Gleðilegt Sumar!

Next Swims:
Saturdays/Sundays at Noon
Mon - Fri 6 am (it's official) and afternoons at 4 pm ish?

Last Swim: Friday @ 0600
Water Temp: 50.9 per mitch-o-meter
Air Temp: 50 and sunny with some serious wind at the beach
Clarity: Practically zero - couldn't see my hands under water
Waves: frequent 10" - 12"swells, sometimes 12"-14"
Kru: Lydia TTL, Dragonfly, Mr. Bubble
Shore Support: Pool Noodle, Magic Mike, Linda the Lamprey, Showgirl

I'm still in total disbelief that the water was above 50 degrees today!   Thought it felt warm when I waded in to take the temp, but was still amazed when the mitch-o-meter would not go below 50.  

So that makes today the First Day of Summer - Gleðilegt Sumar!

That's the Icelandic greeting for the first day of summer, which literally translated means "Happy Summer".  Actually, the First Day of Summer in Iceland is April 22nd - it's a traditional holiday - they exchange gifts, stores are closed and everybody celebrates winter coming to an end.  You see, in traditional Icelandic culture there are only two seasons - summer and winter - kinda like Wisconsin some years.  

Fun morning with shore support visitors.  We were entertained by stories of Lydia's arsonist neighbor, who has set two fires in her own home.  Pool Noodle, retired firefighter, commenting that it's unusual for arsonists to have two X chromosomes.  To illustrate this, Pool Noodle shared a story about a citizen with a Y chromosome who thought the best way to get rid of a bees nest hanging from his soffits was to torch it (reverse misogynist comment - only a guy would think of that!).  Needless to say, that scenario did not end well and his neighbors were not delighted with him either.  This prompted me to ask Pool Noodle - "Have you ever had to put out a fire in sub zero weather?"  Oh yes, many times.  The thick layer of ice that accumulates on fire fighters gloves and coats actually serves as insulation, until it starts melt.  Underneath those waterproof layers, the firefighters are working up a good sweat.  

All in all, a beautiful First Day of Summer!!