Next Swim : Monday, July 30th @ 6 am and 6 pm
Last Swim: Sunday July 1st @ Noon
Water Temp: Bath Water! 62 per Itch-o-meter
Waves: Flat with occasional gentle rolling swell
Clarity: very clear 9/10
Crew: The Patriarch, Diablo, Itch, , Handyman Hank, Northshore Nancy, Kahuna, Panini, Dragonfly Riff Raff, Magic Mike, Cool Hand Luke , Jennica, Mr. Bubble, Sir James (first shift),
New Faces: Reed, Amelia and Linda
It was starting to cloud over and get cooler by the lake as the Noon hour approached. But that 62 degree water was so heavenly! Nice, clear and calm, too.
Sir James had just come up the hill as we were going down, and he warned us that a thunderstorm was supposed to arrive by 1 pm. Didn't seem like an imminent threat at Noon, but the sky was looking more and more ominous as 1:00 approached.
Everyone was pretty much in synch as they got out of the water
"Head for the hills! Thunderstroms a comin'".
No group photo, no shots of Killepitsch or toasts to Best Swim of the Season (it was!).
First drops started coming down as we were heading up the hill.
In other news, Kahuna has decreed
REGULAR 6 AM SWIMS START MONDAY.
To date, there's just been some irregular 6 am swims.
ON THE SUBJECT OF NEXT SWIMS -
Who's in for Big Bay to Atwater swim on July 4th?
Mrs. Bubble has once again offered to shuttle people from Atwater back to Big Bay.
I've really enjoyed doing this swim twice before on the 4th so looking forward to doing it again.
Sunday, June 30, 2019
Saturday, June 29, 2019
When a picture is worth no words...
Next Swim : Sunday June 30th @ Noon
Last Swim: Saturday June 29th @ Noon
Water Temp: 60's to 53
Waves: Flat with occasional gentle rolling swell
Clarity: crystal clear
Crew: The Patriarch, Diablo, Itch, Linda the Lamprey, Handyman Hank, Kahuna, Panini, Ziggy, Moondawg Gumdrop, Sir James, The Big Show, New Mexico Theresa, Eleanor, Kim, Kate, Deb, Mike, Capt'n
CONGRATULATIONS to The Patriarch who walked the plank for the first time in 2019 and narrowly avoided ending his streak of 109 consecutive years of swimming in June!!
So if a picture is typically worth a thousand words, when is it worth no words? ANSWER: when you reluctantly give your phone to a kid to take the picture so you can be in it and then later realize he never really took the picture despite claiming to do it three times! (SHIVER ME TIMBERS!!!!)
Anonymous Klode Kru member quote of the day: "That which does not kill you....makes you schlonger" ...wondering what that really means? So am I....
Anonymous Klode Kru member request of the day..."you should blog about how nice a day it was today" Indeed, it was an OUTSTANDING day for a Lake Michigan swim. Without a doubt the best day of 2019 so far. Sunny skies, air temps around 80, crystal clear water with no waves and FINALLY water temps on the plus side of 60! While initial water temp readings a few steps off the Klode beach registered wildly between 53 and 61, those who braved the bone chilling entry into the lake were rewarded with an abundance of warm water pockets and a few icy pockets to remind you that the summer swim season has only just begun.
Last Swim: Saturday June 29th @ Noon
Water Temp: 60's to 53
Waves: Flat with occasional gentle rolling swell
Clarity: crystal clear
Crew: The Patriarch, Diablo, Itch, Linda the Lamprey, Handyman Hank, Kahuna, Panini, Ziggy, Moondawg Gumdrop, Sir James, The Big Show, New Mexico Theresa, Eleanor, Kim, Kate, Deb, Mike, Capt'n
CONGRATULATIONS to The Patriarch who walked the plank for the first time in 2019 and narrowly avoided ending his streak of 109 consecutive years of swimming in June!!
So if a picture is typically worth a thousand words, when is it worth no words? ANSWER: when you reluctantly give your phone to a kid to take the picture so you can be in it and then later realize he never really took the picture despite claiming to do it three times! (SHIVER ME TIMBERS!!!!)
Anonymous Klode Kru member quote of the day: "That which does not kill you....makes you schlonger" ...wondering what that really means? So am I....
Anonymous Klode Kru member request of the day..."you should blog about how nice a day it was today" Indeed, it was an OUTSTANDING day for a Lake Michigan swim. Without a doubt the best day of 2019 so far. Sunny skies, air temps around 80, crystal clear water with no waves and FINALLY water temps on the plus side of 60! While initial water temp readings a few steps off the Klode beach registered wildly between 53 and 61, those who braved the bone chilling entry into the lake were rewarded with an abundance of warm water pockets and a few icy pockets to remind you that the summer swim season has only just begun.
Thursday, June 27, 2019
Rain check reflections
I wanted badly to swim today, but the storms turned me away. I have been gone for the past two weeks, first to Washington DC, then to San Fransisco. During that second trip I had the pleasure of swimming San Fransisco Bay at the Dolphin Club near Aquatic Park.
They’ve been connecting over swimming in the open water since 1877, a little longer than we have. I found this article and can say that it captures the same feel I experienced there earlier in the week, when they allowed me to swim from their club’s beach on one of the two days a week that it is open to the public. So, perhaps you pulled off a knucklehead swim today in the storms. Perhaps you were smarter than me and swam earlier, avoiding the storms. Either way, here’s to Friday’s swim
They’ve been connecting over swimming in the open water since 1877, a little longer than we have. I found this article and can say that it captures the same feel I experienced there earlier in the week, when they allowed me to swim from their club’s beach on one of the two days a week that it is open to the public. So, perhaps you pulled off a knucklehead swim today in the storms. Perhaps you were smarter than me and swam earlier, avoiding the storms. Either way, here’s to Friday’s swim
Shine On, and Patriarchal Rituals
Last swim: 6/26/19, 6 pm
Next swims: Thursday and Friday at 6 pm
Weekend swims: what say the Kru? Noon each day?
Conditions on Wednesday, 6/26:
Water temp: 57 per Itch-o-meter
Waves: 1-2 footers with some chop from the South.
Air temp: 69.
Clarity: bit riled.
Crew: Itch, Syncro, Super Hera, Mary Ann (I think), and Kahuna.
Skin: Itch, everybody else wetsuit.
With the days being as long as they are, it is nice to be able to swim in the sunshine still during the 6 pm swims. We continued to be stymied by below 60 degree water temps, but things are slowly getting better. Maybe some of these 80 degree days will help us out. I'm not yet fully acclimated, as I've only been Lake swimming sporadically this season. But now that I'm past Grandma's, that will likely change. I plan on re-establishing the 6 a.m. swims next week.
An equipment comment/recommendation/endorsement for the less hardy or less acclimated of the crew: if you are looking for some nice gloves, consider Xterra Lava gloves. I bought a pair last month, and really like them. Only problem is, if you visit the site, they currently say they are sold out of small, medium and large sizes. But if enough folks express an interest (which you can do on the site), I'm sure they will manufacture more. Having a pair of gloves and booties can help to extend the season, and make those cold days much more pleasant.
Beach chat topic: where's the Patriarch? My thought? The Patriarch is off to the ancient Ethiopian city of Gondar, for the festival of Timkat, to bless the waters of the Blue Nile, so youths there can have a far more kick-ass baptismal ceremony, than any of us had. (Go to the video at the following link, then scroll ahead to minute 32 in the video:
https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x70v9fo.)
Maybe the Patriarch will grace us with his presence this weekend, and dip his giant cross into the Lake, and banish the Evil Spirits of the Cold back to the Deep Underworld, and then we can all leap into the Lake ecstatically. Maybe we need an all night vigil on the beach.
Although, on second thought, maybe there are some advantages to our having boring baptismal ceremonies and our Lake to swim in, compared to some other lake to swim in:
https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/article212760364.html.
Cheers.
Next swims: Thursday and Friday at 6 pm
Weekend swims: what say the Kru? Noon each day?
Conditions on Wednesday, 6/26:
Water temp: 57 per Itch-o-meter
Waves: 1-2 footers with some chop from the South.
Air temp: 69.
Clarity: bit riled.
Crew: Itch, Syncro, Super Hera, Mary Ann (I think), and Kahuna.
Skin: Itch, everybody else wetsuit.
With the days being as long as they are, it is nice to be able to swim in the sunshine still during the 6 pm swims. We continued to be stymied by below 60 degree water temps, but things are slowly getting better. Maybe some of these 80 degree days will help us out. I'm not yet fully acclimated, as I've only been Lake swimming sporadically this season. But now that I'm past Grandma's, that will likely change. I plan on re-establishing the 6 a.m. swims next week.
An equipment comment/recommendation/endorsement for the less hardy or less acclimated of the crew: if you are looking for some nice gloves, consider Xterra Lava gloves. I bought a pair last month, and really like them. Only problem is, if you visit the site, they currently say they are sold out of small, medium and large sizes. But if enough folks express an interest (which you can do on the site), I'm sure they will manufacture more. Having a pair of gloves and booties can help to extend the season, and make those cold days much more pleasant.
Beach chat topic: where's the Patriarch? My thought? The Patriarch is off to the ancient Ethiopian city of Gondar, for the festival of Timkat, to bless the waters of the Blue Nile, so youths there can have a far more kick-ass baptismal ceremony, than any of us had. (Go to the video at the following link, then scroll ahead to minute 32 in the video:
https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x70v9fo.)
Maybe the Patriarch will grace us with his presence this weekend, and dip his giant cross into the Lake, and banish the Evil Spirits of the Cold back to the Deep Underworld, and then we can all leap into the Lake ecstatically. Maybe we need an all night vigil on the beach.
Although, on second thought, maybe there are some advantages to our having boring baptismal ceremonies and our Lake to swim in, compared to some other lake to swim in:
https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/article212760364.html.
Cheers.
Tuesday, June 25, 2019
Spectacular Swimming
Next Swim: M-F @ 6:00 pm,
Sat/Sun @ Noon
Last Swim: Tue, 6/25 @ 6
Water Temp: 58 duck-o-meter
Air: 75, sunny, calm, no clouds
Waves: smooth and calm
Clarity: Very clear
Crew: HandyMan Hank, Moondrop Gumdaug, Kahuna, Super Hera. Mr. Bubble.
Shore Support: Dhondup
What a perfect evening for a swim! Gliding along on the surface of clear blue water, set against the clear blue sky.
Linda the Lamprey had finished swimming just as Hank arrived. It was her second swim of the day. Hank alleges that Linda characterized the water as cold, which surprised us because we didn't think she knew that word. However, this report was not based on some kind of Lamprey-sense, not empirical measurement.
The duck-o-meter did provide empirical evidence, but even that was disputed by Moondaug's foot-o-meter..."the duck-o-meter reading is the surface temperature, it's much colder by my feet" and indeed, the Daug was in shoulder deep water and his feet were a great distance below that. Also, as is often the case, there was a diversity of water temps at different points during the swim. One area east of the rocks felt below 50, but most seemed to be in mid to upper 50s. The bay inside the rocks felt like bathwater when I got out.
Introduced my son-in-law Dhondup to the group. Dhondup is from Tibet and has been in the US for 6 months now. He doesn't swim, so Hank was giving him some advice on converting from being an adult non-swimmer to being a passionate swimmer. Kahuna complimented his English. Moondaug had some questions about Tibetan politics (What's going to happen when the Dalai Lama dies?). Dhondup got a laugh out of Super Hera - he asked her if she is the woman who did the 11 hour swim.
All in all, a very pleasant experience this evening. Best Swim of the Season!
Sat/Sun @ Noon
Last Swim: Tue, 6/25 @ 6
Water Temp: 58 duck-o-meter
Air: 75, sunny, calm, no clouds
Waves: smooth and calm
Clarity: Very clear
Crew: HandyMan Hank, Moondrop Gumdaug, Kahuna, Super Hera. Mr. Bubble.
Shore Support: Dhondup
What a perfect evening for a swim! Gliding along on the surface of clear blue water, set against the clear blue sky.
Linda the Lamprey had finished swimming just as Hank arrived. It was her second swim of the day. Hank alleges that Linda characterized the water as cold, which surprised us because we didn't think she knew that word. However, this report was not based on some kind of Lamprey-sense, not empirical measurement.
The duck-o-meter did provide empirical evidence, but even that was disputed by Moondaug's foot-o-meter..."the duck-o-meter reading is the surface temperature, it's much colder by my feet" and indeed, the Daug was in shoulder deep water and his feet were a great distance below that. Also, as is often the case, there was a diversity of water temps at different points during the swim. One area east of the rocks felt below 50, but most seemed to be in mid to upper 50s. The bay inside the rocks felt like bathwater when I got out.
Introduced my son-in-law Dhondup to the group. Dhondup is from Tibet and has been in the US for 6 months now. He doesn't swim, so Hank was giving him some advice on converting from being an adult non-swimmer to being a passionate swimmer. Kahuna complimented his English. Moondaug had some questions about Tibetan politics (What's going to happen when the Dalai Lama dies?). Dhondup got a laugh out of Super Hera - he asked her if she is the woman who did the 11 hour swim.
All in all, a very pleasant experience this evening. Best Swim of the Season!
Sunday, June 23, 2019
Rockin to Love Rock
Last swim: high noon 6/23/19
Next swim: M-F 6 PM, check blog for other possible times.
Water temp: 57 per Itch-o-meter, 58 per Duck-o-meter.
Air temp: 69.
Waves: 1-2 footers with some nice velocity.
Clarity: shaken, not stirred.
Crew: Diablo, Handymanhank, Gumdaugmoondrop, Panini, Linda, Dragonfly, w/ appearances by Northshorenancy and Kahuna.
Skin: Linda, Itch, Diablo, Dragonfly
Suite: Panini, Handyman hank
Topless: Gumdaugmoondrop
So, swim report. In the parking lot Itch already seemed to be in an inquisitive (confrontational?) State of mind. Itch- so why did u have to swim so long yesterday? Which of course is as good a reason as any to get pissed off! On the way down the ramp: Itch- hmm feels colder. Me: well, you never know till the duck quacks.
Down at the beach the dueling thermometers get unsheathed to do their job. Itch-o-meter reads 57, while duck-o-meter reads 58. Itch: never try to predict the temp, you'll always get screwed. Me: well, maybe I like getting screwed.
Next decision, skin or suite? Hmm, it could be an outstanding skin swim, but one never knows for sure. So maybe split the difference and go topless? So I solicit suggestions. Of course someone (Handymanhank) responds- i think everyone should always go topless.
Going topless was the right choice. At least one (meaning me) of us had a great three-some swimming to Love Rock and back. While Linda looked comfortable, Dragonfly had a bit of after swim shakes. No worries though, she didn't spill any Killepitsch and all agreed afterwards it was the best swim of the season!
Saturday, June 22, 2019
First Day of Summer Do-Over
Next Swim: M-F @ 5:30 - 6:00ish pm,
Sat/Sun @ Noon (default times?)
Last Swim: Sat, 6/22 @ Noonish
Water Temp: 58.5 Itch-o-meter, 59 duck-o-meter
Air: sunny, calm, low 70s
Waves: 2-3 feet
Clarity: not at all, greenish. lots of plant matter floating a few feet from shore - leaves, dirt, twigs, some big branches
Crew: Liz, Dan, HandyMan Hank, Panini, Moondrop Gumdaug, Itch, Diablo, Dragonfly RiffRaff. Mr. Bubble and MaryAnn from Effingham
It actually felt like a summer day today! Sunny and mild. Great day to hang out at the beach.
Liz and Dan had their first swim of the season. We all headed southbound, thinking we'd have the waves at our back on the return, but it was more like they were coming straight from the east, so the waves were always coming laterally. Fun swimming.
Did every one else know that June 21st is actually not the longest day of the year? There isn't just one longest day - the suns rises and sets at the same time yesterday, today and tomorrow. So there are actually three longest days of the year, not one.
So, that's why today is the first day of summer do-over.
Sat/Sun @ Noon (default times?)
Last Swim: Sat, 6/22 @ Noonish
Water Temp: 58.5 Itch-o-meter, 59 duck-o-meter
Air: sunny, calm, low 70s
Waves: 2-3 feet
Clarity: not at all, greenish. lots of plant matter floating a few feet from shore - leaves, dirt, twigs, some big branches
Crew: Liz, Dan, HandyMan Hank, Panini, Moondrop Gumdaug, Itch, Diablo, Dragonfly RiffRaff. Mr. Bubble and MaryAnn from Effingham
It actually felt like a summer day today! Sunny and mild. Great day to hang out at the beach.
Liz and Dan had their first swim of the season. We all headed southbound, thinking we'd have the waves at our back on the return, but it was more like they were coming straight from the east, so the waves were always coming laterally. Fun swimming.
Did every one else know that June 21st is actually not the longest day of the year? There isn't just one longest day - the suns rises and sets at the same time yesterday, today and tomorrow. So there are actually three longest days of the year, not one.
So, that's why today is the first day of summer do-over.
Friday, June 21, 2019
Solstice Swim
Next Swim: M-F @ 5:30 - 6:00ish pm,
Sat/Sun @ Noon (default times?)
Last Swim: Fri, 6/21 @ 5:30 - 6:00ish pm
Water Temp: 59 Itch-o-meter
Air: maybe 62-63, light winds
Waves: very calm, calm but gross were Linda's words
Clarity: not at all, greenish
Crew: Linda the Lamprey, Itch, Mr. Bubble
I made it to the Klode parking lot around 5:25 and went straight down to the beach. Coming down the ramp, I see Linda's swimming out by the rocks and Itch on shore taking the thermometer out of the water. Linda's heading north, Itch goes southbound, I head northbound. Linda comes in right as I do. Itch is on his way home already.
Happy Solstice Everyone!
Sat/Sun @ Noon (default times?)
Last Swim: Fri, 6/21 @ 5:30 - 6:00ish pm
Water Temp: 59 Itch-o-meter
Air: maybe 62-63, light winds
Waves: very calm, calm but gross were Linda's words
Clarity: not at all, greenish
Crew: Linda the Lamprey, Itch, Mr. Bubble
I made it to the Klode parking lot around 5:25 and went straight down to the beach. Coming down the ramp, I see Linda's swimming out by the rocks and Itch on shore taking the thermometer out of the water. Linda's heading north, Itch goes southbound, I head northbound. Linda comes in right as I do. Itch is on his way home already.
Happy Solstice Everyone!
Tuesday, June 18, 2019
Out of Town Guest Appearance
Next Swim: M-F @ 6 pm, Sat/Sun @ Noon (default times?)
Last Swim: Tue, 6/18 @ 6 pm
Water Temp: maybe 52-53 (Foot-o-meter)
Waves: very small swells, hardly noticeable
Clarity: not at all, sandy
Crew: Handyman Hank, Julie (rope noodle lady) Mr. Bubble, Mr. Bubble's co-worker, Mary Ann from Effingham and Kahuna
Very nice sunny evening for a swim. Air temp on the beach was low 60s. Calm winds. No flies.
Very proud of my co-worker, Mary Ann. She had been to Klode once before, in October, when the water was 51. She couldn't get used to it and had to get back out after a few minutes. Tonight, she went in and swam to sewer pipe and back. This is the second time she's worn her wet suit. First time was last October at Klode as well.
Always a nice time meeting up with Kru folks on the beach on a pretty evening. See you all again soon.
Last Swim: Tue, 6/18 @ 6 pm
Water Temp: maybe 52-53 (Foot-o-meter)
Waves: very small swells, hardly noticeable
Clarity: not at all, sandy
Crew: Handyman Hank, Julie (rope noodle lady) Mr. Bubble, Mr. Bubble's co-worker, Mary Ann from Effingham and Kahuna
Very nice sunny evening for a swim. Air temp on the beach was low 60s. Calm winds. No flies.
Very proud of my co-worker, Mary Ann. She had been to Klode once before, in October, when the water was 51. She couldn't get used to it and had to get back out after a few minutes. Tonight, she went in and swam to sewer pipe and back. This is the second time she's worn her wet suit. First time was last October at Klode as well.
Always a nice time meeting up with Kru folks on the beach on a pretty evening. See you all again soon.
Monday, June 17, 2019
Klode Kru Productions: Itch rescues warm water Fairies
Next Swim: TBD (...please post comment if you plan to swim...)
Last Swim: Sunday June 16th @ noon
Water Temp: 51 (Itch-o-Meter) / 48.8 (Macho-meter)
Waves: 1-2ft rolling in every 3 seconds
Clarity: cloudy nearshore / clear away from shore
Crew: Itch, Laguna with Shore Support from Ziggy, Mrs. Laguna, Lil' Laguna and Capt'n
Tired of reading about our Klode Kru adventures? Check out the video highlights of Sunday's swim...
Last Swim: Sunday June 16th @ noon
Water Temp: 51 (Itch-o-Meter) / 48.8 (Macho-meter)
Waves: 1-2ft rolling in every 3 seconds
Clarity: cloudy nearshore / clear away from shore
Crew: Itch, Laguna with Shore Support from Ziggy, Mrs. Laguna, Lil' Laguna and Capt'n
Tired of reading about our Klode Kru adventures? Check out the video highlights of Sunday's swim...
Saturday, June 15, 2019
Video Magic
Next Swim: Sunday June 16th @ noon
Last Swim: Saturday June 15th @ noon
Water Temp: 50 (Itch-o-meter), 47.8 (Macho-meter)
Waves: moderately choppy with increasing easterly winds
Clarity: clear
Crew: Itch, Mr. Bubbles, Dragonfly, Handyman Hank, Ziggy with shore support from Capt'n & very late appearance by Diablo
Had we swum just a few minutes earlier the swim conditions would have been sunny with calm winds and temps around 70. As misfortune would have it, just as Ziggy and Dragonfly were putting the finishing touches on their swim outfits the winds would suddenly increase from the east, the sun would vanish behind darkening clouds and the temps would plunge to the low 50's. Ahhhh, summer in Wisconsin, there's nothing like it!
Despite the conditions, the Kru still got er' done. Here's a little video short of today's adventure. Enjoy!
Last Swim: Saturday June 15th @ noon
Water Temp: 50 (Itch-o-meter), 47.8 (Macho-meter)
Waves: moderately choppy with increasing easterly winds
Clarity: clear
Crew: Itch, Mr. Bubbles, Dragonfly, Handyman Hank, Ziggy with shore support from Capt'n & very late appearance by Diablo
Had we swum just a few minutes earlier the swim conditions would have been sunny with calm winds and temps around 70. As misfortune would have it, just as Ziggy and Dragonfly were putting the finishing touches on their swim outfits the winds would suddenly increase from the east, the sun would vanish behind darkening clouds and the temps would plunge to the low 50's. Ahhhh, summer in Wisconsin, there's nothing like it!
Despite the conditions, the Kru still got er' done. Here's a little video short of today's adventure. Enjoy!
Tuesday, June 11, 2019
Another Staggered Shift - short staffed
Next Swim: Yes
Current Forecasts:
Wed: mid 60s,100% chance of rain
Thu: upper 60s mostly sunny, 0% chance of rain
Fri: low 70s, partly cloudy, 20% chance rain
Last Swim: Tuesday, June 11 5:30 and 6:00
Water Temp: Warmer
Waves: smooth at first, then some tiny swells
Clarity: 7/10
Crew:
First Shift: Handyman Hank
Second Shift: Mr. Bubble
Flies:
First Shift: Keeping Hank company
Second Shift: Must have checked out
Arrived in the parking lot and saw a familiar bike, got to the beach and saw Hank wrapping up. Hank alleged that Itch and Dragonfly would be arriving shortly so we hung out and chatted for a while before deciding it was time to go our separate ways. Hank heading west, Mr. B heading north.
No empirical evidence of the water temp - my feet though it was warmer, hands not so sure.
Current Forecasts:
Wed: mid 60s,100% chance of rain
Thu: upper 60s mostly sunny, 0% chance of rain
Fri: low 70s, partly cloudy, 20% chance rain
Last Swim: Tuesday, June 11 5:30 and 6:00
Water Temp: Warmer
Waves: smooth at first, then some tiny swells
Clarity: 7/10
Crew:
First Shift: Handyman Hank
Second Shift: Mr. Bubble
Flies:
First Shift: Keeping Hank company
Second Shift: Must have checked out
Arrived in the parking lot and saw a familiar bike, got to the beach and saw Hank wrapping up. Hank alleged that Itch and Dragonfly would be arriving shortly so we hung out and chatted for a while before deciding it was time to go our separate ways. Hank heading west, Mr. B heading north.
No empirical evidence of the water temp - my feet though it was warmer, hands not so sure.
Sunday, June 9, 2019
WTF, Sewer Pipe??
Next Swim: Not sure!
Last Swim: Sunday June 9th
Water Temp: 57.7
Waves: chop out of the north
Clarity: crystal clear
Crew: Itch, Diablo, Nanook, Linda the Lamprey, Magic Mike, Mr. Anonymous, Drangonfly, Showgirl
Shore support from Squeeze o'Showgirl, with a late arrival by Stephanie and her adorable son Leon
When we convened in the parking lot it was overcast and not super-inviting, but also not raining. The group admitted a bit of reluctance about the swim on the walk down the ramp. A tiny bit of me had been hoping for a rain-out. We could hear the waves on the way down, but when we arrived, we saw it was just light chop.
Itch took the temp and rounded it up to 58.
In an impressive display of toughness, five swam skin, three were suit. The lake rewarded us with amazing clarity all the way to the bottom. Everyone made it to the birches, and other hardy souls went on to mudslide. There was also a rare sighting of the garage, which these days only reveals itself early or very late in the season..
As we returned to the shore, the sun peeked out and rewarded us with some warmth. Then Itch rewarded us with some liquid warmth. It was an awesome swim.
There was a teeny-tiny bit of grumbling regarding a certain crew member who lures us in with these two words: "sewer pipe." Sewer pipe, we say to our selves. We can do that. And then.... no one stops at the sewer pipe! Those who overcame their ambivalence after hearing those two little words find themselves muttering a small WTF! and continuing on with their swim.
Post to the blog if you're going to do a morning or evening swim. As of today, the weather this week isn't super-promising, not that that has stopped us in the past.
Also, a big shout-out to Kahuna and the Shorewood Men's Club for yesterday's annual BBQ. It was awesome as usual.
Last Swim: Sunday June 9th
Water Temp: 57.7
Waves: chop out of the north
Clarity: crystal clear
Crew: Itch, Diablo, Nanook, Linda the Lamprey, Magic Mike, Mr. Anonymous, Drangonfly, Showgirl
Shore support from Squeeze o'Showgirl, with a late arrival by Stephanie and her adorable son Leon
When we convened in the parking lot it was overcast and not super-inviting, but also not raining. The group admitted a bit of reluctance about the swim on the walk down the ramp. A tiny bit of me had been hoping for a rain-out. We could hear the waves on the way down, but when we arrived, we saw it was just light chop.
Itch took the temp and rounded it up to 58.
In an impressive display of toughness, five swam skin, three were suit. The lake rewarded us with amazing clarity all the way to the bottom. Everyone made it to the birches, and other hardy souls went on to mudslide. There was also a rare sighting of the garage, which these days only reveals itself early or very late in the season..
As we returned to the shore, the sun peeked out and rewarded us with some warmth. Then Itch rewarded us with some liquid warmth. It was an awesome swim.
There was a teeny-tiny bit of grumbling regarding a certain crew member who lures us in with these two words: "sewer pipe." Sewer pipe, we say to our selves. We can do that. And then.... no one stops at the sewer pipe! Those who overcame their ambivalence after hearing those two little words find themselves muttering a small WTF! and continuing on with their swim.
Post to the blog if you're going to do a morning or evening swim. As of today, the weather this week isn't super-promising, not that that has stopped us in the past.
Also, a big shout-out to Kahuna and the Shorewood Men's Club for yesterday's annual BBQ. It was awesome as usual.
Saturday, June 8, 2019
Telling of a Tale
Next Swim: Sunday June 9th - Noon (Klode)
Last Swim: Saturday June 8th - Noon (Atwater)
Water Temp: 58 near shore...a wee bit cooler further out
Waves: light and less than 1ft
Clarity: clear near the surface / cloudy below 10ft
Crew: Kahuna, Sonakuhuna, Itch, Dragonfly, Gumdrop-Moondawg, Mr. Bubbles, Magic Mike, Super Hera, Ziggy, Capt'n
A group of curious onlookers assembled along the shore at Atwater park this afternoon. Curiously they stared out towards the lake and wondered what they were seeing. Was it drift wood? Bags of garbage from a barge? Fish? Much to their surprise they would soon witness the Klode Kru making a rare beach landing at Atwater park!
I'll admit, it's not often that the Kru is greeted at the end of refreshing swim by a group of cute girls from exotic far away lands. Of course in my dreams it happens every night, but when I realized my toes were still numb I knew this was no dream! Now momma' always said honesty is always the best way to "impress ze girls" so naturally I felt compelled to honestly answer to the best of my ability any question these cute girls from far away lands asked. The conversation went something like this...
Cute Girl: Wow, where did you guys come from?
Capt'n: My Mom. Now I can't speak for all the Kru members but I think some of them may have come from their mom too.
Cute Girl: So where did you swim from?
Capt'n: we swam in from the boat?
Cute Girl: Boat, what boat...I don't see a boat?
Capt'n: Oh, it sank....awhile ago...so there's not much to see from here.
Cute Girl: It did!?!?! How long ago?
Capt'n: What year is it?
Cute Girl: Really seriously!?! Where did your boat sink? How far did you have to swim?
Capt'n: Good question. Can you tell me which state we landed in?
...and that's how today's tall tale started. Many thanks to the cute girls from New York who greeted us on the AtWater Park shore this afternoon. We hope to see you again sometime. Perhaps next time you can stay and join us for a shot of Pitsch. :)
Last Swim: Saturday June 8th - Noon (Atwater)
Water Temp: 58 near shore...a wee bit cooler further out
Waves: light and less than 1ft
Clarity: clear near the surface / cloudy below 10ft
Crew: Kahuna, Sonakuhuna, Itch, Dragonfly, Gumdrop-Moondawg, Mr. Bubbles, Magic Mike, Super Hera, Ziggy, Capt'n
A group of curious onlookers assembled along the shore at Atwater park this afternoon. Curiously they stared out towards the lake and wondered what they were seeing. Was it drift wood? Bags of garbage from a barge? Fish? Much to their surprise they would soon witness the Klode Kru making a rare beach landing at Atwater park!
I'll admit, it's not often that the Kru is greeted at the end of refreshing swim by a group of cute girls from exotic far away lands. Of course in my dreams it happens every night, but when I realized my toes were still numb I knew this was no dream! Now momma' always said honesty is always the best way to "impress ze girls" so naturally I felt compelled to honestly answer to the best of my ability any question these cute girls from far away lands asked. The conversation went something like this...
Cute Girl: Wow, where did you guys come from?
Capt'n: My Mom. Now I can't speak for all the Kru members but I think some of them may have come from their mom too.
Cute Girl: So where did you swim from?
Capt'n: we swam in from the boat?
Cute Girl: Boat, what boat...I don't see a boat?
Capt'n: Oh, it sank....awhile ago...so there's not much to see from here.
Cute Girl: It did!?!?! How long ago?
Capt'n: What year is it?
Cute Girl: Really seriously!?! Where did your boat sink? How far did you have to swim?
Capt'n: Good question. Can you tell me which state we landed in?
...and that's how today's tall tale started. Many thanks to the cute girls from New York who greeted us on the AtWater Park shore this afternoon. We hope to see you again sometime. Perhaps next time you can stay and join us for a shot of Pitsch. :)
Friday, June 7, 2019
Shipwreck Swim
Next Swim: Sat 6/8/19 Shipwreck at Atwater, 11 AM
Last Swim: 5:30-6:00 Fri. 6/7/19
Water Temp: 58
Waves: slight chop from the East
Clarity: 5 on a 10 scale
Crew: Magic Mike, Itch, Linda, Mr. Anonymous, Handyman Hank, Moondaug.
Join us tomorrow for a swim to the shipwreck. Viewing conditions are forecasted to be great. Afterwards, stay for the annual Shorewoods Mens BBQ diner with live music and entertainment. have slightly discounted-price tickets for the event. Chicken BBQ tickets cost $11, 1/2 Rack of Pork Ribs tickets cost $14
Monday, June 3, 2019
Ready or not....here we swim!
Next Swim: TBD
Last Swims:
Saturday June 1st - noon
Water Temp: 50 (Itch-o-meter), 47.4 (macho-meter)
Waves: slight chop from east
Clarity: crystal
Crew: Diablo, Itch, Linda with shore support from Handyman Hank, Capt'n
Sunday June 2nd - noon
Water Temp: 51 (Itch-o-meter), 50.4 (macho-meter)
Waves: slight chop from north east
Clarity: crystal
Crew: Diablo, Itch, Linda, Drangonfly, Mr. Bubbles, Handyman Hank, Panini, Brent & Julie with shore support from The Patriarch, Ziggy, Capt'n
Despite water temps barely above 50 the crew was determined Sunday to get er done! Perhaps it was Handyman Hank's visit with Hardware Hank on Saturday that convinced him to walk the plank for the first time Sunday? Kudos to all the badass Kru members who have taken the early season plunge despite the COLD water temps so far!
Last Swims:
Saturday June 1st - noon
Water Temp: 50 (Itch-o-meter), 47.4 (macho-meter)
Waves: slight chop from east
Clarity: crystal
Crew: Diablo, Itch, Linda with shore support from Handyman Hank, Capt'n
Sunday June 2nd - noon
Water Temp: 51 (Itch-o-meter), 50.4 (macho-meter)
Waves: slight chop from north east
Clarity: crystal
Crew: Diablo, Itch, Linda, Drangonfly, Mr. Bubbles, Handyman Hank, Panini, Brent & Julie with shore support from The Patriarch, Ziggy, Capt'n
Despite water temps barely above 50 the crew was determined Sunday to get er done! Perhaps it was Handyman Hank's visit with Hardware Hank on Saturday that convinced him to walk the plank for the first time Sunday? Kudos to all the badass Kru members who have taken the early season plunge despite the COLD water temps so far!
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