Worshippers

Next Swims:
Mon - Fri @  5:30 pm 
Saturday/Sunday @ Noon

Last Swim: 
Not on Sunday, 9/29 @ Noon
Water Temp:  52 per itch-o-meter
Waves:  Severe Alert Beach Hazard
Clarity:  solid brown with lots of debris
Shore Support: Mr. Bubble, Daiblo, Itch, We'Taco and AA

I arrived a few minutes early, and actually entertained the thought "I wonder if anyone else will show up?"  I kinda doubted no one else would show up, but I did entertain the possibility, until Diablo's black VW pulled in, and then Itch's truck shortly thereafter.   It was raining - harder than it had been when I left home, after deciding to drive instead of bike.  From the parking lot, you could hear loud crashes not far away.  The three of us descended and came across a familiar face of someone with a cap and backpack - AA!   He went back down to the beach with us.  We'Taco arrived shortly thereafter.  

Itch did his thing with the itch-o-meter and came back with 52.  Seemed even warmer to my foot-o-meter, certainly warmer than the 48 degree days.  Several of us observed that the waves were much more reasonable after you got past the rocks a ways, but none of us were rushing to get out of our rain gear and into our wetsuits. 

So, the five of us stood on the shore, contemplating the forces of nature and worshiping the object of our devotion, but without indulging in the full set of rituals and sacraments.  

How Deep is Your Love, Chapter 2,

Next Swims:
Mon - Fri @  5:30 pm (anyone still in the am?)
Saturday/Sunday @ Noon

Last Swim: 
Thursday 9/26 @ 5:30
Water Temp:  48 per itch-o-meter
Waves:  glass
Clarity:  super clear glass, bottom visible up to 25' (per Itch)
Kru:   Itch and Super Hera
Shore Support: Handyman Hank,  Mr. Bubble and Synchro

Such a beautiful evening!  The Sirens call is even more powerful than usual.  It's hard to look at the lake without feeling compelled to immerse yourself in it, but...Yep, the water temp is 48, just like last night.  

Got down to the beach at 6 to find Synchro and Hank are in dry street clothes, Itch and Super Hera are just coming out of the water.  Approaching the beach and the disembarking swimmers from a distance, it looks like Super Hera must be wearing some bright red socks  - get closer to see she's not wearing socks.  Super Hera stops to take a selfie with her bright red ruddy complexion, after she's applied even brighter red lipstick.  

Synchro and Hank looks sad but resigned.  At one point, Synchro stands on the beach and reaches out her arms to give the lake the biggest hug she can muster.  She loves the lake, but...She vacillates a little...it would be easier than icing my knee, but...

Itch is doing his thing...he's got a system down and he's following it.  Actually wore a long sleeve wetsuit top and wetsuit knickers.  Slightly ruddy complexion, but not as dark as the Killepitsch.  

Mr. Bubble is undecided.  He goes in and out a couple of times, but never up to waist deep.  Made an attempt to just rush in Polar Plunge style, but stops short at waist depth.  Super Hera captures it all on camera and posts it to Facebook.  

Tonight's toast - Prettiest swim of the season!  Unanimous agreement.  

Two by Two plus Two

Next Swims:
Mon - Thu @ 6ish am and 6 pm, 
Friday @ 6ish am and 5:30 pm
Saturday/Sunday @ Noon

Last Swim: 
Tuesday 9/24 @ 5:00 and 6:00 pm
Water Temp:  54 per patriarch-o-meter
Waves: mostly flat with some gentle 2" swells
Clarity:  Very, could clearly see bottom by the rocks.  
Kru: 
First Shift - Patriarch and Handyman Hank
Second Shift - Mr. Bubble and Synchro

Pulled in to the parking lot to find Synchro, Hank and Patriarch sitting by the flagpole - Patriarch and Hank have post swim hair but otherwise look dry.  They report that they have been in the water, it's nice and the official temp is 54.  Clock strikes 6 and the second shift wanders down to get started. 

Can't believe the crystal clear water - not just out on the beach, but further out as well.   Quagga mussels are back on the job.  We head north to birches and back.  Sun sets shortly after we make it ashore.  

Heading back up the hill I spot them once again - the two Unidentified Wading Objects.  They seem to be standing in about the same spot as last week, waist depth again.  Synchro seems them, too - I knew I wasn't hallucinating when I saw them last week!

UWO sighting followed immediately by a warm sirocco type breeze blowing down the grassy bluff - a welcome warm breeze after a mid 50's swim. 

Another best swim of the season!

Who'll Stop the Rain?

Next Swims:
Sunday @ Noon
Mon - Thu @ 6ish am and 6 pm, Friday @ 6ish am and 5:30 pm

Last Swim: 
Saturday 9/21 @ Noon
Water Temp:  54 per itch-o-meter
Waves: 4-6" swells at very regular intervals
Clarity:  Decent, 2/3 out of 10, could see bottom
Kru:  Mr. Bubble, Patriarch, Forger, Scooby, Itch, Laguna, Handyman Hank, Magic Mike, Diablo, Cool Hand Luke (near shore support)
Shore Support:  Northshore Nancy (NNN<60), Laguna's family

So, upon arrival, there was much optimism, based on reported conditions from yesterday - 65!  Somehow the early arrivals have developed a non-empirical consensus that today's temp at Klode is 59 (Atwater buoy?)  Northshore Nancy is busy putting on her suit and swim cap. 

Itch approaches the water carrying the itch-o-meter of truth, and he reports out a different number - 54!  Itch uses his hand signals to convey this measurement, and a debate ensues about how to correctly interpret these hand signals.  Several people contend that the hand signals meant 59, confirming their earlier consensus and heartfelt hope.  Itch attempting to educate the wishful thinkers,  "This is what 59 looks like, this is what 54 looks like and this is what 44 looks like".  Northshore Nancy ends the debate by wading in, before she's finished putting on her wetsuit, and declaring - "This is NOT 59!".  She starts taking off her wetsuit - 54 is a triple N; a "Northshore Nancy No". 

While I'm out swimming, thought going through my head is that thunderstorms are predicted to start at 1:30.  What if the thunderstorm arrives earlier?  What if I'm not out of the water yet?  Who'll Stop the Rain?  Someone with superhuman powers must have read my mind.  Shortly after we all make it back, small drops have started to fall infrequently.  The frequency increases a little bit during the bike ride back, but it's still just a light drizzle, not an all out rain. 

While we're making our toast, I announce that the Equinox is on Monday - this news is not well received - "It's not Monday!"  Ah, but once again, the moving finger, having writ, moves on.  No matter what, the sun will come out tomorrow

The sun'll come out tomorrow
So ya gotta hang on'til tomorrow
Come what may

Tomorrow tomorrow
I love ya
Tomorrow

You're always a day a way

Sunup!

Next swims: Friday 5:30 pm, Sat and Sun 12:00

Last swim: Friday morning 5:45-6:00am
Water temp: 55, according to my toes
Water clarity: clear in the cove, a little murkier outside
Waves: flat
Kru: Drangonfly Riffraff, Pool Noodle, Ala, Magic Mike

After yesterday morning's sunrise swim in which Laguna and I were greeted coming out of the water by photographer snapping glam shots of a young woman in barely a bikini, I expected a quieter day at the beach. Instead, when I swam back in from birches, I was greeted between the rock piles by Dragonfly swimming out and Pool Noodle and Ala strapping into their neoprene on the sand. So a decent Kru has repopulated the beach for the morning swims.

The water temp seems relatively stable of late. Weather patterns have kept conditions calm. It is hard to argue with the sun rising out of the same water you're swimming in. Here's to riding this Indian summer wave as late into the season as possible!

Sundown

Next Swims:
Thursday  @ 5:45 am with Magic Mike and 6 pm
Friday @ 5:30 pm, 
Saturday/Sunday @ Noon

Last Swim:
Wednesday, Sept. 18, at 6 pm
Water Temp:  Itch-o-meter 60.6, Atwater 58.5
Waves:  Strong and steady, 1-3 feet, irregular intervals
Clarity:  gunky close to the beach, 6/10 further out
Kru:   Itch, Patriarch, AA (artist previously know as Aaron), Itch,  Diablo, Liz, Mr. Anonymous, Mr. Bubble
Off Shore Support:  Moondaug, AA's son August


Pretty choppy conditions tonight.  I know I was going slower than usual - got ashore after sundown -last one out.  Much obliged for leaving me a shot of Pitsch, Itch. 

AA confessed to me that he's been to Klode 8 out of past 10 days, and that he's addicted.  I didn't have the heart to tell him - there is no treatment for this addiction.  But that's because no one who is addicted wants to be cured - no one is willing to even participate in a research study. 

The Fog Comes on Little Cat Feet

Next Swims:
Tuesday thru Thursday - 6am & 6pm, 
Friday 6 am and 5:30 pm
(is anybody still coming at 6 am?)

Last Swim:
Tuesday, Sept. 17, at 6 pm
Water Temp:  Patriarch-o-meter 59
Waves:  Smooth surface, small gentle rocking swells, maybe 6"
Clarity:  Very clear near the beach, 5/10 further out
Kru:  Staggered shifts:  Linda the Lamprey, Handyman Hank, Itch, Double AA (artist previously know as Aaron), Patriarch, Synchro, Itch, We'Taco, Diablo, Cammie with a C (second timer)
Off Shore Support:  Moondaug the Sailor Man

Another lovely evening swim.  Light fog slowly rolling in, light pink clouds illuminated by the setting sun, seeing Moondaug the Sailor Man on his contraption, sailing north of Klode, backlit by the diffuse sun on the fog.  All images too beautiful to capture on a recording device, but too beautiful to forget.  

No funny stories from last night, although I did experience a USO sighting - Unidentified Swimming Objects.  Actually, they weren't objects, they were people (aliens?).  Spotted them while heading back up the hill - looked like two guys, in wetsuits, in waist deep water in between the two southern most rock piles.  They weren't actually swimming when I sighted them either, but I didn't recognize them, so that makes them unidentified.  Maybe they were actually UWOs - Unidentified Wading Objects.  Nonetheless, very mysterious.  

Synchro brought the Pitsch and put me in charge of bringing it back tomorrow.  

Reid not Fred - your wetsuit shorts are still calling out for you - 
GIVE ME BACK MY MAN!

Rock Me Gently

Next Swims:
Tuesday thru Thursday - 6am & 6pm, Friday 6 am and 5:30 pm

Last Swim:
Monday, Sept. 13, at 6 pm
Water Temp:  Itch-o-meter 60, agreed with toe-mometer of 60, warmer past the rocks
Waves:  Smooth surface, small gentle rocking swells
Clarity:  Brownish green, but pretty clear, lots of debris floating around
Kru:  Staggered shifts:  Drangonfly, Itch, Aaron, Super Hera, Diablo
Shore Support:  Panini and her neighbor, also a random mom-and-kid

The sky was blue and the sun golden as I cursed traffic en route to the beach Monday night, arriving finally around 5:45 p.m. thinking I was the only Kru member to show (totally spacing meetup time was  6 p.m. not 5:30.).  Fog softened shore and horizon contours to the north. What the heck, I waded in to "ice my legs" as the marathoners do.  "How's the water?" piped the ginger-headed 8-ish year old.  "Cold," was my equally witty reply.  "I think it's about 60," I added, to invite further conversation.  There being none, I slid in to enjoy an exceedingly gentle, rocking swell, distinctly more pleasant beyond the rocks.  

Arriving back at shore, I found Itch chatting with the mom and kid like old friends.  "Have fun swimming!" the kid yelped (I tell you, he had the one-liners!) as Itch's orange cap faded into the fog which now engulfed the scene. 

Next up was Aaron, carrying a motorcycle helmet, then Super Hera, "a bright spot of color" with her green caftan, as Harini observed.  Aaron and Super Hera set out into the grey and Diablo appeared.  "Someone's calling me," Harini held up her phone.  "It's your neighbor!" quipped Diablo.  "It IS my neighbor.  My other neighbor.  I'm like the Daniel Tiger of adults!" Harini declared.  As Aaron and Super Hera disappeared to the north, Itch reappeared.  Diablo swam off South so he could more easily keep the shoreline in sight through the pea soup.  Itch and I walked together up the bluff, speculating on who had set stones in the shape of a heart on Diablo's towel.

Performance Challenge

Next Swims:
   Sunday September 15th @ 11am for Packers fans
   Sunday September 15th @ Noon for everyone else

Last Swim:
   Saturday September 14th @ noon
      Water Temp:  57 Patriarch-o-meter / 55 itch-o-meter / 54 macho-meter
      Waves: none with occasional swell < 1 ft
      Clarity: Cloudy turquoise blue
      Kru: The Patriarch, Itch, Linda the Lampre, Moondawg, Handyman Hank, Mr. Bubbles, Super Hera, Fred the Bookworm, Aaron, Capt'n with shore support from Mr. & Mrs. Anonymous and an unknown dog.

The official Klode Kru swim was in the books.  A round of Pitch and a rousing toast to another exceptional swim was had by all Kru members in attendance.  ...but before we departed this fine day there was one more highly anticipated performance to be had.  With great anticipation the Kru remained assembled on the beach.  "Do you think he can do it" one Kru mate whispered.  Most looked on in pure wonderment at the spectacle that was unfolding in front of their eyes.  Clad in his competition ready speedo Moondawg worked at a feverish pace.  But could he really do it?  Perhaps a few helpful tips from Handyman Hank would do the trick.  ....no luck.  Determined to help get the job done, Itch pitched in a helpful hand.  Progress could be seen...but alas, no luck...yet.  Determined to get the job done Moondawg vowed to make one last attempt.  Sadly, after considerable efforts along the shoreline and even with the helpful hands of Itch, no luck.  Despite his valiant efforts, Moondawg's sail would just not rise.

Always the optimist Super Hera offered a few words of support...."I've read on that website...you know, the one I've been telling you about that predicts the earth will cool for the next 20 years due to the lack of solar flares....that some guys find it challenging to perform while others are watching.  Perhaps if we walk away Moondawg might be able to hoist that mighty sail of his?"  (editors note: after a 45 min skin swim in 54 degree water and a round of pitch some quotes may not be completely accurate.)

So begrudgingly we departed wishing Moondawg the best of luck with hoisting the sail of his new sailboard.

TGIF!

Next Swims:
Saturday/Sunday  @ Noon
Mon thru Thursday - 6am & 6pm, Friday 6 am and 5:30 pm

Last Swim:
Friday, Sept. 13, at 5:30 pm
Water Temp:  Itch-o-meter 54, macho meter 56
Waves:  smooth
Clarity:  Kinda 3/4 out of 10, see bottom at 3 feet
Kru:  Patriarch, Itch, Linda the Lamprey, Pool Noodle, Handyman Hank, Mr. Anonymous, Diablo, Mr Bubble
Shore Support:  Northshore Nancy, Cap'n

Thank God it's Friday  Indeed!  It may be cliche to say but it's More Than a Feeling

Arrived at 6 and was greeted by a lovely sight coming down the hill - the setting sun shining on the perfectly smooth water, and seeing Linda and Julie swimming out past the rocks, with their colorful swim caps and perfect strokes.  A slight wake rippling behind them.  It was a beautiful sight to behold.  It was the kind of moment that I didn't want to spoil by trying to capture a picture of it.  Pure beauty.

Arrived on the beach to see Patriarch and Mr. A. getting out of their suits, Northshore Nancy scanning the horizon tracking Hank's progress, Cap'n standing sideways in water about half way between his knees and waist.  Itch and Diablo could be seen in the water off in the distance, chatting with each other.  People razzing Cap'n saying Itch and Diablo were waiting for him to swim out and join the bromance.  Julie, Linda. Itch and Hank came in before I went out.  Linda and Itch sporting slight lobster complexions.  Diablo allegedly is still out there somewhere. 

So, of course, my first question upon arriving within of earshot of everyone else - "What's the number?".  I wade in to about ankle depth - this is pretty warm!  Numbers are reported - "It feels warmer than that!"  Put on the westsuit in anticipation of the warm water...doesn't seem so warm when I get out to waist depth, but I've got my routine down now...don't stop to think about it. 

This was my first swim since last Sunday and honestly, as I approached the rocks, the thought going through my head was "This is COLD!".  It's been 4 days and I'm not used to it any more.  But I know...just keep going, it will feel good soon, and so it does. 

Arrive back on shore and the Kru has already migrated up towards the flagpole.  As I'm changing, sweet Pool Noodle comes back down to make sure I got in OK. 😊.  See you all on Saturday and Sunday!

Synch or Swim!

Next Swims:
Wed. thru Thursday - 6am & 6pm, Friday 6 am and 5:30 pm
Saturday/Sunday  @ Noon

Last Swim:
Tuesday, Sept. 10, at 6 pm
Water Temp:  Toe test, low 50's, Atwater Buoy 54
Waves: Pretty flat 
Clarity:  Not very, 5 or 6 out of 10.  
Kru:  Linda the Lamprey, Synchro, Kahuna, Willadawonderdog.

Syncho & Lamprey, just before they commence their dramatic synchronized swim routine.

So I arrive, and almost don't recognize Synchro, all dolled up!  When's the last time a Kru member showed up at the beach with hair done and makeup?  This is Synchro's public education program to explain to the Kru the beauty and athleticism of Synchronized Swimming!  But where's the Kru?  It's just Synchro, Kahuna and Willadawonderdog at the flag pole.  Where's Itch?  Where's Patriarch?  Where's everybody else?  Oh well, fi I say, you all missed it.  We go down and see the indomitable Linda the Lamprey swimming skin, finishing off a long swim.  Linda & Synchro proceed to give a magnificent, improvised olympic-caliber synchronized swim exhibition.  

Or that's the story I'm sticking to.  Rather than the story about Sychro managing to get a very excited Willa running to play with her in the water -- a poor puppy, who is oblivious to the fact that there is a drop off, and who doesn't really know how to swim. Oopps.  Oh well, puppy recovers quickly, scampers out back onto shore, and refuses to go anywhere near the devil lake the rest of the evening.  Don't worry, Synchro, I'm sure you were not INTENTIONALLY TRYING TO KILL A PUPPY, and I'm sure after many years of therapy Willa may some day be able to look at water again without going into full PTSD flashback.  

I'm telling ya, if ya don't go to the Lake, ya just never know what you might miss seeing.     

Sequins, sequins, look at my sequins.

The hair is shellacked, and will not move, no matter how long I stand on my head underwater and twittle my feet above the lake.

 

Thermodynamic Equilibrium - Here yesterday, gone today

Next Swims:
Monday thru Thursday - 6am & 6pm, Friday 6 am and 5:30 pm
Saturday/Sunday  @ Noon

Last Swim:
Sunday September 8th @ Noon
Water Temp: Itch-o-Meter 54, Atwater Buoy 62
Waves: 1 -3 feet, tallest waves inside the rocks
Clarity:  Not very, 5 or 6 out of 10.  Some plant junk floating around inside the rocks
Kru:  Mr. Bubble, Drangonfly, Itch, Patriarch, OG (Other Greg), The Resistance, Magic Mike, Diablo, Jennica, Eric and his daughter Abby
Shore Support:  Kahuna and Willa

The second law of thermodynamics states that the total entropy of an isolated system can never decrease over time. The total entropy of a system and its surroundings can remain constant in ideal cases where the system is in thermodynamic equilibrium, or is undergoing a (fictive) reversible process. In all processes that occur, including spontaneous processes,^[1] the total entropy of the system and its surroundings increases and the process is irreversible in the thermodynamic sense. The increase in entropy accounts for the irreversibility of natural processes, and the asymmetry between future and past.^[2]

Yesterday was an ideal case where the total entropy of Lake Michigan was in thermodynamic equilibrium.  The temperatures shown on the Atwater Buoy, the itch-o-meter and the duck-o-meter were in alignment - the entropy of the isolated system remained constant.  Ah, but it was undergoing a reversible process!  The overall irreversibly of the natural processes has taken over now, entropy is increasing again (total entropy of an isolated system can never decrease over time) resulting in a restored asymmetry between future and past!  

Nevertheless, even though we were not basking in the same warm temperatures as the Atwater Buoy today, Klode was two degrees warmer than yesterday!  This kind of asymmetry between future and past is what we like.  There is less enthusiasm for future and past asymmetry when the polarity is reversed.

Itch's  toast today probably sums up how most people are reacting to this blog post - "Whatever!"

This less than inspiring toast caught Magic Mike by surprise.  He was holding his filled shot glass, looking down and speaking softly with Willa and was caught off guard.  "That was it?  I could have come up with something more inspiring than that!"  Ah, but as a student of literature, Mr. Mike surely knows that: "the moving finger writes, and having writ, moves on".  Mr. Bubble attempts to create a consensus for a do-over.  But alas, he has forgotten the rest of that quote from the Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám; "Nor all thy Piety nor Wit, Shall lure it back to cancel half a Line, Nor all thy Tears wash out a Word of it".  There are no do-overs in real life.  

Go Cap'n and Forger at IMWI today!

• Cap'n has finished the swim and bike and as of 4:49 pm was reported to be 9.8 miles in to the run.  Predicting he'll finish the run at 7:35 pm, which would be 12:37 for the race.

• Forger has finished the swim and had just finished the bike at 4:44 pm.  He's just started the run so there's no estimate yet on when he'll finish.  

Hope I didn't miss anyone else who's racing today.

Fluke of the Universe

Next Swims:
Saturday 9/7 @ Noon
Monday thru Thursday - 6am & 6pm, Friday 6 am and 5:30 pm

Last Swim:
Saturday September 6th @ Noon
Water Temp: Itch-o-Meter 52, Duck-o-Meter 52, Atwater Buoy 52
Waves: flat with occasional slow rolling swells
Clarity:  Pretty Clear, 3 or 4/10
Kru:  Mr. Bubble, Drangonfly, Mr. Anonymous, Itch, Handyman Hank, Moondaug, Synchro, Ala Mode, Linda the Lamprey (early shift)
Shore Support:  Kahuna and Mrs. "Don't call me SOK" plus their puppy, Willa

Checked the Atwater buoy reading before heading to Klode - 52!  OMG, Klode has consistently been 5 to 10 degrees colder than the buoy reading.  What will I do if the water is 42 - 47?  Will I be able to handle it even in a full wetsuit?  Will I make it past the rocks before turning around?  I was determined to find out - hopped on the bike and headed out, all the while obsessing over "What if?"  

I got to the parking lot first, and thought - everyone else has seen the buoy temperature and decided to bail!  Dragonfly arrives a few minutes later - first thing I ask her is "Did you see the buoy temperature?" No, but she doesn't seem concerned.  I go on to predict that there will be a low turnout today,  more than just the two of us, but certainly not 20 people like last Saturday.  A few minutes pass and a few other people arrive.  No one else seems the least bit concerned.  

Down on the beach and Itch starts the ritual - 52!  Moondaug puts the duck-o-meter in the water and also comes back with 52!  This clearly portends a rare alignment of forces in the Universe - the entropy in the Universe has stopped increasing and is remaining constant.  The forces of disorder which normally cause the itch-o-meter, duck-o-meter and buoy-o-meter to have divergent readings has been neutralized.  This is a Fluke of the Universe!!  The only thing that would be more alarming would be if Cap'n was here with the macho-meter, and it said 52 as well.  That would be the End of the World as We Know It!

Out past the rocks - much warmer!  Must be 55 or so,  Very pleasant conditions - water fairly clear and blue, bright sunshine.  That's the Way I Like It!

How Deep is Your Love?

Next Swims:
   Friday:  6am & 5:30pm

Last Swim:
   Thursday September 5th @ 6pm
      Water Temp: 51
      Waves: 8" swells pretty regularly
      Clarity:  Pretty clear, but not crystal
      Kru:  Skins - Itch, Linda the Lamprey 
                Suits - Super Hera and Mr. Bubble 
Shore Support:  The Patriarch, Handyman Hank, Synchro

Arrived fashionably late at 6:10 to see Patriarch, Hank and Synchro standing around, looking out on the water, but still in street clothes.  Super Hera was donning her wetsuit and a couple of swim caps swimming southbound.  What's the verdict?  Super Hera dares me to guess - below 50?  Nope.  51

This is the time to ask yourself  how deep is your love?
How deep is your love, how deep is your love?
I really need to learn 'cause we're swimming in a world of fools
Breaking us down when they all should let us be
We belong to you and me

Patriarch, Hank and Synchro have decided that their love is not deep enough to go in.  Super Hera and Mr. Bubble's love is deep enough to go in, but with some protection.  Itch and Ms. Lamprey's love couldn't be deeper - they give the lake their unconditional love
Give me your unconditional love
The kind of love I deserveThe kind I want to return 

and so, regardless of how deep our love runs, we each get the kind of love we deserve, and we return...

Deceptive Motivation

Next Swims:
   Tuesday thru Thursday - 6am & 6pm
   Friday:  6am & 5:30pm

Last Swim:
   Monday (Labor Day) September 2nd @ Noon
      Water Temp: Sir James' xr-7 laser gun (58), Itch-o-Meter (50), Macho-Meter (48.9)
      Waves: flat with occasional slow rolling swells
      Clarity:  Crystal Clear
      Kru:  The Patriarch, Diablo, Kahuna, Itch, Linda the Lampre, Sir James, Mr. Bubbles, Mr. Anonymous, Dragonfly, Wet Taco, Forger, Magic Mike, Ala Mode, Kickass Rubber (a.k.a. Stephanie), The Resistance (a.k.a Liz), Chris, Capt'n with Lone Star shore support from Gina.

With sunny skies, an air temp comfortably in the 70's and a calm lake surface the Kru arrived on the beach today with no shortage of motivation to swim.  Most didn't even hesitate for an official water temp as they grabbed their swim cap and goggles with nar a thought of pulling out a wetsuit.  The motivation levels quickly changed when the water temp reports were called out.  First Sir James' XR-7 Laser gun reported an initial reading of 58.  While this caused a momentary hesitation by some, the Kru continued to approach the plank as if it were just another day on the beach.  Then the initial Itch-o-meter reading was called out...52.  The Kru paused.  Then an unexpected second Itch-o-meter reading...50!  Groans could be heard with a smattering of "Whaaaaa???"  This was followed by a Macho-meter reading of 48.9.  At this point, those with wetsuits returned to their bags to begrudgingly prepare for the Baltic water.

Those who didn't have wetsuit or were already wearing them were the first to walk the plank today.  Surprisingly, after swimming past the Klode Rock Piles Mr. Anonymous exclaimed that he had found warmer water on the plus side of 60.  Could it be?!?!  With the new found motivation several of us ditched our wetsuits and walked the plank with visions of frolicking in the warmer water.  Much to our chagrin, though, we would soon find out that Mr. Anonymous had intentionally deceived us.  Shame!

Speaking of Motivation....thought some of you may enjoy this video.  Rumor has it this individual may be a distant relative of The Patriarch:

Two Minute Motivational Swimmer Video

Laboring off the plank, Chapter 2

Next Swims:
   Monday (Labor Day) @ Noon
  Tuesday - Thursday @ 6 am and 6 pm
  Friday @ 6 am and 5:30 pm

Last Swim:  Sunday September 1st @ Noon
Water Temp: 55 (Itch-o-meter), 52 (Macho-meter)
Waves:  1-2ft chop from south
Clarity: murky pretty much everywhere, but no green junk today
Kru: The Patriarch, Kahuna, Moondrop Gumdawg, Itch, Panini, Stephanie, Drangonfly Riffraff,  Mr. Bubble, Capt'n, Liz (nickname resister), Magic Mike, Showgirl, Chris H (first timer)
Shore Support:  Layla (Kahuna's pooch), Mrs. Gina H. ("I'm not a swimmer"), Squeeze of Showgirl (SOS?)

Kind of a re-run from yesterday, but colder.  Pretty choppy but a little milder, waves at more regular intervals.  Absence of green junk most welcome.  Not terribly sunny.  Klode Kru Kiddie Pool definitely colder and choppier than surrounding areas.  Tiny bit calmer and warmer further away.  

Headed south since waves were coming in from Southeast again.  Itch advised everyone to go between the two big rock piles and turn right, instead of going between the southern most rock pile and the steel barrier - lots of big rocks just under the relatively shallow surface.  Indeed, some of those larger white boulders along the steel barrier could be found in the water half way down the beach.  

Had a little bit of a surprise when I came back from my swim - there's a full bottle of Killepitsch in my backpack.  Itch?  "I don't know how that got there", Patriarch?  "Don't know either".  Does anybody know how that bottle wound up in my backpack?  Finally, Kahuna solves the mystery - Cap'n put that there before he went off on his swim, thinking it was Itch's backpack, since Itch's stuff is nearby.  

Noon on Labor Day - Kahuna will bring the pirate flag.  

Late add - Flashback to September 2, 2013. 
Lake Michigan swim outing sparks mistaken rescue response