Save The Date

The Whitefish Bay episode of Around the Corner with John McGivern will air on Thursday January 26th at 7PM on PBS channel 10.1.  The Klode Cru will appear in one segment.

There will be a screening on Tuesday January 24th at the Whitefish Bay auditorium.  Free!  Open to the public.  Doors open 5:30PM, show at 7PM.  Please join us.

Lake Michigan: Your Year Around Swim Destination

Next Swim:  Saturday?

Last Swim:  Tuesday November 22nd 2PM
Water: 39!! Choppy and Murky

Crew:  Diablo, Itch, while I took pictures from shore

So the weather is wintery and the water temp has fallen into the 30s, so I assumed, as I think any reasonable person would, swim season was over.  The key word being "reasonable".  I ran into Diablo today and he told me he and Itch were swimming at two.  I thought he was joking but for once he was not.  Photographic proof below.  (If you look closely you will see that they swam in opposite directions.  I didn't ask why, just one more unexplainable Kru phenomenon.)

So the water temperature can only go down a few more degrees to 32, so I figure what the heck, let's just swim all year!  Drill through the ice, if necessary.  Are you with us?!  (Not actually me I am using the rhetorical "us", I mean Itch and Diablo and whoever else is completely nuts.  My job will be to point out where to chip the bodies out of the ice)

Apolitical Swimming

Next Swims: Weekday Swims, post to the blog. Itch said he might swim at 2pm.
Saturday, Sunday 11/12,13 noon

Last Swim:  Sunday Noon
Water:  54.5 annoying chop out of the south
Clarity: crystal
Crew:  Itch, Diablo, Handyman Hank, Showgirl, We'Taco, Gumdrop, Mike, Panini
Shore Support: Squeeze o'Showgirl, Mike's son, Mike's son's dog
skin/suit: 3/5

Today's water temp was about the same as yesterday, but the group motivation seemed a wee bit lower.  However, the lake rewarded us for our efforts with amazing, sparkling water clarity.

We swam south into the chop, most to the picnic table, a few further.  Mike said he saw a big fish.

These creatures were also spotted creeping near the shoreline:

We've Made Swimming Great Again!

Next Swims: Sunday November 6th noon
Monday 5:30pm ?

Last Swim:  Saturday Noon
Water:  54.3 beautifully calm
Clarity: so-so
Crew:  Itch, Diablo, Crash, Handyman Hank, Drangonfly, Showgirl, We'Taco, Gumdrop, Mike
Shore Support: Squeeze o'Crash, Squeeze o'Showgirl
skin/suit: 5/4

Okay, we didn't make swimming great again, swimming has always been great.  But it was exceptionally great today, given that it's NOVEMBER and we're still swimming.

We arrived at the beach to see completely flat water and a cloudless sky.  The International Man of Mystery, Diablo, made his mysterious entrance thru the trees.

Also notable, the skins outnumbered the suits!  There was a lot of post-swim shivering, but it was totally worth it, as we warmed up in the beautiful sun. Several swam to mudslide, and others to the birches.  Unfortunately, as the leaves have fallen, THE birches are harder to identify among all the other... birches.

And, while we jumped into the lake with abandon, this creature struggled to exit.

I Like Pina Coladas

Next Swims:  Friday November 4th 5:30PM
Saturday November 5th noon
Sunday November 6th noon

Last Swim:  Thursday November 3rd 3PM
Water:  55 calm and crystal clear
Crew:  Itch, Patriarch

Itch and I decided to take advantage of a sunny warm November day and swim at 3 instead of 5:30.  Good choice.  We had a great swim, especially considering the date.

Unfortunately this will be my last Lake Michigan swim of the year.  I am leaving for a ten day vacation and do not expect swimmable temperatures when I return.  On the other hand I will be in the Carribean, so I'll be swimming in warm water and sipping pina colodas on a white sand beach while you guys are shivering in fifty degree water.  Ha Ha Ha Ha

A bad (swim) day in November

Next Swim:  Thursday November 3rd 5:30

Non-Swim Report Wednesday November 2nd 5:30PM
Water:  54 murky 1-2 foot waves

Coll and wet on the beach today, we'll try again tomorrow.

Go Cubbies!

A good day in November

Next Swim: Wednesday November 2nd 5:30PM

Last Swim: Tuesday November 1st 5:30 PM
Water: 55 calm murky
Crew: Itch (skin), Gumdrop, Patriarch

Here are words I never thought I'd write: I swam in Lake Michigan in November and enjoyed it.

Oh my God, Addison Russell just hit a grand slam!  If the Cubs hang on maybe tomorrow there will more words that haven't been written in over a century.

Can we make it to November?

Next Swim: Tuesday November(!) 1st 5:30PM

Last Swim: Halloween Monday October 3 1st 5:30PM
Water:  53 rough and murky, Air: cool and windy
Crew:  Gumdrop, Itch

Here's a picture from Saturday's glorious swim

Swim into November?

Next Swim: Monday October 31st 5:30PM

Sunday non-swim report:  After yesterday's near perfect autumn day it was hard to generate any enthusiasm for swimming in cold (54) murky rough water on a cool raw windswept beach.  Maybe hangovers from Capt'ns party last night had something to do with it too. Diablo, Panini, Drangonfly, Itch, Wet Taco, Handyman Hank and me had a Pitsch and called it a day.

Many of us, including me, are ready to hang up the wetsuit for the season. But there are diehards, Itch for one, who want to keep going.  Some were even talking about swimming on November 22nd which would be exactly six months from our first swim of the season.  Persistence or madness?

P.S.  If anyone has any good pictures from the party please share.

October Surprise

Next Swim: Sunday October October 30th Noon

Last Swim:  Saturday October 29th Noon
Water: 55, a little choppy, and somewhat murky
Crew: Showgirl, Panini, Crash, Wet Taco, Gumdrop, Handyman Hank, Mike, Itch, Patriarch

Whoddathunk that we'd have nine people in the water at the end of October?  The beautiful autumn day and the peak fall colors added to the amazement.

Spooky Glowing Eyes

Next Swims:  Friday Oct 28th 5:30 PM, Saturday Oct 29th noon

Last Swim: Thursday Oct 27th 5:30PM
Water:  53 murky small rollers
Crew:  Itch with Diablo lurking in the bushes

Itch, swimming by himself claim to have seen "a pair of spooking glowing eyes in the bushes past Birch Trees".  It sounds like Diablo to me.

Gale Warning Today

Next Swim: Thursday October 27th 5:30PM

Last Swim:  I'm not sure if anybody swam yesterday (Tuesday).  If so, please report.

Forecast for today (Wednesday) looks positively dreadful.  Cold windy rainy and big waves.  So we won't swim today but I'm planning to stop down at 5:30 just to see the predicted 7-9 foot waves.

Try Again

Next Swims:  Tuesday Oct 25th 5:30PM

Non-Swim Report:
Water:  54 with 2-4 ft waves
Cold dark and windy so we'll try again tomorrow

Some Life in the Old Girl Yet

Next Swim: Monday October 24th 5:30PM

Last Swim: Sunday October 23rd noon
Water: 55 clear and a bit choppy
Crew: Gumdrop, Itch, Handyman Hank, Mike, Panini, Drangonfly, Lorraine, Diablo, Wet Taco, Patriarch

A great swim on a beautiful autumn day.  A delirious scene on the beach afterwards.  Panini giving hugs to everyone.  Some of the more unhinged Kru members talking about swimming next weekend. It's amazing what swimming does to your mood.

Last Chance?

Next Swim: Sunday October 23rd noon

Last Swim:  Saturday October 22nd noon
Water: 54 clear and gently rolling
Crew: Gumdrop, Itch, Hank, Diablo (skin!), Wet Taco, Drangonfly, Patriarch

A week of sub 50 water temps and rough water made me think the season might be over, but then today a reprieve sent the temp up to 54, calmed the rough seas and drew many of us back into the water.

But it won't last long, Sunday may well be our last (or at least my last) of the season.

No No Not the Pool

Next Swim: Saturday October 22nd noon
We may also swim Sunday, depending on what we find Saturday

Thursday Oct 20th Non-Swim Report
Water: 47 with 3-4 ft waves - Too Cold and too rough to swim
Itch & Wet Taco and I had a Pitsch and called it a day

This is the six straight day the water temp is below 50, despite all the NOAA maps charts and graphs that show much warmer nearby.  It seems desperate to keep trying but I'm putting off the return to the pool as long as possible.

Still 48

Next Swim: Thursday October 20th 5:30PM

Last Swim: Wednesday October 19th. 5:30PM
Water: 48 dead calm and crystal clear
Crew:Itch, Gumdrop

Fooled (Again!)

Next Swim:  Wednesday October 19th 5:30 PM

Last Swim: Tuesday October 18th 5:30PM
Water: 49 calm and crystal clear
Swimmers: Itch, Wet Taco, Hank, Panini, Drangonfly - Spectator: Patriarch

The Atwater buoy is functioning again and measured as high as 58 yesterday raising our hopes for warmer swim, but alas it was a cruel joke.  Maybe today?

Battle Royale

Next Swim:  Tuesday October 18th 5:30PM

Last Swim:  Monday October 17th 5:30PM
Water:  50 clear with small rollers
Swimers: Itch & Wet Taco, Spectators:  Hank and Patriarch

Ralph and Alice, Lucy and Desi, George and Gracie, Archie and Edith, Kim and Kanye, Itch and Wet Taco.  You don't need to tune into the Hillary/Donald debate to see a good fight between the sexes, just come down to the beach and listen to Itch and Wet Taco trade insults and put downs.  I was a little worried when the two of them plunged into the water that only one would return, but thankfully their battle is just verbal (so far).

Showgirl Returns

Next Swim:  Monday October 17th 5:30PM

Last Swims: Saturday October 15th - Full Moon Swim/ Pirates Pizza Night
Water: 50 with small waves
Crew: Gumdrop, Itch, Wet Taco, Lenore (skin!), and watching from the beach: No-Ply, 2-Ply, Lorraine, Patriarch
Pizzas Consumed:  3 extra large, Pitchers of Beer: Lost Count

Sunday October 16th noon
Water: 47 (yikes!) calm and crystal clear
Crew: Showgirl!, Diablo (skin!), Itch, and watching from shore: Crash, Wet Taco, Hank & Nancy, Patriarch

After a month's absence Showgirl returned to the beach with her trademark flair and flamboyance.  Without hesitation (not much anyway) she threw on her wetsuit and jumped into 47 degree water.  We're glad you're back Showgirl.

Full Moon Swim / Pirates Pizza Night

Next Swim:  Full Moon Swim, Saturday October 15th 5:30PM
Full Moon rises over the lake at 6:12PM
Following the swim we will go out for pizza (Lisa's?)

Sunday October 16th noon

Last Swim: Friday October 14th 5:30PM
Water:  57, 2-3 foot waves
Crew:  Itch, Patriarch, 4-Ply (2-Ply comes to the beach fully clothed over a wetsuit and leaves with more layers than an Eskimo)

Currently the forecast for Saturday night calls for cloudy skies and big waves, but the forecast is often wrong.  The worst that could happen is we skip the swim, have a Pitsch and go for pizza.

Lorraine:  I have your watch.  Diablo found it and gave it to me.

Ecstasy and Agony

Next Swim: Friday October 14th 5:30PM

Last Swim: Thursday October 13th 5:30PM
Water: 57 calm clear
Crew: Kahuna, Wet Taco, Lorraine, Drangonfly, Itch, Patriarch

Swimming at dusk is incredibly beautiful, especially in the full colors of autumn and more especially under an almost full moon rising over the lake.  But emerging from (relatively) warm water to a cold and windy beach was painful.  Fingers didn't work.  Feet turned to blocks of ice.  Even a shot of Pitsch couldn't warm us up.  Drangonfly's excellent birthday cupcakes helped.

Options for Saturday swim are:
1) 7AM swim (Kahuna'a proposal)
2) Midday (noon) swim
3) Full Moon swim - full moon rises over the lake at 6:13PM, followed by Pirates Pizza Night.
Please comment if you have a preference

Message from Lorraine (the Hun, not to be confused with Attila)
I lost my watch (again!) on the beach tonight. Diablo (or anyone else), if you go in the am or anytime Fri and happen to see it where I usually park (near the wall/black pipe), please save it for me! It's a blue women's timex ironman classic digital watch - looks like this https://goo.gl/iQM9ro . Thx.

Birtday Treats

Next Swim:  Thursday October 13th 5:30PM

Last Swim: Wednesday October 12th 5:30PM
Water: 60 flat aqua
Crew:  Itch plus two deer frolicking on the beach

Drangonfly made the mistake of telling us that Thursday is her birthday, so now we are expecting delicious treats.

Diehards

Next Swim: Wednesday October 12th 5:30PM

Last Swim: Tuesday October 11th 5:30PM
Water: 60 murky, 2-3 ft waves
Crew: Drangonfly, Lorraine (The Hun?), Itch, Patriarch

We're going day-to-day now with only a few diehards showing up to swim (among whom I proudly count myself).  The full moon rises over the Lake on Saturday at 6:13PM.  That might be a good opportunity for a Pirates Pizza Night.  Stay tuned.

Lorraine has gone far too long without a swimming name.  Itch has proposed "The Hun" which is a good description of her swimming style.  Last night for example she was determined to make it to the Silver Spring downspout no matter the big waves and current, and then she was upset that her watch wasn't working so she couldn't record the time.

Getting High on the Beach

Next Swim: Tuesday October 11th 5:30 PM

Last Swim: Monday October 10th 5:30 PM
Water: 60 with 2-3 foot waves
Crew:  Itch, Patriarch

Not many people on the beach this time of year.  Tonight it was just me, Itch, and two happy young ladies who were smoking some funny smelling stuff.  Itch and I got high the old fashioned way, we swam.

Good Advice

Next Swim:  Monday October 10th 5:30PM

Last Swim: Sunday October 9th 1PM Atwater Beach "Shipwreck" swim
Water:  59 clear 1-2 foot waves
Crew: Gumdrop, Kahuna, Lorraine, Drangonfly, Itch, Forger, Wet Taco, Patriarch

No finer place to spend a fine autumn day than in the lake.  You just need to remember that it's going to be cold and windy when you emerge from the water so it's important to change into warm dry clothes as fast as possible.  This has been a public service announcement brought to you by mom.  (And don't drink Luxardo it tastes terrible and it will eat you up from the inside.)

Shipwreck Swim Sunday at 1PM

Next Swim:  1PM Sunday October 9th ATWATER BEACH
Meet at the flagpole on top of the bluff.
We will swim to the shipwreck: http://www.wisconsinshipwrecks.org/vessel/Details/31  The water is very clear and calm and should remain so on Sunday so it should be an excellent day to swim to the shipwreck about a quarter mile offshore.

Last Swim:  Saturday October 8th noon
Water: 61 crystal clear almost calm
Crew: Wet Taco, Drangonfly, Lorraine, Diablo, Gumdrop, Kahuna, Itch, Patriarch

On the way back from Mudslide the surface ripples were moving in the same direction and speed as we were, so the dappled sunlight on the bottom seemed to be moving with us.  It was mesmerizing to be in such total harmony with the lake, sun, sky and water.

Lake Michigan Dreaming

Weekend Swims:  Saturday noon, Sunday 1PM

Last Swim: Friday October 7th 5:30PM
Water:  61 calm and very clear
Crew: Wet Taco, Drangonfly, Gumdrop, Itch, Patriarch

Tonight's sunset was spectacular.  Not looking west towards the setting sun, but looking east over the lake.  Pink, rose, turquoise, indigo, purple and a bunch of other colors, all accented by a cresent moon.  This time of year every swim could be our last. Soon all of this will be a dream.  Or maybe I'm already dreaming?

Nobody's seen Capt'n or Showgirl in weeks.  Hmmmmmmmm

Halloweenie

Next Swim: Friday October 7th 5:30PM (encroaching darkest forces us to start earlier)

Last Swim: Thursday October 6th 6PM
Water: 62, a bit choppy, not clear but at least you could see your hand
Crew: Lorraine, Itch, Patriarch

It's starting to look very Halloweenie on the beach.  Dusk.   Dark Clouds. Deep blue sky.  Muted reds and yellows on the bluff.  Melancholy in an eerie sort of way.  All we need is someone in a scary clown outfit.  Capt'n?  Gumdrop?  Panini?

Great October Swimming Continues

Next Swim: Thursday October 6th 6PM

Last Swim: Wednesday October 5th 6PM
Water:  63 murky and gently rolling
Crew: Lorraine, Drangonfly, Panini, Wet Taco, Itch, Mr Anonymous, Handyman Hank

Our Secret Place

Next Swim: Wednesday October 5th 6PM

Last Swim:  Tuesday October 4th 6PM
Water: 63 clear with 1-2 foot waves
Crew: Itch, Kahuna, Patriarch

It's a bit eerie swimming in the dusk, but great swimming is still to be had.  The colors on the lake bluff are beginning to peak and the view from the lake is one of the most beautiful autumn scenes around.  But few people see it, it's our own little secret place.

Skin in October

Next Swim:  Tuesday October 4th 6PM

Last Swim: Monday October 3rd 6PM
Water: 64 small rollers, murky
Crew: Itch, Wet Taco, Patriarch, plus Mike and his friend were leaving as wee were coming, also Diablo is still swimming in the morning

I don't believe I've ever swum skin in October, but how could I not when the water is 64.

Octoberfest

Next Swim: Monday October 3rd 6PM

Last Swim: Sunday October 2nd Noon
Water: 60(!) Choppy, Very Clear
Crew: Itch, Handyman Hank, Gumdrop, Diablo, Drangonfly, Patriarch

A fine swim today, made even better because it was unexpected.  Where did yesterday's cold gunky water go?  Who cares?

The colors on the lake bluff are intensifying, quite beautiful from the water.  Breathing on both sides I saw brilliantly colored trees on one side, muted pastels of water sky and clouds on the other side, and between breaths golden rippled sand below.

One of our best swims ever, certainly one of the best for October.   Is it too much to ask for more days like this?  Probably, but you never know.

October and Still Going Strong

Next Swim: Sunday October 2nd noon
Note:  The Milwaukee Marathon is Sunday, and I believe Klode is one of the aid stations.  It might be over by noon but if not you may need to park a couple blocks away (or ride your bike)

Last Swim: Saturday October 1st
Water: 56, 2-3 ft swells with chop, gunky especially near shore
Crew: Itch, Gumdrop, Forger, Handyman Hank, Mike, Patriarch

Cool and drizzly weather with cold rough and gunky water did not exactly make for the best swim day.  But it's still way more fun than the pool, so we're going to keep on as long as we can.  It should be sunnier and calmer tomorrow.

Good luck to Marathon participants and volunteers.  Stop by after the event to cool your tired and sore legs and celebrate your accomplishment with a Pitsch.

Swimming in October

Next Swim: Saturday October 1st noon, possibly Sunday noon as well, check back

The water temp Thursday evening was a very swimmable 55, but the waves too big and rough.  Friday's prediction is for even rougher seas, but the waves should diminish by Saturday.  This weekend may be our last hurrah.  (Or at least my last hurrah, Itch and Wet Taco are determined to swim until Thanksgiving!).   Come to the beach and help us make it happen.  Impress your friends with tales of swimming in Lake Michigan in October.  (Or appall them.)

October or Bust

Next Swim:  Thu September 28th 6PM

I could not be at the beach last night, but I got a report from Itch that the water was too rough to swim.  The water temp was 54.

Looking at today's forecast, 5-7 waves are predicted.  One might conclude that it was not a good day to swim, or even that the season might be over.

Balderdash I say!  We are going to swim into October.  It might be too rough tonight, but we won't concede defeat without at least trying.  And if it doesn't happen we'll try again tomorrow and on the weekend.

Surprisingly Good

Next Swim: Wed Sept. 28th 6PM

Last Swim: Tue Sept. 27th 6PM
Water: 54 clear and calm
Crew:  Gumdrop, Itch, Patriarch, and Handyman Hank stopped by to spectate.

I didn't expect much on this cool drizzly autumn day, but it turned out to be a very nice swim.  We may make it to October after all.

Perhaps it's time to begin planning a season end pizza night.  Maybe Friday?

Lured In

Next Swim: Tue September 27th 6PM

Last Swims:  Mon Sept 26th 6:30AM
Water: 51 Calm and Clear
Crew: Diablo, Panini, Patriarch

Sun Sept 25th 1PM
Water:  57 murky, 2-4 ft waves with an occasional 5 footer
Crew: Wet Taco, LL Cold Jay, Drangonfly, Diablo, Itch, Patriarch

I made three major mistakes this morning.

First I let Panini talk me into scheduling a 6:30AM swim. It sucks to get up in the cold and dark.

Next I let her talk me into taking the plunge even though I usually don't when the water is so cold.

But worst of all, once I got over the initial shock I talked myself into thinking that the water wasn't really that bad.  In fact I was having a great swim.  The combination of calm water and the added bouyancy of a full wetsuit made it feel more like gliding than swimming.  So we ended up swimming a half hour.

What I hadn't taken into account was how cold and windy it was on the beach.  After we got back I cooled down very quickly.  My hands were so cold I couldn't turn the key on my bike lock and had to ask a guy in the parking lot to do it for me. Is that pathetic or what?

What's even more pathetic I let this happen even though I should know better by now.  That's what the Lake does to you.

I'm such a sap.  I'll do anything a pretty lady asks.

Lured In

Next Swim: Tue September 27th 6PM

Last Swims:  Mon Sept 26th 6:30AM
Water: 51 Calm and Clear
Crew: Diablo, Panini, Patriarch

Sun Sept 25th 1PM
Water:  57 murky, 2-4 ft waves with an occasional 5 footer
Crew: Wet Taco, LL Cold Jay, Drangonfly, Diablo, Itch, Patriarch

I made three major mistakes this morning.

First I let Panini talk me into scheduling a 6:30AM swim. It sucks to get up in the cold and dark.

Next I let her talk me into taking the plunge even though I usually don't when the water is so cold.

But worst of all, once I got over the initial shock I talked myself into thinking that the water wasn't really that bad.  In fact I was having a great swim.  The combination of calm water and the added bouyancy of a full wetsuit made it feel more like gliding than swimming.  So we ended up swimming a half hour.

What I hadn't taken into account was how cold and windy it was on the beach.  After we got back I cooled down very quickly.  My hands were so cold I couldn't turn the key on my bike lock and had to ask a guy in the parking lot to do it for me. Is that pathetic or what?

What's even more pathetic I let this happen even though I should know better by now.  That's what the Lake does to you.

Riding the Waves Into October?

Next Swims:  Sunday September 25th 1PM
Monday September 26th 6:30AM

Last Swim:  Saturday September 24th 1PM
Water: 58 murky, 2-4 foot swells
Crew: Mike, Itch, Wet Taco, Panini, Kahuna, Lenore, Gumdrop, Patriarch

October is less than a week away.  We we still be swimming?  Latest poles show a dead heat (dead cold?).  It was still pretty good yesterday, a bit wavy but rolling waves not choppy, fun swimming.  

It Ain't Over Yet, Is It?

Next Swims:  Saturday September 24th and Sunday September 25th, 1PM both days

Last Swim: Thursday September 21st 6PM
Water: 50 calm and clear
Crew: Itch and Gumdrop in the water, Patriarch on shore

Even though it's the first day of autumn and even though the current water temp is only 50 the season can't be over yet.  No way.  No how.  Hell, the trees have barely started turning.  I can remember lots of swims in late September and early October.  There just has to be some good days left.  Right?

Bold Predictions

Next Swim: Thursday September 22nd 6PM. If you would like to swim before then post a comment.

Last Swim: Tuesday Sept. 20th 6PM
Water: 51 calm and clear
Swimmers: Mike, Itch, Drangonfly
Spectators:  Patriarch, Capt'n, Handyman Hank

Hank made a bold prediction:  the water temp would be between 45 and 62!  Absolutely correct!  It was 51.  Any predictions for tomorrow Hank?

Not Quite Skinable

Next Swim:
   Tuesday September 20 @ 6pm
   (please post comment if you're interested in going before then)

Last Swims:
   Saturday September 17th @ 1pm
      Water Temp:  52
      Waves: calm
      Clarity: clear
      Crew:  Itch, Gumdrop, Handyman Hank, Panini, Dragonfly, Wet Taco, Capt'n
      Skin / Suit:  2 / 4
   Sunday September 18th @ noon
      Water temp: 48
      Waves: calm
      Clarity: clear
      Crew: Itch, Dragon Fly, Mr. Anonymous, Mike, Michael, Gumdrop, Crash, Panini, Wet Taco, Capt'n
      Skin / Suit:  0 / 5

The Lady of the Lake may be giving us the cold shoulder these days but Mother Nature is doing her best to change that for us.  The warm water is out there so there's certainly a chance it may roll back ashore.  Itch plans to come back Tuesday evening at 6pm.  Please post a comment if you're interested in swimming before then.

Still Skinable

Next Swims:
   Saturday September 17th at 1pm
   Sunday September 18th at Noon

Last Swim:
   Friday September 16th at 6am
      Water Temp:  60 (per Itch-o-meter)
      Waves: organized 1-4ft every 3 seconds
      Clarity: Undetermined
      Sunrise: Crimson Red Horizon with mostly cloudy skies
      Crew: Diablo, Showgirl, Itch, Capt'n
      Skin / Suit:  4/0

The Crimson Red horizon under mostly cloudy skies made for a spectacular start to our swim this morning.  Toe tests this morning initially indicated water temps in the mid/upper 50's...but the itch-o-meter soon after registered temps on the plus side of 60.  1-4ft waves methodically rolling into shore along Klode's south beach made for an entertaining start to our swim as they would quickly swallow up those who dared to walk the plank this morning.  With the 10:30am Al's run start the swim time Saturday has been pushed back to 1pm.

Aye, it's a'right (sort of)

Next Swims: Thurs-Fri 09/15-16 6am
Evening Swims: 6pm 09/14

Last Swim: 6am Wed 09/14

Water Temp: Mid to lower 50's
Water Clarity: so-so, clearer further out
Water condition: small swells out of the south
Crew: Diablo, Showgirl, Mike
Suit/Skin: 1/2
Biting Flies: none, mosquitoes: some

It's getting quieter at the beach, and in the parking lot.

Today was just a few degrees colder than yesterday.  The clouds obscured the sunrise.  I made the short trip to sewerpipe, Diablo and Mike went further.

Knearly Knuckle-head

Next Swims: Wed-Fri 09/14-16 6am
Evening Swims: 6pm  (check comments)

Last Swim: 6am Tues 09/13

Water Temp: Mid to high 50's (from my pretty accurate toe-mometer.  Show-mometer?)
Water Clarity: so-so, clearer further out
Water condition: small swells out of the south
Crew: Diablo, Showgirl, Rachel, Gumdrop
Suit/Skin: 1/3
Biting Flies: none
Knucke-head-ometer: possibly in the green

There were rumors of a 5:15AM swim, that turned out to be just that.  Possibly deterred by lightening + cold water.

The 6am swim occurred as planned, with eyes open for lightening.  Diablo and I swam to birches.  On the return trip, I thought I saw a flash. Tried (and failed) to alert him, so we just kept swimming back to the beach, unscathed.

Back on land, it was starting to sprinkle, with a side of thunder rumbles.

Another Beautiful Morning

Next Swims: Tues-Fri 09/13-16 6am

Evening Swims: 6pm 09/12

Last Swim: 6am Mon 09/12

Water Temp: low 60's,
Water Clarity: poor, gunky near the beach
Water condition: small swells out of the south
Crew: Milkman, Diablo, Showgirl
Suit/Skin: 1/2
Biting Flies: none

We swam south to the downspout (aka sewer pipe) during an amazing sunrise.

The only other people on the beach were a couple dressed in white, and their photographer.  Our efforts to photobomb failed.

It's still plenty light at the beach in the morning, tho we may shift the swim a bit later if the water stays warm.

Congratulations to all who did Big Shoulders and Ironman!

Klode Kru Storms Chicago

Next Swims: I assume there will be a 6AM swim Monday Sept 12th, but to be honest I'm not sure.  I won't be there (in Nashville until next Monday for Ava's 6th birthday).  Now that Big Shoulders and Ironman are over, and sunrise is later and later (6:30 tomorrow) I'm not sure if anyone wants to continue morning swims at 6AM.   If you have an opinion please comment.

Last Swims: Sunday Sept 11th 10AM
Water: 65 a bit murky and gently rolling
Crew:  Itch, Mike, Handyman Hank, Drangonfly, Patriarch

Big Shoulders:  Saturday September 10th 8AM Ohio Street Beach in Chicago
Water: 70 calm and clear
Crew:   See picture below

Rain threatened but the only thunder to be heard was the Klode Cru storming Ohio Street Beach.  The FIBs grow slow and lazy with their warm flat water.  Me hardy Kru showed them how it's done.
Patriarch, Mitch, No-Ply, 2-Ply, Kahuna, Mollie, Gumdrop, Jack Frost, Mr. Anonymous, Itch (with the Pitsch), and Lenore

Good Luck to all Big Shoulders and Ironman Participants

Next Swims:  Sunday Sept 11th 10AM
Regarding Saturday, many of us will be in Madison or Chicago, so if you want to swim feel free to comment in the blog and propose a time.

Last Swims:  Fri Sept 9th 6AM
Water: 65 Calm and crystal clear
Crew: Rachel, Mike, Showgirl, Diablo, Lamprey, Scooby, Itch, Rosa, Patriarch

Thu Sept 8th 6PM
Water: 67 calm and clear
Crew: Bob, Itch, Lorraine, Patriarch

Apologies to Lorraine.  We starting swimming early because of the damned flies.  We thought we'd see you out there, but we didn't.  We waited on the beach until you were almost back, but then left because of the flies.  Sorry!

Last Chance For Big Shoulders Car Pool

Next Swims:  Thursday Sept. 8th 6PM
Friday Sept. 9th 6AM
On Saturday many of us will be at Big Shoulders in Chicago or preparing for Sunday's Ironman in Madison.  If you are interested in a Saturday swim please post a comment.

Last Swim: Thu Sept. 8th 6AM
Water:  64 clear and flat calm
Crew:  Kahuna, Mr. Anonymous, Diablo, Patriarch

Yet again the Lake surprises.  After yesterday's big storm I expected rough murky water.  Just the opposite, clear and calm.  Some of the best swims happen when you least expect them.

Last Call for Big Shoulders car pool.  If you want a ride to Chicago early Saturday morning contact Jack Frost or me or leave a comment on this blog.  We have room for one, possibly two more.

As usual it wouldn't be Big Shoulders without some drama about swim conditions.  Current forecast predicts big winds and thundershowers Friday night into Saturday morning.  But of course the forecast can change seven times between now and Saturday so we hope for the best.  

What's in a Name?

Next Swims: Thursday and Friday September 8th and 9th, 6AM
Also possibly 6PM swims if conditions are good.
I would be up for a 6PM swim tonight (Wed) but there is a high probability of storms, but if it should clear I will wander down there.

Last Swims:
Wed Sept 7th 6AM
Water: 63 clear and gently rolling
Crew: Showgirl, Diablo, Forger, Patriarch, and Nivens McTwisp

Tue Sept 6th 6PM
Water:  67 clear and gently rolling
Crew: Mitch, 2-Ply, Itch, Patriarch

Tue Sept 6th 6AM
Water 67 clear gently rolling
Crew: Rachel, Diablo, Nivens McTwisp, Kahuna, Forger, Showgirl, Patriarch

My apologies to Nivens because I have been spelling his last name incorrectly for a long time - it's McTwisp not McTwist.  On the other hand, it's a fictional character so I can spell it any way I want, right?  But I do admit to being ashamed that I'm not up on my Alice in Wonderland, despite my immersion in the 60's counterculture (see the Jefferson Airplane song Go Ask Alice).

On the other hand I had nothing to do with the misspelling of Drangonfly's name.  In her case I believe it was karma that caused her Klode Kru swim cap to have that name spelled out on it.  It's easier to change her name than her cap, so Drangonfly she is.

Two Big Weekends in a Row

Next Swims: Tue - Fri, Sept 6 - 9, 6AM every morning
Also, possibly 6PM swims if conditions look good.

Labor Day Weekend Swim Report:
Water: 67-69 choppy, awful gunky near shore but pretty good out a bit

10AM Sat Big Bay swim crew: Capt'n, Gumdrop, El Jefe, Lorraine, Liz, Jack Frost, Kahuna, Mitch, Phil, Valerie, Crash, Panini, Itch, Mr. Anonymous, Brian, Linda, Mike, Drangonfly, Patriarch

Noon Sunday swim crew: Bruce, Kim, Kathleen, Mike, Mike, Lorraine, North Shore Nancy and Handyman Hank, Linda, Panini, Crash, Diablo, Capt'n, Mr. Anonymous, Itch, Forger, Ryan, LL Cold J, Drangonfly, Patriarch

Noon Labor Day Swim Crew: Adam, Itch, North Shore Nancy and Handyman Hank, Crash, Gumdrop, Jack Frost, Hot Stuff, El Jefe, Mike, Mitch, Capt'n, Diablo, Kahuna, Neo, Gigi, Drangonfly, Forger, Patriarch

I may have missed some names, there were lots of people coming and going, sorry.

Labor Day weekend was a great swim weekend.  Lot's of swimmers in the water, and we finally managed to do a Big Bay swim.  Next weekend is even bigger with Big Shoulders in Chicago on Saturday, and someone told me there is a some kind of event in Madison on Sunday.

We have at least ten swimmers from our group doing Big Shoulders next weekend.  Jack Frost and I will be driving down early in the morning Saturday, if anyone needs a ride let one of us know.

If anyone has a picture of Crash's new pimped out wheels, please share it with us.

Labor Day Weekend Swim Plans Announced

Next Swims:
   Saturday September 3rd - 10am (Klode to Big Swim?)
   Sunday September 4th - Noon
   Monday September 5th - Noon

Last Swim:
   Friday September 2nd - 6am
      Water Temp:  64.4
      Waves: 1-2ft (2-3 seconds apart) / Choppy
      Clarity:  Poor
      Crew:  The Patriarch, Diablo, Showgirl, Itch, Kahuna, Sonakahuna, Capt'n

With Big Shoulders 1 week from Saturday and Ironman Wisconsin 1 week from Sunday the goal this weekend it to log a Klode to Big Bay (and back) swim.  Distance from Klode to the Big Bay pier is 1.2 miles (...for those who swim straight that is...).  Water/wave conditions are forecasted to subside today so Saturday's earlier swim start time should be the most favorable for our Klode to Big Bay swim adventure.  Of course nobody, not even The Patriarch, can forecast the water conditions/temp so the actual day we attempt our swim adventure may vary.  (Consult your local Crystal Ball for additional swim condition forecasts.)

Tossed Salad

Next Swims:  6PM Today Thursday September 1st (is it really September already?)
Friday September 2nd 6AM

Last Swims:  Thu Sept 1st AM
Water:  63 1-2 ft waves, very rough and choppy, murky and lots of seaweed algae gunk near shore
Crew: Kahuna, Secondsonakuhuna, Mr Anonymous, Diablo, Patriarch

Wed Aug 31st 6PM
Water: 64 wavy and rough, murky
Crew: Itch, Mitch, Nanook, Nanook's little sister, Wet Taco, Diablo

Two days of strong onshore winds have really stirred things up.  The water is very murky and full of silt and sand.  To get in and out you have to wade through a few yards of greenish brown seaweedy algae gunk. Looks to me like something health food nuts would find appetizing.  Tossed salad anyone?

Shooting the Curl

Next Swims:  Thursday and Friday Sept 1st & 2nd 6AM

I can't make a 6PM swim tonight (Wed).  If interested in swimming tonight leave a comment so others know they will not be alone.

A note about conditions:  3 foot waves this morning, with even bigger waves in the forecast for the next couple days.  Also, there are pockets of very cold (low 50s?) and very warm (mid 60s?).

Last Swims:  Wednesday Aug 31st 6AM
Water:  57 (on the beach, but pockets of warmer offshore), murky with 1-3 foot waves
Crew: Capt'n, Kahuna, Diablo, Nivens McTwist, Mr. Anonymous, Patriarch

Tue Aug 30th 6PM
Water: 60 clear with small rollers
Crew: Itch, Lorraine, Hank, Wet Taco, Patriarch

Tue Aug 30th 6AM
Water 63 calm and clear
Crew: Showgirl, Kahuna, Mr. Anonymous, Diablo, Nivens McTwist, Forger

Regarding Big Shoulders here is the list I have of Kru participants:  Itch, Mr. Anonymous, Gumdrop, 2-Ply, No-Ply, Jack Frost, Molly (Jack's friend), Kahuna, and Patriarch.  Let me know if there are others.  The next question is:  who is interested in car pooling?  I know some of you have friends and relatives in the Chicago area and will be driving down Friday evening.  But my plan is to drive down very early (5AM or earlier) Saturday morning.  I could take three others comfortably.  Is anyone else interested in riding or driving?

Today's waves gave us the opportunity to shoot the curl.

Lightening Bolt on the Beach

Next swims: Tue Aug 30th 6AM, Tue Aug 30th 6PM, Wed Aug 31th 6AM

Last Swims:  Mon Aug 29th 6PM
Water: 68, clear and calm
Crew: Capt'n, Itch, Lorraine, Nanook, 2-Ply, Wet Taco, Gumdrop, Brian, Liz, Patriarch

Mon Aug 29th 6AM
Water: 59 clear and calm
Crew: Showgirl, Super Hera, Forger, Kahuna, Diablo, Patriarch

After a few cold days last week, the warm water has returned and the swimming is fantastic.  I hope it lasts a few more days, as we have yet to do a Big Bay swim and this weekend would be perfect.

Here a list of people doing Big Shoulders.  Are there others?  Please let me know especially if you would like to car pool down there on race day.  Itch, Mr. Anonymous, Gumdrop, 2-Ply, No-Ply, Jack Frost, Molly (Jack's friend), and me.

For some strange reason it appears that the Atwater Buoy temperatures are at a new web link.  I've added it to the "Lake Michigan Web Pages" box on the right side of this blog.  I added it as "New" Atwater buoy temps and also kept the old link for now.

Finally, is there a person on Earth who does not know who Usain Bolt is?  Yes, our very own Showgirl, believe it or not.  She did not understand why her son and friends were doing this: (demonstration by Forger):

 Yes, David, your mom is a total dork.

Swimming and Biergartens

Next Swim:  Monday Aug 29th 6AM
Monday August 29th 6PM
Tuesday August 30th 6AM

Last Swims:  Sun Aug 28th 11AM
Water:  60, Calm and Clear
Crew: Drangonfly, Crash, Handyman Hank, Diablo, Capt'n, Liz, Itch, Nivens McTwist, Kahuna, Forger, Lorraine, 2-Ply, Wet Taco, Patriarch, El Jefe, Hot Stuff, Bruce, Tom, Jake, Scott & wife, Dusty, Sarah, Chris, and a couple of triathletes whose name I didn't get.

Sat Aug 27th noon
Water: 53 and murky with 2-3 foot waves
Crew: Itch, 2-Ply, Kahuna, Diablo, Handyman Hank, Panini, Patriarch

Fri Aug 26th 6PM
Water: 55 calm and clear
Crew: Lorraine, Kahuna, Mitch, Capt'n, Patriarch

Ah those lazy hazy crazy days of summer.  Days of swimming and pretzels and biergartens.  A near perfect day on the beach with a crew of over 25.  The water was warm enough (barely) for me to keep my wetsuit in my backpack.  The cold water of the last week was just the lake's gentle reminder that the season is short and we need to swim while we can.

 

Change of Fortune

Next Swims:
   Saturday August 27th - Noon
   Sunday August 28th - 11am (Estabrook Beer Garden 1pm)

Last Swims:
   Thursday August 25th - 6pm
      Water Temp: 56
      Clarity: Clear
      Crew: Itch

   Friday August 26th - 6am
      Water Temp: Baltic  (47)
      Clarity: Clear
      Waves: Calm
      Crew: Diablo, Gumdrop, Itch, Panini, The Patriarch, Capt'n

Unlike my arrivals on Monday and Wednesday morning's to an empty parking lot devoid of cars, bikes....or any sign of life for that matter....this morning I was greeted by a parking lot full of cars, bikes and scantily clad women enthusiastically jumping up and down.  (Clearly there were celebrating my arrival, no?)

Unfortunately this was the extent of my change of fortune.  Once again the water temperature failed to reach the plus side of 50 for our 6am swim.  I am told by Itch though that the water temp was 56 last night.  The buoys indicate warmer water just offshore so perhaps today's easterly winds will change our trend of cooler water temps?

Following Sunday's 11am swim all are welcome to join us and TriWisconsin at the Estabrook Beer Garden.

Secret Messages???

Next Swims:  Thurs- Fri, Aug 25-26, 6AM
If you are interested in 6PM swims please post so others know they will not be swimming alone.

Last Swim:  Wednesday Aug 24th - 6am
Temp: 72 (air) / 48 (water)
Waves: One foot rollers
Clarity: Excellent
Crew: Diablo, Hot Stuff, Crisscross, Capt'n


What the what???  Where is everybody?  Was there a secret text message about "swim skip morning" that I didn't receive?

Where's The Enthusiasm?

Next Swims:  Wed - Fri, Aug 24-26, 6AM
If you are interested in 6PM swims please post so others know they will not be swimming alone.

Last Swim:  Tuesday Aug 23rd
Water Temp: I measured 61near shore, but pockets of much warmer and much cooler
Waves: One foot rollers
Clarity: Excellent
Crew: Mr. Anonymous, Kahuna, Niven's McTwist, Patriarch

Ahh, these are perfect conditions for a wetsuit, I thought as I swam along without one, the lake slapping me in the face as I hit the cold pockets.  Aww quit yer blubbering ya wuss.  A couple a months ago you'd be delighted at 60 degree water, you've gone lazy and soft.  Toughen up buttercup.  Still it's been a while since I shivered as much.

Anyhow, here is something that has nothing to do with swimming, but I can't resist.  So the last few days we're in San Francisco visiting our son, and one day we decide to take the trolley down to the Ferry Building.  The F-Line Trolleys (Market/Embarcadero) are even more fun than the cable cars in my opinion. To catch one we took a bus from Noe Valley to Castro Station (aka Harvey Milk Plaza).  The Castro is the gayest place on earth with more rainbow flags per square inch than anywhere on the planet.  But I digress.  When we get to Castro there is a huge and boisterous crowd in the plaza, so we go over to see what is happening.  Here is what we saw:

 The plaque at the bottom reads:  The Emperor has no balls.  Only in San Francisco I thought, but apparently these have been popping up all over.  I couldn't help but laugh even though I think it's throughly disgusting at the same time.

What's wrong with this picture???

Next Swims: 
   Tuesday - Friday (8/23-8/26) @ 6am
   (M-F 6PM, though check back in the comments)

Last Swim:  Monday August 22nd, 6am
   Water Temp:  Decent!  (64+)
   Waves:  Calm
   Clarity: Crystal Clear
   Crew:  Diablo(?), Capt'n

This Picture was taken a few minutes after 6am this morning.  One car in the parking lot and no bikes....what the what???  ...did I miss a memo?  :( 

...did I just dream that I swam this morning?  Was Diablo really there?  ...or did I just imagine that he swam along side of me, stroke for stroke, all the way to Deadwood and back?

Lake Michigan: No salt, no sharks, no worries

Next Swims:
M-F 6AM
M-F 6PM, though check back in the comments

Last Swim:
Sunday 12 noon.
Water: low 50's near shore, warmer away from shore, flat, clear, lovely
Crew: Itch, Kahuna, Crash, Panini, Showgirl We'taco, Diablo, Dragonfly, Mitch
Skin/Suit: 5/3

Well, well, well.  Well.  You may have noticed how the weather became cool today?  The water became cool also.  It was beautiful. It was flat. It was clear. It was cold.

It was a dramatic drop from the 70-something we swam in yesterday.

I think most of us arrived at the beach feeling disgruntled and disappointed about the water temp. We reluctantly put on caps, goggles, and a few wetsuits. But then, as so often happens, a swim that began with reluctance, became something great.  Though the water around the rock piles was frigid, the further-out water was... warmer than frigid.  And so, most swam to birches, and a few swam further, and all agreed that it was wonderful.

Swimming Rain or Shine.... Rain AND Shine

Next Swims: Sunday August 21st - 6AM & Noon
(6am swim followed by a 100mi ride)

Mon-Fri 6am and, if the weather holds, 6pm.

Last Swim: Saturday 1PM
Water: 70-ish, with chop out of the south
Clarity: cloudy but clearer in some areas
Crew: Nanook, Cap'n, Gumdrop, Diablo, Firefly, We'taco, Crash, Handyman Hank, Showgirl
Bonus Guests: Squeeze o'showgirl, Mary & Greg from Oak Park IL

Under cloudy skies we swam south into the chop.

Several of us slogged our way south to the staircase.  As we headed back, I noticed even more than my usual self-inflicted splashing... it was raining.  We've swam in rain before, but this was a LOT of rain.  As the dark clouds loomed over the shore, we all agreed later that we were keeping an eye out for lightening streaks.

After we made it back to shore, it felt good to stand in the water under the warm rain. And then we took shelter under the roof and thanks to Itch, via Panini, we all had a lovely shot of Pitsch.

6am Friday August 19th Swim Report

Next Swims:
    Saturday August 20th - 1PM
    Sunday August 21st - 6AM & Noon
     (6am swim followed by a 100mi ride)

Last Swim:  6am Friday August 19th
    Water Temp: 69.9 as measured by the Capt'n-o-meter (warmer water offshore)
    Waves: slow rollers < 1ft
    Water Clarity:  clear
    Crew:  Itch, Scooby, Crash, Snap, Capt'n

We Don't Want to Offend

Next Swims:
Friday 6pm (I may not be there but I assume others will)

Weekend Swims:
Saturday: 1PM. 
Sunday: 6am & Noon
(6am swim followed by a 100mi ride)

Last Swims:
Thursday 7:30PM Full Moon Swim
Water Temp: 70-ish, warm and delightful
Waves: choppy out of the south
Water Clarity:  a mix of clear and not-so-clear
Crew: Crash, Panini, Hank&Nancy, Dave&NotDave'sWife,We'taco, Cap'n, Gumdrop, Nanook, Elinore, Showgirl, Connor (?)
Shore Support: Squeeze o'Showgirl, We'Taco's parents(?)

The crew was small at the start of the swim, but nearly doubled at the end. Some swam to picnic table, others to downspout, and others even further.

The cloudy sky made some skeptical that we would see the moon at all, but the full moon showed up on time (unlike half of the crew) and did not disappoint. Initially covered a bit by clouds, after a while it was huge, bright, and beautiful, with an amazing reflection on the water.

Besides the moon, my favorite moment was when Panini declared she "doesn't want to offend."

And while the moon was dramatic, the drama didn't end there.  When we arrived back at the parking lot, Hank and Nancy discovered that they had misplaced the keys to their tandem.  A search party was dispached, to no avail, and Hank was later seen liberating their bicycle in the dark of night:

Full Moon Swim and Baby Naming Contest and SHOW ME THE MONEY (for the caps)

Next Swims: Thurs - Fri, Aug 18th-19th 6AM

Evening swims as listed in the comments.

Full Moon Swim 7:30 Thursday 08/18
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Swim Cap Update

The swim caps are here and they look awesome. 

I will bring the caps to the beach tonight at Full Moon Swim. Remember to bring CASH to pick up your cap. 

Below is a list of people who have ordered and those that have already paid.  

Real Name	Klode Name	Paid?	Total Due
Ara	Drangonfly	Yes	0
Beth	Showgirl	Yes	0
Harini	Panini	Yes	0
Lorraine	Lorraine	Yes	0
Erin	We'Taco	Yes	0
Gred	Patriarch	Yes	0
Tom	Forger	Yes	0
Ryan	Neo	No	$30
Jeff	Jack Frost	No	$30
Kelly L	Scarface	No	$30
Mark	Handyman Hank	No	$30
Renee	Northshore Nancy	No	$30
Sandy	Hare	No	$30
	Tortoise	No	$30
	squeeza-kahuna	No	$30
Ellen	Tiny Motha	No	$30
Cheryl	Not Dave's Wife	No	$30
Steve	Two-Ply	No	$30
Kate	No-Ply	No	$30
Elias	Zoom Zoom	No	$30
Ted	Captain	No	$30
Gabriel	Diablo	No	$30
Lane	Nivens Mctwist	No	$30
Jamie	Itch	No	$30
David	Mr.Anonymous	No	$30
Bryan	Gumdrop	No	$30

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ According to the below link, moonrise is at 8:01PM Thursday night, so let's meet at 7:30, engage in plenty of random chit-chat, temperature taking, and innuendo, and then by the time we manage to get in the water, the moon should be up.

http://www.timeanddate.com/moon/usa/milwaukee

Please submit suggestions to name my baby in the blog comments.

What's With Showgirl? Keep Reading to Reveal the Shocking Secret.

Next Swims: Tue Aug 16th 6PM
Wed - Fri, Aug 17th-19th 6AM

Last Swims:  Monday Aug 16th 6PM
Water: 73 clear and calm
Crew: Rob, Brian, Panini, Showgirl, Wet Taco, Nanook, Patriarch

Tue Aug 16 6AM
Water: 72 two foot waves, stirred up silt and sand
Crew:  Forger, Nivens McTwist, Mr. Anonymous, Patriarch and maybe Diablo.  I didn't actually see Diablo but I was told he was seen slinking around the parking lot.

Good news:  the plague of black flies that descended on us yesterday morning is almost completely gone.  Hopefully they won't be back.

Better News:  the fantastic swimming continues.  This may be the best streak to great swim days that I can recall.

I will be in San Francisco from Wednesday through Monday, so Showgirl will be doing the blogging.  What is with her anyway?  Last night she uncharacteristically refused a post-swim shot of Killepitsch! My best guess (and fervent hope) is that she's pregnant!  Wouldn't that be wonderful?  Baby Vander-Klode-Show-Vort should arrive just in time for the 2017 swim season so I'm thinking of a toddler swim suit as a baby shower gift.      

Great Swimming Except for One Thing

Next Swims:  Mon Aug 15th 6PM
Tue - Fri 6PM
Also, possibly some other 6PM swims this week, check back

Last Swim:  Mon Aug 15th 6AM
Water:  70 clear, gently rolling
Crew:  Scooby, Forger, Kahuna, Sonnakahuna, Diablo, Crash, Itch, Patriarch

The swimming is fantastic, but you might want to bring some bug spray as the flies on the beach are awful.  It feels like they are biting, but Forger tells me they are actually spitting some noxious substance on you and then sucking it back in. Yuck!   Evil little bastards.

Caption Contest

Next Swims:  Mon-Fri Aug 15-19 6AM every morning
If conditions are good possibly 6PM swims too, check back

Last Swims:
Sat Aug 13 1PM
Water 70 clear a bit choppy
Crew: Diablo, Crash, Panini, Showgirl, Kahuna, Itch, 2-Ply, Electra, Patriarch

Sun Aug 14 1PM
Water 72 clear, a little choppy
Crew: Handyman Hank and North Shore Nancy, Crash, Panini, Showgirl, Liz, Nick, Dave, Lorraine, Itch, Kahuna, Diablo, Patriarch

Caption this picture:

How I beat Michael Phelps

Weekend swims:  Sat Aug 13 1PM, Sun Aug 14th 1PM

Last Swims:
Thu Aug 11th 6PM
Water:  69 clear and gently rolling
Crew:  Gumdrop, Itch, Patriarch

Fri Aug 12th 6AM
Water:  66 clear and calm
Crew:  Capt'n, Crash, Diablo, Milk Man, Showgirl, Itch, Patriarch

I dove in with Phelps to my left and Spitz to my right.  Game on!  They valiantly tried to hang with me but I dropped then.  Then Evans and Ledecky took a shot at me but to no avail.  I am just too good.

Wait a minute!  Evans looks a lot like Crash and Ledecky like Showgirl.  And I am not passing them, they are passing me.  OK so I guess the reality is that this is Whitefish Bay not Rio and I'm as slow as a tortoise.  Yes I know turtles swim tortoises don't.  But then compared to Phelps and Spitz and Evans and Ledecky I'm not much of a swimmer either.  But I bet I enjoy it as much or more than they do.

And even though I had to turn in my gold medal (doping), it was a good swim.  

Fun Fun Fun

Next Swims:  Thu Aug 11th 6PM
Fri Aug 12th 6AM

Last swims:
Thu Aug 11th 6AM
Water: 70, calm and clear
Crew: Panini, Diablo, Crash, Forger, Milk Man, Kahuna, Jack Frost, Nivens McTwist, Patriarch

Wed Aug 10th 6PM
Water: 72 choppy and clear
Crew: Dave, Not Dave's Wife, Dave's Sister, Mr. Anonymous, Itch, Lorainne, Wet Taco, Patriarch

Wed Aug 10th 6AM
Water: 70 calm and clear
Crash, Milk Man, Capt'n, Itch, Diablo, Kahuna, Showgirl, Panini, Dave, Not Dave's Wife, Patriarch

Tue Aug 9th 6PM
Water: 72 murky with 1 foot rollers
Crew: Liz, Wet Taco, Not Dave's Wife, Patriarch

The swimming has been great, fantastic, awesome, in a word fun, or three words, fun fun fun.  Water temps consistently in the high sixties and low seventies, sometimes choppy sometimes calm but always nice.  It's only mid-August so hopefully it will last a while, but who knows.  Enjoy it while you can.

Show Me the Money

Next Swims:  Tue Aug 9th 6PM
Wed - Thu - Fri, Aug 10th, 11th, 12th, 6AM

Last Swims:  Mon Aug 8th 6PM
Water Temp: 72
Waves: 1 foot choppy
Water Clarity:  Gunky near shore, Crystal Clear 50 meters out
Crew: Mr. Anonymous, Wet Taco, Hot Stuff, Jeff, Lorraine, Patriarch

Tue Aug 9th 6AM
Water Temp: 70
Waves: 1 foot rollers
Crew:  Showgirl, Diablo, Mr. Anonymous, Itch, Vince, Nivens McTwist, Patriarch


Swim cap update from Panini:

The order has been placed and the following people get 2 caps with their Kru Names on it (see attached image for what it looks like). The estimated delivery is end of August. 

The payment is $30 ($20 for the caps and the rest for the pitsch fund.) From here on out, please feel free to bring your payment in cash to me or Greg, the next time you come to the beach. I will periodically update the following table as I receive your payments. 

Real Name	Klode Name	No. of Caps ordered	Paid?
Ara	Drangonfly	1	Yes
Ryan	Neo	1	No
Jeff	Jack Frost	1	No
Kelly L	Scarface	1	No
Mark	Handyman Hank	1	No
Renee	Northshore Nancy	1	No
Sandy	Hare	1	No
	Tortoise	1	No
	squeeza-kahuna	1	No
Ellen	Tiny Motha	1	No
Lorraine	Lorraine	1	No
Cheryl	Not Dave's Wife	1	No
Steve	Two-Ply	1	No
Kate	No-Ply	1	No
Elias	Zoom Zoom	1	No
Erin	We'Taco	1	No
Gred	Patriarch	1	No
Ted	Captain	1	No
Gabriel	Diablo	1	No
Beth	Showgirl	1	No
Harini	Panini	1	Yes
Lane	Nivens Mctwist	1	No
Jamie	Itch	1	No
David	Mr.Anonymous	1	No
Bryan	Gumdrop	1	No
Tom	Forger	1	No