdrop
      Skin Count:10
      Suit Count: 2
      Pitsch Count:8

What an amazing day!!  6am swim highlighted by an amazing sunrise while we were in the water and a 6pm swim with crystal clear water conditions and a water temp comfortably in the mid-to-upper 70's!  ...and to top it all off the Klode Kru succeeded in Getting That Great Big Fracking Tire Off The Beach!  :)
Here are the photo highlights:

The GTGBFTOTB Mastermind....

Sir James shows us how they did it in the Navy....

Phase 1 of the project passes inspection....

Proof positive that a picture is worth at least 1,000 words...

The Kru discovers and removes the offspring of the GBFT...

TODAY IS GTGBFTOTB DAY

Next Swims:  Today Thursday 8/29 6PM, followed by our attempt to Get The Great Big F***ing Tire Off The Beach (see yesterday's post and comments for details)

Friday 8/30: Our usual 6AM swim, and also a 6PM Swim followed by a fish fry (place to be determined, open for suggestions)

Weekend Plans:  TBD, open for suggestions, it should be great swimming this weekend

Last Swims:  Thu 8/29 6AM
Water Temp: 65
Waves: small rollers
Water Clarity:  Clear in some spots, cloudy in others
Crew: Showgirl, Big Show, Liz, Brent, David, Robodoc, Sir James, Bubba, Nanook, Diablo, Cap'n, Patriarch
Wetsuit/Skin Count: 6/6

Wed 8/28 PM
Water Temp: 65
Waves:  1 foot
Water Clarity:  OK
Crew: Showgirl, Cap'n, Patriarch, Diablo

A magnificent sunrise and an exceptionally good swim this morning.





Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Death Ride

Next Swims: Today Wednesday 8/28 4:30PM
Thursday & Friday 8/29 & 8/30 6AM

Also:  GTGBFTOTB DAY Thursday (see below)

UPDATE:  WATER TEMP AT 4:30PM was 65, 15 DEGREES WARMER THAN 6AM!

Last Swim:  Wed 8/28 6AM
Water Temp: 49
Waves:  1 foot, building on a northeast wind
Crew:  Cap'n, Bubba, Geoffery
Wetsuit Count: 3
Wimps Watching From Shore: Patriarch, Showgirl, Diablo, Nanook, Monika

On our way back up the bluff we ran into a couple heading down.  They quickly returned, saying that to swim in the cold water would be a "Death Ride".  The good news is that the wind has shifted.  Theoretically today's northeast breeze should bring in warmer water.  We'll be back at 4:30 to test that theory out.

GTGBFTOTB DAY

Thursday is Get The Great Big Fricking Tire Off The Beach Day.  Meet to swim at 6PM.  Post swim, those who are willing will GTGBFTOTB.

THE PROBLEM:  Folks have probably noticed the large tire on the beach, about 50 yards north of down spot. It’s an eye sore on our beloved beach.  The tire is large (it says on it "logging, construction, mining," so it probably was used on an off road dump truck, or earth mover), measuring about 5 feet in circumference and about 20” – 24” wide on the tread surface.  It’s a thick heavy thing, so removal is not a two or three man job.  Currently, there is a good deal of sand and water in it (probably adding 100 to 200 pounds of weight to the tire).  Kahuna and Ryan tried to remove some on Sunday, and move the tire, but couldn’t budge it.

TOOLS/METHOD OF REMOVAL:  Here is what Kahuna estimates we likely will need to get it off the beach: (1) a crew of 6 or so dedicated workers, willing to work at this task perhaps up to an hour; (2)  shovels, round spades and hand trowels to dig out the tire, and get as much sand and water out of the tire as possible (getting as much sand and water as possible out of a beached tire makes the tire much easier to roll/move); and (3) one to three levers and fulcrums (to get the tire tipped up, so we can get it stood up, and moved out of the water).  Note, getting sand out of the tire involves working in a somewhat confined space, so part of the removal crew may find themselves sitting around while the sand/water removal is completed.  Kahuna has one stout lever he can bring (a Big Mutt), and there should be some logs in the woods that can be used as fulcrums.  Anybody go any stout steel rods about 8’ long that we could use as additional levers?  Or a ratchet lever hoist (also called a come along) might be useful.   Kahuna can bring a shovel, a spade and two hand trowels.  The plan is to get the tire off the sand, and then let WFB DPW deal with it from there.  There is also an old normal sized tire at downspout, which we’d also like to get off the beach.  Work gloves may also be a good idea.

TO VOLUNTEER:  If you want to and are willing to help out with this project, please leave a reply comment indicating such, and if you have any steel rod levers or a come along that may be of use.  Thanks.   

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

More of the same

Next Swims:
   Wednesday August 28th @ 6am
   Thursday August 29th @ 6am

Last Swim:
   Tuesday August 27th @ 6pm
      Water Temp:
         47.4 - macho meter
         8.8C (47.4) - Traceable Platinum Scientific Meter
      Air Temp: 94 & sunny
      Waves: flat
      Clarity: crystal clear
      Crew: Capt'n with guest appearances by Sir James, Jack Frost & the Frost Family
      Skin Count: 1


This evening marked the 3rd swim where I've used the Traceable Platinum Scientific Meter to measure the water temp in addition to the Macho Meter 2000.  Up until this evening the Macho Meter had been recording a water temp approx. 1.5 degrees colder than the Traceable.  Oddly the two meters were in sync this evening....although one could argue that once the water temp goes below 50 does it really matter?

Hard to say "no" to a skin swim opportunity when the air temp is on the plus side of 90....so of course I didn't.  Similar to the last two swims, this evening's voyage took me from Klode's northeast beach up to The Garage and back.

Now that the strong west winds have subsided perhaps our warm(er) water will have a chance to return?  Stay tuned....

Record breaking skin swim debate

Next Swim:
   Tuesday August 27th @ 5pm? 6pm? (post comment if interested)
   Wednesday August 28th @ 6am
   Thursday August 29th @ 6am

Last Swims:
   Monday August 26th @ 6pm
      Water Temp:
         46.2 - macho meter
         8.8 C (47.8) - Traceable Platinum Scientific Thermometer
      Air Temp:  87 & Sunny
      Waves: none
      Clarity: crystal clear
      Crew: Gumdrop (skin), Nanook (skin), Andy (suit), Capt'n (skin) with guest appearance by Zoom-Zoom
      Skin Count: 3
      Suit Count: 1

   Tuesday August 27th @ 6am
      Water Temp:
         45.3 - macho meter
         8.3 C (46.9) - Traceable Platinum Scientific Thermometer
      Air Temp: 74 & mostly cloudy
      Waves: none
      Clarity: crystal clear
      Crew: Diablo (skin), Nanook (skin), Bubba (suit), David (suit) with special guest appearance by Capt'n
      Skin Count: 2
      Suit Count: 2

Prior to our last two swims the coldest recorded official skin swim was 47.4 set on June 20th, 2012.  The remarkable accomplishment was achieved by Diablo, Gumdrop and Kahuna.  More than a year later this mark has now been bested twice in less that 12 hours.  Under nearly ideal conditions last night (i.e flat water, clear skies and air temps in the upper 80's) both Gumdrop and I logged separate swims up to garage and back from Klode's northeast beach.  Nanook's skin swim took her half way between the north downspout and Garage.

Not to be outdone both Diablo and Nanook logged skin swims this morning from Klode's northeast beach up to Garage and back....but at a water temperature that was nearly a degree cooler than last night and an air temp that was approximately 15 degrees cooler.  Just for the record....Bubba logged a similar swim to Diablo's but clad in his favorite superhero digs.

While there should be little debate that this morning's skin swim set the Klode Kru record for the coldest skin swim...the question remains as to what to record the official water temp as.  All 3 record cold skin swims have been recorded using the same 'macho meter' but arguably it's a low budget meter that is now on it's 3rd set of batteries and has seen a great deal of action.  The Traceable Platinum Scientific Meter is arguably the most accurate thermometer we've ever used but it wasn't available for the original record and it's unlikely this beast of a device will see much action.

Monday, August 26, 2013

Record Crew receives chilly welcome

Next Swims:
   Monday August 26th @ 6pm
   Tuesday August 27th @ 6am
   Wednesday August 28th @ 6am

Last Swims:
   Sunday August 25th @ noon
      Water Temp: 49.8 - 55.2
      Air Temp:  88 & sunny with strong west wind
      Waves: rippled surface
      Clarity:  clear away from sandbar
      Crew: (40!)  
         (pictured below) - Kahuna, Showgirl, Sir James, The Big Show, Neo, eRun, Ele, Crash, Zoom-Zoom, Don Diego, PrimeTime, Gigi, Diamond Dave, Kate, Ron, Phil, Beth, Chris, Dave, Kristen, Sarah, Steph, Ruth, Scott, Scott, Colleen, Bill, John, John, Capt'n + 8 others
         (not pictured) - Gumdrop, Panini
         Special Guest Appearances: Blondie, Megan, Jim
      Skin Count: 8
      Suit Count: 32

   Monday August 26th @ 6am
      Water Temp:  44.8 - 47.7
      Air Temp:  74 & sunny
      Waves: flat
      Clarity: clear
      Crew: Showgirl, Geoffrey, Capt'n with Guest Appearances by Bubba, Kristi, David, Monika
      Suit Count: 3

Strong west winds arrived overnight Saturday night and with it so did the cooler water temps.  The hot sun and warm air temps combined with a near shore temperature reading in the mid 50's to tempt the record size crew to venture out for a swim.  It didn't take long for those wading out past the Klode rock piles to realize that the mid-50 degree water was more the exception today than the norm.  Still several Kru members logged impressive swims in the cold water.  I counted at least 12 who made the 1 mile round trip journey up to Deadwood and back....4 of which were skin.  On a very impressive note Sir James logged at 41 minute skin swim up to 3 Piers and back.

Not to be out done, the Monday morning Kru logged a garage and back swim in the bone chilling 44.8 degree water....which may qualify for one of the top 5 coldest swims ever!

The plan is to return at 6pm this evening to see if the water temps have rebounded similar to last Thursday.  So far Showgirl, Kristi and myself are in.  Anyone else?


Saturday, August 24, 2013

The Big Show's Big Show

Next Swims:
   Sunday 8/25 @ noon (picnic at Estabrook to follow)
   Monday 8/26 @ 6am

Last Swim:
   Saturday 8/24 @ 8am
      Water Temp:  65.6 (+)
      Air Temp:  low 70's & sunny
      Waves: occasional <1ft p="" swell="">      Clarity:  clear
      Crew: Diablo, Gumdrop, Sir James, Big Show, Bubba, Showgirl, Jack Frost, Neo, Geoffrey, David, Kim, Lorraine, Beth, Capt'n
      Skin Count: 9
      Suit Count: 5

Indeed it was a dandy day for a swim!  Just about every crew member found a reason to swim a little further this morning with most reaching 3 piers before returning to shore   ...and some nearly going to 3 piers and back twice! 

Perhaps it was the abundant sunshine, warm air temps, pristine blue waters and occasional warm (70+?) pockets of water that motivated the Kru this morning.  For Bubba his motivation may have actually resulted from the schools of fish that were taunting him as they swam circles around him. 

Strangely though, there were a few Kru members that were enticed not to swim longer than usual....but to swim faster.  No names will be mentioned here but for anyone who caught a glimpse of The Big Show's Big Show it's probably not too difficult to figure out the motivation of these Kru members.  ...of course I'm alluding to The Big Show's amazing ability to swim on her back as fast (...if not faster...) than most can swim on their stomach.  While getting dropped by someone swimming on their back may put a frown on your face catching a glimpse of The Big Show's post swim show will surely turn your frown upside down!  :)

Friday, August 23, 2013

Continuing to improve

Next Swims:
   Saturday August 24th @ 8am
   Sunday August 25th @ noon (followed by picnic at Estabrook Biergarden)

Last Swim:
   Friday August 23rd @ 6am
      Water Temp:  62.5 (+)
      Air Temp:  58 & sunny
      Waves:  1ft rollers
      Clarity: crystal clear
      Crew: Diablo, Kahuna, Showgirl, Bubba, Sir James, Big Show, Nivens McTwisp, Erin, Panini, Capt'n
      Skin Count: 3
      Suit Count: 7

The water temp just a few feet from the Klode beach measured a consistent 62.5 but the water away from the beach felt more like the upper 60's than the low 60's.  Combine these conditions with the forecast for plentiful sunshine, warm air temps and the warm water that's been rolling in since Thursday morning and we should hopefully have all the right ingredients for an exceptional weekend to swim in the lake.

Congratulations to the Klode Kru mates who participated in last night's Aquathon.  Here's how the Kru fared:

Name Place Finish Run Swim Trans
Matt Ammman 1 32:41:00 18:08 13:50 0:44
Riptide 5 35:49:00 18:56 16:10 0:44
Kungfu 6 36:14:00 20:13 15:23 0:39
Kevin Baseheart 7 36:37:00 22:37 13:36 0:25
Sir James 9 38:02:00 24:36:00 12:55 0:33
The Big Show 10 38:07:00 22:29 14:59 0:41
Capt'n 11 38:18:00 19:45 17:48 0:46
Karen Kimple 12 38:31:00 20:48 16:57 0:47
Gumdrop 15 38:48:00 19:20 18:26 1:03
Kimberly Gebauer 66 58:06:00 33:52:00 23:32 0:43
Harini Aiyer 70 1:05:29 - 33:53:00 -

Complete results can be found at:   http://www.onlineraceresults.com/race/view_race.php?race_id=33192&relist_record_type=result&lower_bound=0&upper_bound=72&use_previous_sql=1&group_by=default#racetop


Thursday, August 22, 2013

Rapid Improvement!

Next Swim:
   Friday 8/23 @ 6am

Last Swim:
   Thursday 8/22 @ 5pm
      Water Temp:  60.4
      Air Temp: 72 & sunny
      Waves: slight chop from north
      Clarity: clear
      Crew: Diablo, Capt'n with guest appearances by Kristen and Diablo Jr's x 4
      Skin Count: 2

Wow...what a remarkable turnaround!  Over the past 36 hours the lake temp has dropped 20 degrees and then gained nearly 13 of it back.

20 degree drop!

Next Swims:
   Thursday 8/22 @ 5pm (special swim to assess conditions)
    (Menomonee Park Aquathon Thursday @ 7:15pm
   Friday 8/23 @ 6am

Last Swim:
   Thursday 8/22 @ 6am
      Water Temp:  47.8
      Air Temp:  71 & sunny
      Waves: 1ft rollers
      Clarity: clear
      Crew:  Gumdrop with guest appearances by Diablo, Showgirl, Bubba, Panini, Capt'n
      Wetsuit Count: 1 (sleeveless)

Yesterday's big west wind appears to have taken its toll on our water temps.  This morning's 20 degree temperature plunge while unexpected is actually not uncommon.  Despite the hot summer we had last year this phenomenon actually occurred twice.  Fortunately for us the warm water last year always returned within 24 hours.  I plan to return at 5pm this evening to reassess the water temp and to possibly swim.  (....which admittedly is much easier with a hot sun beating on your back than the conditions Gumdrop swam with this morning.)

Anyone interested in joining me at 5pm?

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

True Blue Moonrise Swim / Sunrise Swim

Next Swims:
   Thursday 8/22 @ 6am
   (Menomonee Park Aquathon Thursday @ 7:15pm)
   Friday 8/23 @ 6am

Last Swims:
   True Blue Moon Swim Tuesday 8/20 @ 7pm
      Water Temp: 66.4 (-)
      Air Temp:81 & sunny
      Waves: slight chop from south
      Clarity: poor near shore / good further out
      Crew:
         1st wave: Kahuna, Bubba, Jack Frost, Scooby, Sketch, Kristi, Lorraine, David,  Pannini, Capt'n with guest appearance by Liz
         2nd wave: Sir James, The Big Show, Mike, Neo, Gumdrop
      Skin Count: 11
      Suit Count: 4
      Pitsch Count: 10

   Wednesday 8/21 @ 6am
      Water Temp:  65.6 (-)
      Air Temp:  71 & partly sunny
      Waves:  flat
      Clarity: clear
      Crew: Diablo, Gumdrop, Kahuna, Bubba, Showgirl, Nivens McTwisp, Crash,  Jadi, Monika, Jill, Laura, Julie, Capt'n
      Skin Count: 6
      Suit Count: 7
  
Less than ideal water conditions didn't deter the Klode Kru from taking advantage of Tuesday's True Blue Moonrise.  Unlike a Blue Moon which is defined as the "second full moon during a calendar month" a True Blue Moon is defined as "the third full moon during a summer, fall, winter or spring season that has 4 full moons".  The next True Blue Moon will not occur until July 31, 2015.

While the water temps measured in the mid-60's along the shoreline there were pockets of noticeably cooler away from the Klode beach.  If I had to guess I would place these cooler pockets of water closer to 60.  Also noticeable with both our moonrise and sunrise swims were pockets of smelly sea grass washing ashore.  Swimming further offshore (outside of the sandbars) is definitely recommended for a more pristine swimming experience.

Despite the less than ideal conditions a few crew members did log swims at both the True Blue Moonrise swim and this morning's sunrise swim. (Kahuna, Bubba, Gumdrop, Capt'n)

For those that are interested, Thursday evening is the last Aquathon of the year out at Menomonee Park.  Additional details can be found at:  http://www.racedayeventsllc.com/content/aquathon-series-milwaukee

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Full Moon Forecast Looking Fantastic

Next Swims:
   Full Moon Swim Tuesday 8/20 @ 7pm
   Wednesday 8/21 @ 6am
   Thursday 8/22 @ 6am

Last Swims:
   Monday 8/19 @ 6pm
      Water Temp:  69.4 (-)
      Air Temp:  74 & Sunny
      Waves:  occasional low roller from south
      Clarity:  crystal clear
      Crew:  Kahuna, Gumdrop, Scooby, Capt'n
      Skin Count: 4
      Pitsch Count: 4

   Tuesday 8/20 @ 6am
      Water Temp:  66.7 (+)
      Air Temp:  64 & sunny
      Waves:  flat
      Clarity: crystal clear
      Crew:  Diablo, Gumdrop, Bubba, Showgirl, Capt'n
      Skin Count: 5

Clear skies have forecasted for the entire day and evening with air temps reaching the mid 80's.  Combine that with the recent superb water conditions and we have all the right ingredients for a fantastic full moon swim this evening.

A few crew members are also exploring dining/drink options for a post swim outing.  Anyone have any suggestions for a nice location with outdoor seating?

Looking forward to seeing everyone this evening!

Monday, August 19, 2013

Full Moon Swim Tuesday

Next Swims:
   Monday 8/19 @ 6pm (?)
   Tuesday 8/20 @ 6am
   Tuesday 8/20 @ 7pm  (Full Moon rise @ 7:16pm)

Last Swims:
   Sunday 8/18 @ noon
   (as reported by Blondie & The Big Show)
      Water Temp: low 70's
      Air Temp:  sunshine & low 80's
      Waves:  light chop from south
      Clarity:  clear
      Crew:  Diablo, Gumdrop, The Big Show, Sir James, AliKat, Thunder, Don Diego, Sketch, Zoom-Zoom, Kristi, Christina, The Anchor, Lorraine, Crash
      Lifeguards:  Blondi, Beefstick
      Skin Count: 10
      Suit Count: 4
      Pitsch (?) Count: 7

   Monday 8/19 @ 6am
      Water Temp: 67.4
      Air Temp:  61 & sunny
      Waves:  flat
      Clarity:  clear
      Crew: Diablo, Gumdrop, Bubba, Eric, Monika, Panini, Capt'n
      Skin Count: 5
      Suit Count: 2

Our dandy swim conditions have continued through the weekend and into the new week.  Diablo is rumored to be interested in swimming this evening at 6pm.  Anyone else interested?  (Please comment if you are...)

Full moon rises Tuesday at 7:16pm.  Anyone interested in a full moon swim?

Saturday, August 17, 2013

A Perfect Morning

Next Swims:  Sunday Aug 18 noon, Monday Aug 19 6AM

Last Swim: Saturday Aug 17, 8AM
Water temp: 68
Waves:  Flat as a pancake
Water Clarity:  Crystal Clear
Crew: Lorraine, David, Kahuna, Linda, Kristi, Christina, Drew, John, Big Show, Diablo, Bubba, Cap'n, Patriarch

It couldn't have been better this morning.  We swam at the civilized hour of 8, rather than the god-awful 6.  The water was clear warm and flat and everyone was inspired to swim longer than normal, some went as far as Three Piers (where there are actually four piers, but it makes about as much sense as the names we give to our other landmarks).

Diablo will take over blogging duties Sunday as both Cap'n and I will be gone.  I'm going to my nephew's wedding in Florida and will return next week Thursday.  I'm not sure where Cap'n is headed, he mumbled something about mud wrestling pigs in Iowa, but he'll be back on Monday morning.

Friday, August 16, 2013

Great Swimming Continues

Next Swims:  Saturday August 17, 8AM
Sunday August 18th noon? - both Cap'n and I will be gone so we need someone else to take the lead on Sunday's swim

Last Swims: Thursday 8/15 6PM - Double Dip Double Pitsch Pirates Pizza night
Water Temp: 68
Waves: choppy
Water Clarity: not very good
Crew: Kristi, Sir James, Sketch, Jack Frost, Diablo, Cap'n, Patriarch
Suit/Skin Count: 0/7
Pitsch Count: 8
Extra Large Pizza's consumed: 2

Friday Aug 16, 6AM
Water Temp: 65
Waves: calm
Water Clarity:  finally settling out, much better
Crew: Panini, Monika, Julie, Nivens McTwist, Kristi, Kahuna, Showgirl, Linda, Diablo, Bubba, Cap'n, Patriarch
Suit/Skin Count: 3/9

The swimming has been excellent, come on out while it lasts.

P.S.  I started watching the series "Breaking Bad" on Netflix and there is a character who calls himself Capn Cook, who strangely enough looks and talks and acts a lot like our Cap'n.  Except Capn Cook has a meth lab.  Hmmmmmm..... this could explain a lot.

Thursday, August 15, 2013

Double Dip Double Pitsch Pirates Pizza Night!

Next Swims:  Today Thursday August 15, 6PM, followed by (optionally) a Pitsch (or two), followed by a pizza outing to Lisa's (or Pirates Pizza Kitchen or Al Calerone, all good choices

Friday August 16, 6AM
Weekend Swims: TBD - we can discuss tonight

Last Swims:
Thu Aug 15, 6AM
Water Temp:  66
Waves:  Calm
Water Clarity:  Getting better but still stirred up from all the big waves
Crew: David, Kristi, Showgirl, Diablo, Bubba, Cap'n, Patriarch
Suit/Skin Count: 1/6

Wed Aug 14, 6AM
Water Temp: 67
Waves: 2-4 feet
Water Clarity:  terrible
Crew: Kristi, Bubba, Showgirl, Monika, Cap'n, Patriarch
Suit/Skin Count: 1/5

Tue Aug 13, 6PM
Water Temp: 69
Waves: 2-4 ft
Water Clarity: none
Crew:  Sir James, Patriarch, with Showgirl observing
Suit/Skin  1/1

After several days battling wind waves and currents how pleasant and effortless to glide over calm water under clear skies and rising sun.  It was such a nice swim that Diablo proposed a "Double Dipping Day" (sic).  (Having said this, he better show up tonight or face a bombardment of "LOSER!" text messages.)  I'll double down by proposing a (optional) double Pitsch, and the cherry on top will be an outing for pizza.

P.S. I don't know what to say about this other than yikes!
http://www.globalpost.com/dispatches/globalpost-blogs/weird-wide-web/pacu-the-testicle-eating-fish-found-illinois-lake

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Big Waves

Next Swims:  Today, Tuesday August 13th 6PM
Wed, Thu, Fri August 14-16, 6AM

Last Swim:  Tuesday Aug 13, 6AM
Water Temp:  66 on shore, but much warmer further out
Waves:  3-5 ft, with a huge current
Water Clarity:  zero, all stirred up
Crew: Pat, Bubba, Cap'n and Kristi in the water, while Showgirl, Diablo and I watched from shore

Last night's calm water was transformed into a raging caldron of white foam, our first really big waves of the season.  The waves and current were big enough that some of us, including me, decided to be spectators rather than participants.

The most difficult parts are the breakers and undertows near shore.  The worst place to be is on the sandbar just offshore, that's where the waves and undertow are most powerful.  Once past the breakers the swimming becomes much easier.  When going out the trick is to keep moving forward, diving under the whitecaps.  Coming in, it helps to time your exit between the waves and get out when the lake lets you get out.  Don't stand up because the undertow will suck you backwards

We'll be back at 6PM today (Tuesday) to give it another shot.  The wind and waves are expected to diminish somewhat, but they will still probably be big.  

Monday, August 12, 2013

A good call!

Next Swims:
   Tuesday August 13th @ 6am
   Wednesday August 14th @ 6am

Last Swim:
   Monday August 12th @ 6pm
      Water Temp:  71
      Air Temp:  72 & Mostly Sunny with brief shower/rainbow at 7pm
      Waves: none
      Clarity:  crystal clear
      Kru:  The Patriarch, Gumdrop, Kahuna, Jack Frost, Lorraine, Matt, Elias, Dave, Kristen, Kristi, Kristina, Kapt'n
      Skin Count: 11
      Suit Count:1
      Pitsch Count: 13

The Patriarch's Double Dip day declaration from this morning turned out to be a dandy one as warm, crystal clear and calm water greeted the Klode Kru this evening. All but one Kru member walked the plank skin and several swam all the way up to Three Piers before returning to shore for a few boastful rounds of Pitsch.  ...it's not often the Pitsch count exceeds the number Kru members!

Double Dip Monday

Next Swims: Today Monday Aug 12, 6PM
Tue & Wed Aug 13 &14, 6AM

Last Swim: Mon Aug 12, 6AM
Water Temp: 67
Waves: Calm
Water Clarity: Excellent
Crew:  Cap'n, Diablo, Patriarch
Suit/Skin Count: 0/3

When my iPhone starting buzzing at me at 5AM this morning it was dark foggy and drizzling.  I very nearly pulled the covers over my head and went back to sleep.  I'm glad I didn't because it turned out to be an exceptionally good morning to swim.  Warm flat clear water with a crimson sun rising between the clouds.  Cap'n and I were inspired to declare this Double Dip Monday.  We'll be back at 6PM, please join us.

Sunday, August 11, 2013

Great Swimming

Next Swims:  Mon Aug 12 6AM (and maybe 6PM?), Tue Aug 13 AM

Last Swims:
Sat 8/10 noon
Water Temp: 69
Waves:  small
Water Clarity: Good
Crew: Ron, Ron's twin Karen, Tim, Brian, Sir James, Geoffery, Jack Frost, Diablo, Patriarch
Suit/Ski Count: 4/5

Sun 8/11
Water Temp: 68
Waves: Calm
Water Clarity: Good
Crew:  Scooby, Diablo, Kahuna, Patriarch
Suit/Skin Count: 1/3

A great swim on Saturday and great weather.  A little light rain on Sunday, but near perfect conditions in the water.  And it was nice to see Kahuna and Scooby again.

Friday, August 9, 2013

Open the Inlet!

Next Swims: Saturday Aug 10 noon, Sunday Aug 11 noon

Last Swims: Thu 8/8 6AM
Water Temp: 64
Waves:  2 ft very choppy and irregular, difficult swimming
Water Clarity: poor
Crew: Showgirl, Bubba, Gumdrop, Diablo, Cap'n, Patriarch
Am I missing someone?
Suit/Skin Count 0/6

Fri: 8/9 11AM at Discovery World
Water Temp: 69 off the Discovery World dock, warmer in the inlet between Lakeshore Park and Summerfest
Waves: Calm
Water Clarity:  Water was clear and clean but bottom not visible
Crew: Don, Bubba, Cap'n, Patriarch
Suit/Skin Count: 0/4

Finally, we got a chance to swim next to Discovery World and in the inlet between Lakeshore State Park and Summerfest.  A great place to swim!  The full Olympic distance swim course was not open, just the sprint course so we swam it three times.  The water was clear clean and warm, and because it's protected from the open lake it was calm.  Its a wonderful location next to summerfest with the downtown skyline in view.  It's an inviting and obvious place to swim.

This brings up the question:  why is swimming normally not allowed in that area?  It seems like a tremendous resource just being wasted.  Sure, there are no lifeguards, but that's true of many state and county beaches.

Open the Inlet!

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Swim the USAT course Friday

Next Swims:  Thursday 8/8 6AM
Friday August 9 11AM at Discovery World to swim the USAT course.  Here are maps:
http://www.usatriathlon.org/events/usat/2013/08/olympic-national-championship/course.aspx

The USAT championships this weekend features a 1500 swim course behind the break wall in an area adjacent to Discovery World, Lakeshore Park, and Summerfest.  The course is open for practice from 11AM - 1PM, and we are hoping that they will allow non-participants to swim.  Normally this area is closed to swimming, so this will be a new experience for everyone.  Meet at 11AM at the swim start on the south side of Discovery World.  I am going to bike there on the bike path from Shorewood, if anyone wants to join me.

Last Swims: Tue 8/6 6AM
Water Temp: 61
Waves: gentle rollers
Water Clarity: Good
Crew: Gumdrop, Showgirl, Bubba, Diablo, Patriarch, Cap'n
Suit/Skin Count: 1/5

Wed 8/7 6AM
Water Temp: 64
Waves: Choppy
Water Clarity: Good
Crew: Showgirl, Diablo, Cap'n, Patriarch
Suit/Skin Count: 0/4

Monday, August 5, 2013

Pleasant Conditions Returning?

Next Swims:
   Tuesday August 6th @ 6am
   Wednesday August 6th @ 6am

Last Swims:
   Saturday August 3rd @ noon
   Sunday August 4th @ noon
   Monday August 5th @ 6am

Conditions Sat. 8/3:
   Water Temp:  66+
   Air Temp:  74 @ sunny
   Waves:  slight chop from northeast
   Clarity:  clear
   Crew: The Patriarch, Diablo, Ele, Neo, Anna, Sarah, Erin, Capt'n
   Skin Count: 6
   Suit Count: 2
   Pitsch Count: 5

Conditions Sun. 8/4:
   Water Temp:  69+
   Air Temp:  72 @ Sunny
   Waves:  1-2ft
   Clarity:  clear outside of sandbars
   Crew:  The Patriarch, Diablo, Ele, Mr. Amazing, Kung Fu, Sir James, Rachel, Blondie, Thunder, Beefstick, Matt, Paul, Mike, Joann, Sarah, Rick, Grace, Janine, Doug, Pete, Leo, Capt'n with guest appearances by Ingrid and Kim
   Skin Count: 9
   Suit Count: 13
   Pitsch Count: 7

Conditions Mon. 8/5
   Water Temp:  67
   Air Temp:  60 & cloudy
   Waves:  occasional roller
   Clarity: clear in spots
   Crew:  The Patriarch, Gumdrop, Bubba, Capt'n
   Skin Count: 4

The east winds appear to have brought back our pleasant water temps and the pleasant air temps appear to have brought out near record crew sizes.  Sunday's crew size of 22 was our largest of the year and may have tied our record for largest crew without having a special event (...such an advertised rare appearance by the Fine Wench...).  Pockets of warmer water (70+?) were encountered during both swims over the weekend.  Perhaps a sign of what's to come?

...also noteworthy from our weekend swims....with Saturday's swim, for the first time this year our total skin count for the year has surpassed the total wetsuit count.  Following this morning's swim the counts stand at:  Skin Count 230 / Suit Count 227.

Friday, August 2, 2013

Good to Be Back

Next Swims:  Sat 8/3 noon & Sun 8/4 noon

Last Swim:  Fri 8/2 6AM
Water Temp: 63
Waves:  Calm
Water Clarity: Excellent
Crew: Patriarch, Cap'n, Diablo, Gumdrop, Showgirl, Matt, Mr. Amazing, Geoffery, Jill, Laura and special guest Ingrid, Mr. Amazing's fiance
Suit/Skin Count: 5/5

I had a great canoe trip to the Boundary Waters, but it's also good to be back.  One of our campsites was less than a 100 yards from the Canadian side, so I swam across the border where I was hotly pursued by Dudley Do-Right of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (or maybe I imagined that part).

Cap'n seemed unusually chipper this morning, his mood buoyed I suspect by his takedown of James at the very end of last night's aquathon.

Also it was good to see Mr. Amazing visiting from Vegas, and meet his fiancé Ingrid.

Thursday, August 1, 2013

technically continuing streak

Next Swims:
      Friday August 2nd @ 6am
      Saturday August 3rd @ noon
      Sunday August 4th @ noon

(Aquathon Thursday August 1st @ 7:15pm - Menomonee Park)

Last Swims:
   Thursday August 1st @ 6am
      Water Temp:  62.2
      Air Temp:  61 @ sunny
      Waves: sheet of glass
      Clarity:  crystal
      Crew:   Diablo, Showgirl, Bubba, David, Capt'n
      Skin Count:  4
      Suit Count: 1

   Wednesday July 31st @ 6am
      Water Temp:  64.5
      Air Temp:  64 & drizzle
      Waves: calm
      Clarity:  clear
      Crew:  Diablo, Showgirl, Bubba, Nivens McTwisp, Littlefish, Jadi, Capt'n
      Skin Count:  4
      Suit Count: 3  

Technically our streak of consecutive swims where the water temps have been warmer than the air temp is now at 5.  Without the benefit of having an evening swim the past two nights it's hard to say for sure whether our recent trend would have continued this long.  With the spectacular weekend weather forecast it appears likely that this streak will come to end with our weekend swims.  Both swims are currently planned for noon.  As always, please post a comment if you have a preference for an earlier/later swim time.