Warmer Water & Three Lions Gathering

Last Swim:  Wed., 7/31, 6:00 p.m.
Water Temp:  62 degrees, cooler that that near rocks
Clarity:  Clearing
Waves:  Middling, from the N.E
Kru: Mr. Bubble, Patriarch, Mr. A., Nancy Norshore and Handy Hank, Linda the Lamprey, Itch, Super Hera, Synchro, Kahuna.
Next Swims:  Thurs. 6 am and 6 pm; Fri. 6 am and 5:30 pm.  

Water's warmer than it was.  

In case you missed it in the comments, time to start getting a rough count on how many of us plan on attending next week's Kru gathering (pizza, salad and beer night). As mentioned in a blog post earlier this week, the Kru is getting together socially next Wednesday, August 7th, at 7:30 p.m. (post swim), at Three Lions Pub, on Oakland Avenue in Shorewood. That night we also will have a special guest appearance by UWM Fresh Water Scientists Dr. Russ Cuhel and Dr. Carmen Aguilar-Diaz, who will give us a presentation/explanation on Lake Michigan water temperature fluctuations. IF YOU COULD PLEASE RSVP ASAP SO I CAN TELL THREE LIONS HOW MANY OF US ROUGHLY TO EXPECT THAT NIGHT, I'D GREATLY APPRECIATE IT. That will enable them to get the room set-up, and have roughly enough pizzas and salad on hand for us that night. SEND YOUR RSVP TO: sandiependleton@gmail.com (when responding, please provide nickname and real name, and also whether you are bringing someone with you). I'll publish a blog post this weekend listing the RSVPs I have received. Thanks! -- Kahuna  

Why We Do This

Last Swim:  Tuesday, 7/30, 6:00 p.m.
Temp:  53 degrees
Clarity:  Middlin'
Kru:  Julie fka Pool Noodle, Linda the Lamprey, Drangonfly, Shore Support from Patriarch
Plank count: 1 suit, 2 skin

I said I wasn't going to go in unless the temperature was over 60, but did anyway.  Winds from the NNE brought 1 foot swells more fun than annoying.  The usual running of the ice gauntlet to get beyond the rocks, where there was immediate relief - at least 10 degrees warmer, in my estimate.   Maybe a 6" layer of warmth above the colder depths.  At Sewer Pipe I met up with Julie, in wetsuit, who vowed to go on to Birches.  Myself being skin, I (wisely?) turned back.  As Linda and I shivered into our clothes, Julie returned from her swim.  As she popped up to standing, the smile on her face said it all about why we do this.

Vini, Vidi, Choki

Last "Swim":  Monday, 7/29, 6:00 p.m.
Temp:  45 degrees
Clarity:  Clear
Kru:  Patriarch, Itch, Kahuna

We came, we saw, we choked.  No one went in. 

Strange sightings on the beach:  Disney Princesses Ariel and Moana.  Proof that I wasn't hallucinating: 

Not that either one of them did us much good. 

Save the date:  Wednesday, August 7th, 7:30 p.m., Three Lions Pub.  Kru Pizza, Salad and Beer night.  Bonus:  Special guest appearance by UWM Fresh Water Scientists Dr. Russ Cuhel and Dr. Carmen Aguilar-Diaz, who will give us a presentation/explanation on Lake Michigan water temperature fluctuations.    
 

Swims This Week

Next Swims:  Mon. - Thurs.:  6 a.m. and 6 p.m., Klode.

Last Swim:  Sun., noon, clear water, highly variable, and still pretty Baltic temperatures (recorded between 46 and 54).

From the comments, here is Dragon Fly's addition to my above brief report:

Sunny Sunday brought out a nice crowd of Kru with Patriarch, Kahuna, Moondaug, Linda the Lamprey, Forger, Liz, Showgirl, Squeeze o'Showgirl, Drangonfly, Itch, Stephanie, new Greg, and Handyman Hank, SUP support by Sir James and Shore Support by Stephanie's niece and year-old son. The water was clear Caribbean turquoise and looked (key word) very inviting. Showgirl and I agreed that temps were warmer than Saturday, as long as you stayed within a few inches of the shoreline. Beyond the rocks a 4-inch layer of mid-60s-ish overlaid the cold. Reaching Sewer Pipe, I debated going further but random cold currents encouraged me to play it safe. Sure enough, Stephanie noted a vicious ice patch just beyond where I turned back. Coming back through the rocks was to run a gauntlet of ice knives. After a shot of Pitsch to celebrate "A Good Swim" people hung around and chatted, reluctant to leave the idyllic scene.

Gauntlet of ice knives indeed. 

Despite the cold water we've been experiencing, the winds look like they will be from a favorable direction pretty much Wednesday through Sunday coming up, so maybe we'll luck out then with some better water temps.

Services for Robin

Next Swim:  Sunday July 28th @ noon


A visitation for the family and friends of Robin Treder will take place on Thursday, August 1, 2019, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., at the Wachholz and Sons Funeral Home, 303 Harvard St. in Princeton.  A memorial mass will be held on Friday, August 2, at 11:00 a.m., with visitation one hour prior to the service at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 277 East Montello St., in Montello.  Father Savio Yerasani will officiate.  Burial will follow the service at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery of Montello.

Full Obituary:
https://www.wachholzandsons.com/notices/Robin-Treder?fbclid=IwAR0cA9l1jwOHnIB_uVXjB6NRSfwNV344oAhZO4CBeCClOD1swjt8w9piN-c

A rare opportunity....

Next Swim:  Sunday July 28th @ noon

Last Swims:

  Saturday July 27th @ noon
   Water Temp:  BALTIC!!!  (46.6 per the Mach-o-meter)
   Waves:  slow rolling swells < 1ft
   Clarity:  Crystal Clear
   Kru:  Diablo, Itch, Linda the Lampre, Showgirl, Gumdawg Moondrop, Dragonfly, Liz, Julie, Gary, Matt, Capt'n

  Friday July 26th @ 5:30pm
      Water Temp:  COLD!!!  (49.8 per the Mach-o-meter)
      Waves: heavy chop
      Clarity: stirred up
      Kru:  Itch, Linda the Lampre, Reid the bookworm, with Special Guest appearances from The Patriarch, Kahuna, Capt'n

Technically, I would have labelled today's water temp as "BULLOCKS!" given my reluctance to walk the plank.  The absence of a few regular Kru mates indicates that I may not be alone in this assessment.  The number of Kru mates who walked the plank, however, challenged this assessment...many of whom did so without a wetsuit.  Shiver me timbers!!!

If you're trying to rationalize why you should come out and walk the plank while the water temps are Bullocks, Baltic or just plain COLD...try thinking of it this way...."it's not every day you get the opportunity to swim in   water when the air temp is above 80 and the skies are sunny...particularly in Wisconsin!"

I would be remiss if I didn't post a thought about the passing of one of me closest Kru mates...some knew her as Phoenix...some Crash...others Robin.  In Klode Kru terminology I always considered her me First Mate.  We will miss you...and look forward to swimming again with you in the angelic waters of the after life.

Swimming and remembering

Next swim: Thursday, 6pm

Last swim: Thursday, 6am
Water temp: 57, with lots of changing temp pockets
Water quality: clearer, occasional glimpses of the bottom
Waves: flat
Kru: Capt’n, Ziggy, Snap, Magic Mike. Late shift shore support from Patriarch and Showgirl

Its hard to beat summer mornings on the beach. Shortly after I arrived and determined the need for a wetsuit, Capt’n, Ziggy and Snap showed and the macho-meter confirmed it. Everyone slid into some form of a wetsuit and swam off. As I returned from a considerably shorter swim than the others, I saw Patriarch preparing for a dip. Upon hearing of the colder temps, he chose to postpone (in favor of warmer conditions, I assume?). Showgirl came down the hill. We traded some words about the water, about mountain bike practice, about breakfast, and then Patriarch and Showgirl headed back up to the path.

As I watched them walk away and as I watched the swimmers in the water returning, I realized that there were plenty of people at the beach this morning who knew Robin better than I did. I imagine that’s part of what brought them to Klode this morning. I took an extra moment to remember that she would often come to join us at Klode or Atwater even if she wasn’t going to swim. Before or after those swims, I might occasionally have a chance to talk with Robin.  She’d always listen to, and often express a kindred appreciation for all the joys of open water swimming. Or of just being down at the waterside. I also remember that, toward the end of her life her parents would bring her down to the lake to enjoy precisely what we all enjoy about being at the shore. Those nearly daily trips aided the palliative care she was receiving this spring and summer. I am glad she had them.

Hail and Farewell to our Dear Companion

Fellow Kru, with a heavy heart I share the news that Robin, aka Phoenix, has finally left this Earth...as many of you know, she spent the last few weeks in Hospice surrounded by loving family and friends. I was walking up the hill this morning at about 7 a.m.,chatting with a random guy I met on the path about the water temperature, when I encountered Showgirl, whom I was quite happily surprised to see on a Wednesday - and it took me a moment to realize something was deeply amiss, whereupon she shared the news.

I am guessing Panini will be able to share Service details at some point - but I wanted to break the silence....so we all know.  To those of you who were closest to Robin - knew her the best - I am so, so very sorry.

Mötley Crüe

Next swims: Wed. & Thurs. 6 am and 6 pm 

Last swim: Tues., 6 pm
Water temp: 65 was the reading on Pat-o-meter.  Maybe warmer than 65 some places out thar as we swam.  Much colder by the rocks.  Very cold layer lurking a foot or so below the surface in places.  
Water quality: cloudy, getting clearer
Waves: riffled surface
What was worn:  4 skin (the adolescent male within me snickers after I wrote that)
Kru: Patriarch, Handyman Hank, Dragonfly, Kahuna; Sir James seen at Atwater

There was four of us at Klode, so we dubbed ourselves the Mötley Crüe.  'Cause what's better to swim to then a little Kickstart My Heart, or Smokin' In The Boys' Room, or Girls, Girls, Girls (N.A.F.W.)?  

Nice sunshine as we headed north.  Much faster coming back.  Looks nice for Wednesday morning.  

And as for the other topic of conversation: 

In April 1953, the [Cincinnati] Reds announced a preference to be called the "Redlegs", saying that the name of the club had been "Red Stockings" and then "Redlegs". A newspaper speculated that it was due to the developing political connotation of the word 'red' to mean Communism. From 1956 to 1960, the club's logo was altered to remove the term "REDS" from the inside of the "wishbone C" symbol. The "REDS" reappeared on the 1961 uniforms.

Now you know.  

We beat the storms

Next swim: Sunday, noon

Last swim: Saturday, noon
Water temp: 50
Water quality: cloudy, clearer in close
Waves: small to nothing
Kru: Patriarch, Handyman Hank, Showgirl, Panini, Itch, Linda the lamprey, Liz, Greg, Magic Mike with shore support from Squeeze O’Showgirl

I have noticed something recently during these cold water swims. The Kru is tough-ass. Greg and I were the only swimmers who put on wetsuits before going in the water. Obviously, I understand Greg’s thinking. I totally admire, but fail to understand, those who swam skin these last few days. Way to go!

Here’s hoping today’s turbulent weather brings newly moderated temps: cooler air and warmer water. We’ll find out tomorrow: noon bell, at the flag pole.

Cold water, warm water—its all out there

Next swim: Sat, noon

Last swim: Friday, 5:30 & 6pm
Water temp: 45 by one measure, 47 by another
Water quality: clear
Waves: small swells out of the south
Kru: Patriarch, Mr Anonymous, Handyman Hank and Itch on the early shift, Reed and Magic Mike  on the 6pm shift

There is something particularly cruel about the lake being this cold when the weather is this hot. My reaction, beyond all logic, is to get angry. Eventually, I get over myself and try and do something about the situation. Today it was to committ to getting into the water, no matter how cold.

At a little before six, I ran into Patriarch, Itch, Mr A. and Hank shivering their way back up the bluff path—all with smiles on their faces. Reed came down the bluff as we chatted. We talked about the fact that there was warm(er) water out there, just not along our section of the western shore of the lake. A boat would’ve been nice. Itch made some crack about my fancy North Shore boating friends. So I made a call. And they showed!

 

We motored out a mile or so to the 70 degree waters. Someone mixed a batch of margaritas. We cranked up the reggae-ton. Much drunken frivolity ensued: deck chairs, dancing, dips in the water. It was the perfect Friday evening’s entertainment. And then Itch’s dream sequence ended, and I was sitting on a log squeezing into every bit of neoprene in my bag. 

Not Reed. He had jumped right in (skin!), swam south for a bit and back in toward the rocks. He returned a little redder, a little happier, and a lot cooler. I finally got in and swam south for a bit myself. As I dried off, I noticed that the busy beach full of screaming joyous kids was emptying out and that there was a cooling puff of air off the weater. I sat back down on my log and enjoyed a moment before climbing back up into the heat of the day.

Consequences Be Damned

Next Swim:  Thursday, at Klode, 6 pm (and then Friday, at Klode, 6 am)

Still friggin’ cold

Next swim: Wednesday 6pm

Last swim: Wednesday 6am
Water temp: Nobody had a thermometer; pain in the feet, shocking breath intakes, spontaneous utterances of swear words, you get the idea
Water quality: clear
Waves: flat
Kru: Pool Noodle, Forger, Brian, shore support from Christina, Magic Mike

This is a day for inland lake swimming. I had just returned to the MKE area after two days on the shore of one of Wisconsin’s many northern inland lakes. That was delightful. Reading Showgirl’s post from yesterday had me a little hesitant. But down to the water I went this morning. Everyone was slipping into their neoprene. The water was clear and punishingly cold. Brian and Forger each made a few strokes happen, all within the rock piles, before coming back to shore. Then Forger made a southerly attempt, accompanied by Pool Noodle who had suited up. She made it to the end of the beach and back: an impressive feat. I chose to stay dry today. So did Christina. Brian and Christina spoke about trying Pike Lake, another one of those lovely inland lakes. Not a bad idea.

The north wind is currently blowing a cool fog through my backyard. Yet the city is heating up this week. Perhaps temps will be more in keeping with the buoy this evening. They sure weren’t this morning.

FORTY-FOUR

Next Swims: M-F 6am and 6pm (I'm assuming)

Last swim: Tuesday @ 6 am

Water Temp:  FORTY f-ing  FOUR
Water clarity: excellent
Waves: flat, with some ruffles 
Kru:  Julie, Laguna, Showgirl

I had to move the WFB po-po barriers when I arrived at Klode at 6:01, and I made my way to the beach alone.  I was looking forward to another amazing swim, until I stepped into the water to take the temp.

The thermometer kept going down.  As I stood there, Julie and Laguna arrived.  Neither had brought their wetsuits, and even with suits, 44 is tough.  

I did a strip'n'dip, Julie tested and proved her mettle by treading water for 60 seconds.  Laguna started wth 60, and later went in for a 5 minute exhibition of toughness.

Here's hoping for warmer water tonight.

Another non-Tequila sunrise

Next swim:  Monday @ 6pm
Last swim: Monday @ 6 am

Water Temp:  mid-upper 60s per foot-o-meter
Water clarity: very clear, could actually see bottom the whole way to birches
Waves: little ripples, maybe 2-4"
Kru:  Scuba, Forger, Laguana (tardy), Mr. Bubble

I've become a convert to early am swims.  Seems like the water is always so calm, and seeing the rising sun on the horizon can't be beat.  

Figured out a routine whereby Klode is a stop on my way in to work.  Worked really well for my first attempt today, except that the socks I brought don't match (have another pair just like them at home).  

Hoping to make today another two swim day.  

No News is Good News

Last swim: Sunday @ Noon
Water Temp:  66 per Itch-o-meter (perhaps 66.6 in spots?)
Water clarity: just enough to see many schools of fingerlings
Waves: 6" - not perfectly flat but pretty comfortable
Kru:  Scuby (Scott), Liz, We'taco, Panini, Itch, Leslie,  Stephanie, Julie Pool Noodle, Reed, Dragonfly
Shore support:  Leslie's Mom, Sarah
Plank count:  about half wetsuits, half skin

Itch emerged at the flagpole just as his name was mentioned, upon which he declared himself "The Devil" hence the reference to 66.6 above.  The sun was warm and the breeze  lovely - a perfect Klode summer day - without the oven-like qualities of Saturday, though the sand was still too hot to stand on in bare feet for long.
As we headed south, the water warmed delightfully beyond the rocks, still with some cold pockets but not as extreme as on Saturday.  All in all a "no news is good news" kind of day - no major controversies or weird paranormal phenomenon, unsettling wildlife behavior (unless you count a minor minnow die-off along the shore - something to keep an eye on - We'taco also reported minnows hitting her wetsuit), no major artistic endeavors, arguments or fisticuffs.
Sarah was urged to swim on her next visit so she could honorably share in the Killepitsch. I learned from Julie about "Yoga for Swimmers"  a growing thing.
Seems safe to say, "A good time had by all!" but this being the Kru, someone may take issue.

Diversity is good, right?

Next swims: Sun @ Noon

Last swim: Sat @ Noon
Water Temp:  Disparate readings - 65 per Patriarch-o-meter at the shore, 57 and 55.5 per Itch-o-meter
Water clarity: tiny bit clearer than usual but still pretty sandy
Waves slight ripples
Kru: Patriarch, Parker (new nickname, first swim of 2019), Ellen (newbie), Scuba, Mr. Bubble, Mr. Anonymous, Forger, Itch, Dragonfly RiffRaff, Cool Hand Luke, Neo, Showgirl, Cathy (don't know if she's a C or K), Tatoo Lady (Amelia, not Amanda), MomaLinda and Child
Shore Support:  MomaLinda's Child 

Another great day for a swim!  The air temp was hot and muggy.  Dragonfly confessed to feeling depleted from  biking up from BayView in the muggy conditions, but she felt totally refreshed afterwards.  Think we all felt that way after getting out of the lake.  

While the air temperature was very consistent at different spots along the beach, the water temp was a completely different story.  Even the scientific instruments could not come to a consensus.  Partiarch-o-meter says 65 right by shore - felt even warmer to wade in.  Itch-o-meter made readings right along the steel barrier, on each side.  First reading on the north side was 57 (OMG!).  Next reading on the south side was 55.5 (WTF!).  That certainly wasn't consistent with the water temps during the last couple of days either; 65 yesterday, 69 for a couple days before that).  Had some foreshadowing of water conditions today from Northshore Nancy's Facebook post a few hours earlier Cold swim without a wetsuit, but the water was like glass.(rumor has it that there was a stealth early shift swim)

Diversity in water temps only increased once we were actually swimming - even more diverse than usual.  Showgirl and I both thought there were spots where the water temp had to be in the high 40s, and then some other spots that seemed like mid 60s.  

Great to see so many people come out for a swim.  It's also been great to see so many newbies who are coming for their first, second or third swim.  People who've found the blog and are coming from all over town, or even people visiting from out of state. 

My pleasure and honor to serve up the Killepitsch.  Didn't have the advantadge of modern refrigeration to keep the bottle from overheating, so used and an ancient technology - buring it in the loose sand right below the water line,.  Someone asked before tasting it,  "Is it perfectly chilled? Not perfectly, no.  Entertaining to see some funny faces after drinking it.  Heard someone else use a descriptor I've used a lot - "Robitussin".  Such a great ritual.

am or pm?

Next swims: Sat/Sun @ Noon

Last swim: Fri 6pm
Water Temp:  66 per Patriarch-o-meter
Air Temp:  82
Water clarity: same old, same old - sandy
Waves 2-3 feet periodically
Kru: Patriarch, Itch, Mr. Anonymous, Reed (third time visitor)

Arrived at 6:02 and Patriarch was already getting changed in to dry clothes.  Itch and Mr. A were out.  Reed was ready to go out so we went out together, saw Mr. A on the way in.

Turns out Reed moved from San Francisco recently and was a regular swimmer in San Francisco Bay.  He's living in Brookfield now and looking to move to the east side.

Got to sample a 6 am and 6 pm swim today and have to say I prefer the am.  But, I'd also have to say I like doing both in the same day.  #increasingthedosage

Ready for the weekend!

Odysseus Unbound

Next swims: Fri 6 pm, Sat/Sun @ Noon

Last swim: Fri 6am
Water Temp: upper 60s per feet-o-meters
Water clarity: still sandy after all these years
Waves: some slight ripples
Kru: Handyman Hank, Doug Weiss (newbie), Pool Noodle (Julie), Linda the Lamprey, Forger, Mr. Bubble

The siren's call was too tempting - Odysseus managed to untie his ropes and jumped in to the water for his first 6 am swim of the season.  Won't be the last.  

Clay in the water?

Next swims: Thurs, 6pm; Fri, 6am and 6pm

Last swim: Thurs 6am
Water Temp: 59 from Showgirl; 57 from Capt'n
Water clarity: still pretty foggy, you have to imagine seeing the bottom
Waves: flat, with some slight ripples on the way back
Kru: Scuba, Capt'n, Ziggy, Showgirl, Julie, Magic Mike

On the walk down the path Scuba was commenting on our water clarity issues. He said the foggy water was due to clay washing off the banks up in Mequon and being pushed south toward us by those northerly winds earlier in the week. Perhaps those same conditions are responsible for the drop in water temps. I squeezed into my wetsuit for this morning's swim. I think Ziggy did, too. Scuba too. But Capt'n, Showgirl and Julie toughed it out. Props.

Strength in Numbers

Next Swims:  M-F, 6am and 6 pm, Sat/Sun at Noon
Last Swim: Wednesday @ 6pm
Water Temp:  65 per Itch-o-meter
Waves: some light ripples
Clarity:  Not so much, bit sandy
Kru:  Handyman Hank, Mr. Anonymous, Itch, Moondrop Gumdaug, Dan from Brookfield, Mr. Bubble, Northshore Nancy, Nanook, Scott, Kyle, Magic Mike, Synchro, Stefanie, Sir James, The Big Show.

Quite a Kru Krowd at Klode!  

Air temp was 95, cooled off to 89 by the time we headed up the hill.  There actually were other people swimming in the water with water wings!  It was very, very nice but not as pretty as this morning. 

Klode was a nude beach for a little while this evening.  Scott was there with his wife, Jessica, and their two little girls.  The older of the two girls didn't have a swim suit and managed to get her street clothes all wet.  She didn't like wearing wet clothes, and that's what lead to Klode becoming a nude beach.  Mom wasn't the least bit embarrassed about her daughter parading around nude in public.  The other little girl, who I don't think could walk yet, was happily sitting on the beach and putting a piece of driftwood up to her lips.  Maybe she was teething.  Again, mom didn't freak out.  That is what I call being a good mom.

Yogis on the bluff; bliss in the water

Next swims: Wednesday 6pm, Thurs - Fri 6am and 6pm

Last swim: Wednesday 6am
Water temp: 64, 65, but there was talk of 69. Maybe the top six inches of water were 69.
Waves: very gentle, small rollers
Clarity: 4 on a scale of 1-10
Kru: Snap, Julie, Josh, Brian, Christina, Magic Mike. Shore support from Mr. Bubble.

Heading down the path a few minutes late (gotta fix my errant alarm system), I passed under the circle of yogis in sun salutation on the bluff, and looked to the beach. There I saw the long limbed profiles of several triathletes mixed with some more familiar faces. The morning sun cast its charms over us as we approached the water. Mr Bubble, doubtless affected by those charms, thought he might go for an underwear swim. Spare goggles were proffered, the Lady beckoned. Like Oddysseus, the man resisted that siren call.

The rest of us pushed off. Josh got a little more acquainted with the Lady of the Lake; it was his second Lake Michigan swim. Snap swam with him. Julie, Christina and I ventured out to the mudslide. Brian swam another quater mile or so. We all enjoyed the rise and fall of the water, the warmth of the sun, and a morning dose of endorphins. Bliss.

After the swim, Mr Bubble had returned to his Ithaca, the yogis had disbanded, and the sun continued with its charms.

Happy Wednesday, Kru.

Temporarily Spoiled by Devil's Lake

Next swims: M - F, 6am and 6pm
Last swim: Tuesday, July 9, 5-6 pm
Water temp: 69 per Patriarch-o-meter 
Water clarity: Sandy, 3/10.  
Waves: 12-18"
Kru: Patriarch, Sir James, Handyman Hank, The Big Show, Synchro, Mr. Bubble, Super Hera

Everyone but Hank was already out when I arrived, Hank was just getting in the water.  He was wearing his Roka shorts and he told me the water was the warmest yet - 69 degrees.  "Do you have a thermometer now?" I asked.  Usually foot-o-meter readings are not that specific.  "Patriarch" was Hank's reply, as he points out to a Barbie on top of the water nearby.

First thought after wading in - "This is cold!" - next thought - "Devil's Lake has spoiled me!".   Two days ago, I swam in a full wetsuit in 77 degree water for only 53 minutes, and today, I think 69 degrees is cold.  Those irrational thoughts passed quickly once I was fully submerged and swimming.

Super Hera arrived just as the rest of us had come in.  She kept asking if someone was still out and we kept saying no, everyone (that we know of is) back already.  Few minutes after Super Hera has swum out, the Big Show swims back in! 

Having a shot of Killepitsch after a 6 pm swim has not been as common this season, so I brought along the bottle I had from Devil's Lake.  Of course, I just had to offer the Patriarch a shot, in return for who knows how many he has poured for me.  Ah, but Synchro had an even better offering...a cold bottle of Pitsch.  She had kept it in the freezer for 2 hours before bringing it to Klode in this special, zippered nylon caring case, designed for carrying chilled wine (Where did you get that?  No idea, it was a gift").  So, Synchro got the privilige of being the Sommelier.  Perfect temperature!

In fact, perfect temperature all around...air temperature, lake temperature and Pitsch temperature. 

Best Swim of the Season!

Red ball recovery

Next swims: M 6pm, T-F 6am and 6pm
Last swim: Monday, July 8, 6am (more like 6:15)
Water temp: mid sixties
Water clarity: Forget your hand, you couldn’t see the elbow in front of your face.
Waves: flat
Kru: Julie, Magic Mike

After a long day and a late night Sunday, six o’clock came mighty early this morning. At 6:08 as I was zooming up to Klode, a big red ball peeked through the trees along Lake Drive. A few minutes later, I was pulling the parking lot barricades away and that ball was a little less big and a little less red. With no cars in the lot, I thought I was in for a solo recovery swim. Happily, I was mistaken. Julie was at the beach preparing for her morning swim (inflating a brand new hot pink barbie). We noted the water felt warmer than the morning sand, and dove in. Julie swam to the mudslide, I turned around at the birches, feeling nominally “recovered.” The first morning swim of the work week—four more!

Big Swell Swim Devil's Lake 2019 Race Report

Water temp: 77 
Water clarity: crystal 
Waves:  None
Kru: 

• 2.4 No Wetsuit:  Sir James, Theresa from New Mexico, Cap'n, Ziggy 
• 2.4 Wetsuit:   Amelia(newbie Tatoo Lady), Linda (zero tatoo newbie, aka "Fish on Bike")
• 1.2 No Wetsuit:  Dragonfly Riff Raff,  
• 1.2 Wetsuit:  Mr. Bubble

Shore Support:  Mr. Dribble with a G (aka Dragonfly's better half)

Fantastic conditions!  Sunny with almost no clouds, mild air temp (61 at first, warming up to 75).  No rip tides, no 4 foot waves.  Warm water; at 7 am, they announced it was 80.  Shortly thereafter they announced it was actually 77. 

Great showing by the Kru - Sir James finished 3rd overall ("I wasn't feeling super-competitive today"), Theresa was 13th overall and first in her division, Dragonfly was 2nd in her division (she asked me to mention that).  I was 5th in my division (out of 5), but I met my two race objectives - didn't finish last and didn't leave the park in an ambulance!

Actually, I had a third race objective - doing a shot of Killepitsch with the Kru after we were all done.  Met that objective, too. 

We recruited Mr. Riff Raff to take some photos of the Kru indulging with the Pitsch.  Turns out, he is a journalist and had been taught by fellow photojournalists that best practice is to take lots of photos so they can catch people acting naturally.  Literally 35 photos later - my phone battery died (it was only at 20% to begin with).  Google Photos actually made two animations out of all the photos.  Here's the first one.
Best Swim of the Season toast

Mr. RR also insisted that he document us actually drinking the Pitsch.  Here's the animation of that.  
Drink up!
The last few photos in this sequence definitely captures Ziggy acting naturally - making a face after the shot and sticking her tounge out.  
😝😛

Here's a link to a Google Photos album with all the individual photos. 
Big Swell Swim Devil's Lake 2019

All in all, a great event to top off a great holiday weekend!

Biggish Water

Next Swim: Mon. - Fri., 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.  
Last swim: Sunday, 8 a.m. 
Water temp: 67?  
Water clarity: zero 
Waves:  up to 4 or so feet; not "am I stupid to swim?" big yet, but getting there; your results (or wisdom) may vary
Kru: Mr. A, Karen and Kahuna, with shore support by Linda the Lamprey and Magic Mike (at least, neither of them went in at 8 as far as I know)

Bright sunshine and a pretty raucous surf met the Kru as we strolled down to the beach this morning.  "Newbie" Karen was already on the beach, getting on her wetsuit.  She's training for Escape from Alcatraz later this month.  She usually swims in the Shorewood pool, and has only swam with us once before (on a day when the very cold late spit her back out pretty quick).  So she decided today was a good day to give it another go.  She and I had a nice invigorating swim against a solidly noticeable current up to birches and back.  Return trip was half the time.  Swimming against a current like that, with the challenging sighting conditions, should be good training for San Francisco Bay.  

And speaking of strong, fearless, capable women, how 'bout them members of the USWNST?  Woo-hoo!    

Hawaii Five-O, and GO USA

Next Swim: Sunday, @ Eight a.m.  
Last swim: Saturday, noon 
Water temp: 62 Itch-o-meter
Water clarity: churned up 
Waves:  up to 3 or so feet, not "big water," but getting there
Kru: Itch, Magic Mike, Theresa, Liz, and Somebody Else

The storm swept through, but that did not deter the intrepid Kru (especially those of us looking for any excuse to get out of the house).  As we were looking at the good sized waves, the discussion on the way down was who wrote the theme song to the original Hawaii Five-O TV Series?  Some wild guesses were postulated (Henry Mancini?  Pah lease!)  It was Morton Stevens, of course (or says Mr. Google).   To hear the song and watch that kick-ass opening sequence to that show,  see this link.  Look out Steve, it's Wo Fat!  ( I think Jack Lord learned how to do that "turn and look into the camera" in the opening credits from the Patriarch.)

And I don't want to hear any whining about an 8 a.m. swim on a Sunday morning.  The Kru swim's at 8, and then goes and supports Team USA.   Some of us are going to Three Lions.  They are closing off the street there, and bringing in the Jumbo Tron, so it should be fun.  

Oh What a Beautiful Morning

Next Swim: Saturday, @ Noon 
Last swim: Saturday, 6:30 a.m. 
Water temp: 64 per Showgirl-o-meter
Water clarity: pretty darn clear
Waves:  up to 2 feet "washing machine"
Kru: Panini, Northshore Nancy, Forger, Pool Noodle (artist previously known as Julie), Showgirl, Mr. Bubble

First order of business, Julie the lady who usually swims with a pool noodle on a string tied around her ankle, showed up with a Barbie today.  Shortly after we got down to the beach, Panini asks "Who's writing the blog today?  From now on, Julie will be Pool Noodle".  Then Panini and Pool Noodle went through a brief ritual where Panini tapped her on both shoulders with a stick of driftwood from the beach.  

Another surprise...Showgirl has a thermometer!  Some of us had never seen it before.  Will wonders never cease!

Almost forgot that the fob for starting my car was still in the pocket of my tri suit.  Actually, I didn't forget, I just remembered at a less than ideal time...just after I swam past the rocks.  Good news - no trouble starting the car when we got back to the parking lot.  Another pleasant surprise!  

While we were on the beach, about a dozen or more folks came trotting down the hill and then headed back up the stairs.  Apparently, there's a 7 am boot camp in the Klode parking lot.  Tried to encourage some folks that the water was really nice - they were not persuaded. 

Looking forward to seeing some of you at Devil's Lake for Big Swell tomorrow!

Yah Da Yah Da Beautiful Swim

Next Swim: Saturday, early swim at 6:30, regular swim at noon 
Last swim: Friday, 6 p.m. 
Water temp: 64 a shore, more like 54 out thar 
Water clarity: pretty darn clear
Waves: flat 
Kru: Julie, Erin, Synchro, Kahuna.

Nice swim with some mist on the water, as the cold water in places mixed with the warm moist air. 

The temperature graph is swinging.  You just don't know what you're going to get until you get there, and get in, and even then, it will change on you.  Sounds like marriage?   

What say the Kru about Sunday?  Eight a.m. swim, then retire to Three Lions for soccer?  Or watch soccer (or attend church) first, then swim at 1:00?  

Big Bay to Atwater

Next Swim: Friday 6am and 6pm
Last swim: Tuesday, July 4th @ Noon
Water temp: 67 per Itch-o-Meter
Water clarity: pretty darn clear
Waves: variable; sometimes just 3-4", other times 6-8"
Kru: Forger, Magic Mike, Dragonfly Riff Raff, Itch, Moondrop Gumdaug, Super Hera, Amelia and Linda, Cap'n and Ziggy, Kahuna, Laguna, Showgirl
Early Shift:  Sir James
Shore Support:  Karen Sands, Eric Gitzen

What a great way to celebrate birthday #243!  Nice sunny day, warm water, good company.  Thanks Kahuna for bringing the flag.

As a relative newcomer to the Kru, I thought it was de rigueur that we do a Big Bay to Atwater swim on the 4th, and I was excited about doing it again.  When we got to the beach, a couple of people opined that maybe we should do Atwater to Big Bay, since the wind would be driving us.  Cap'n even suggested doing that yesterday, when we were debating about what time we should meet up.  That opinion was definitely the voice of reason for today.  

My concern that Atwater beach would be locked up tight come 1:00 turned out to be unfounded.  According to Mrs. Bubble, Eric Gitzen, who had lifeguarded that morning, was hanging out there until about 2:00, waiting for the official keymaster to show up.  Some kids even snuck down to the beach.  Mrs Bubble managed to persuade the official keymaster to keep the gate unlocked until I came up.  

Many thanks to those of you who were hanging out, waiting for me to come in, and who were concerned about what happened to me.  Thank you Itch for spotting me and letting Mrs. Bubble and the others know that I would be a while.  Thanks Forger for letting me borrow a swim cap and goggles.  I brought my phone in my Barbie and was trying to track my swim using MapMyRide.  I pulled out the phone when I came ashore and was disoriented when MapMyRide said I had been swimming for 2:50.  That did not compute.  Then I saw that the time was 2:58 pm - I still couldn't believe it.  Looking on the bright side - I set two PRs today - longest duration swim and slowest velocity!  

My friend Karen, who came to see us off, really enjoyed meeting everyone.  She texted me later to say "What a fine, caring fun bunch of people.  I think once it hits 70, I'll be there with a wetsuit".  Karen is a strong swimmer herself - she did the Milwaukee River swim with us last year and she'll be there again this year

I still have that bottle of Killepitsch so I'll plan to bring it along at the next Best Swim of the Season!
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Sun vs Fog, Chapter 2 plus July 4th swim details

Next Swim:   Thu, July 4th @ Noon, Big Bay to Atwater

Last Swim:  Wed, July 3rd at 5:30 - 6:00

Water Temp:  68 per Itch-o-Meter (that's not a typo)

Clarity:  Very clear, 9/10

Waves:  4-5" ripples

Kru:  Itch (early shift), Sir James (staggered shift), We'Taco, Mr. Bubble, Kimberly, Teresa from NM

Shore Support:  Magic Mike and Emma

Looking forward to the Annual July 4th Big Bay to Atwater swim!  

Let's go with the Noon meet up time, Mrs. Bubble will be on hand to help shuttle people back from Atwater to Big Bay.  She'll meet up with us at Big Bay at Noon.  We'll see who all is swimming and get an idea of when the first swimmers will come ashore at Atwater.  I bought a bottle of Killepitsch so we could do our toast at the end.  

Conditions tonight sound similar to Magic Mike's description this morning. I thought the sun was definitely winning until I got within a block of the lake.  Foggy down by the beach but not pea soup  - you could see the shore and landmarks from maybe 50 yards out. Water beautifully clear and actually warm!

So, the morning swimmers are starting their day off on the right foot, the evening swimmers are finishing off their day on the left foot.  The morning swimmers are sizing up their days, knowing they have done one good thing for the day.  The evening swimmers are trying to seize the day and do one good thing, to atone for all the bad things they have already done ..."and so it follows, as the night the day, thou canst not be false to any man"

Atwater Beach closing later than previously reported

Gorgeous view walking down

Still plenty of beach at Big Bay

Water is SO WARM
Easily above 70°

Sun vs. Fog

Next swim: Wednesday, 6pm, then Thursday, July 4 10:00am Big Bay (to Atwater)?
Last swim: Wednesday, 6am
Water temp: maybe more uniformly 59--no serious variations
Water clarity: murkier than yesterday, but still pretty clear
Waves: flat
Kru: Forger, Dragonfly Riffraff, Rick from Boston, Magic Mike

It is nearly 9:00 as I write this and the fog has a leg up in the sun v. fog battle. But earlier, at the beach, the sun was definitely winning. Four swimmers glided off across the surface of the lake and four returned, happy to have started their day off on the right foot. Rick was flying back to Boston and the rest of us sized up our days, knowing we have done one good thing for the day.

As I read the comments, there seems to be a growing consensus around a 10:00am start time for a swim between Big Bay and Atwater. Not a lot of beach this year at Big Bay. Y'all may want to negotiate the specifics in the comments.

Stephen King at Klode?

Next Swim: Wednesday 6am and 6pm
Last swim: Tuesday, July 2 6am
Water temp: 52ish in the cove; 59ish out in the bay
Water clarity: pretty darn clear
Waves: very slight chop on the way out; gliding smooth on the way back
Kru: Forger, Magic Mike, Diablo (on the early shift)

There were some pretty interesting skies this morning. A section of mist to the south, a slice of sun in the east, and some threatening clouds to the north. Forger and I swam north against the very slight chop to the mudslide. Part way back, I looked up and was completely unable to make out the rock piles in the cove. The mist we saw from the south had moved in and engulfed the beach. Another hundred yards and the mist had withdrawn leaving the rock piles and the beach perfectly visible. I swam in thinking of Stephen King's "The Mist." I half expected to see some creepy animal corpse or something waiting for us on the beach. Instead, a friendly chat with a local and a quick dash up the hill before the rain broke out. Perfectly timed.

North (the threatening storm):


South (the receding mist):

Mornin'!

Last swim: 7/1/19, 6 a.m.
Next swims:  Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. 
July 4th Swim:  Big Bay to Atwater?  Meet at Noon at Big Bay?  

Conditions on Monday, Morning:  
Water temp:  53 degrees or so by the toe?  
Waves: Flat  
Air temp: 60
Clarity: Clear  
Crew: Forger, Mr. A, Magic Mike, Diablo (early shift), Kahuna. 
Skin/Wetsuit: Diablo and Mr. A skin, everybody else wetsuit.

Nice to get back swimming in the morning.  Such a quiet peaceful time at the park/beach at that time of the day.  The weather forecast does not look promising for the evening swim, but you just never know.