Shipwreck Swim Saturday? Big Waves this morning.

Next Swims: 6a.m. and 5 p.m.  Monday - Friday 

Saturday - Sunday - 8 AM and Noon, (bonus: swim with Showgirl at 7am Sat, maybe Sun)

NOON Saturday--Moondaug's Shipwreck Swim - reply in the comments if you're interested, meet at Atwater overlook as usual,  (See yesterday's blog post.)

Last Swim: 6 a.m. Friday, sort of

 Water Temp: 70?

 Air Temp: 70's

 Waves: beach hazard sized.... maybe 5-footers at times

 Clarity: none

Kru: Mermaid Princess, Dragonfly, Steve (new guy)

Shore Support: Showgirl (though I did try to go in) and two of MP's friends

The wave splashing on the left rockpile only hints at the size of the waves.

Wait... are people complaining about the lack of blog posts?  Go jump in the lake.  We'll meet you there.

Lots of swims are happening at the times on the blog, and probably other times, but just less blogging is taking place.

BIG Waves this morning.  Most were breakers. MP and Dragonfly did actual swimming.  New guy Steve, who is doing his first half iron next weekend bravely attempted to go in.  My goggles got washed off, and I decided that was enough for me.

Here's to flat water this weekend.

Sat Ship Wreck Swim, Rrrr you in?

Last swims:  7/29/21 5 pm 

Water temp: 68

Air temp: 78

Waves: 2-4 footers with some organization and some chop.

Crew: Jack Frost, Magic Mike, Itch, Moondaug

Next swims: Feel free to post, usually M-F 6 am, 5 pm, shipwreck swim on Sat. 12 noon at Attwater ( leave post if interested)

It was a relatively down to business swim. The waves and chop were playful at about three second intervals and fast on the way back. I halved my returning time. There were also a few warmer spots along the way. It was also noted that some spots had good clarity while others were a little stirred up on the bottom. Most of us swam to about Mudslide.

Refreshments were Savory. Talk around the water hole was about why there seems to be somewhat less swimmers, a shipwreck swim on Sat. and a complaint about warm pitch.

Some theorized that less swimmers could be due to less frequent posting. I wonder though if it could be some kind of an after effect of Covid captivity, as their seems to be more people swimming at various other times. Or maybe its just my European Speedos scaring people? 

As far as the complaint about warm pitch, well, I think Showgirl handles the complaint department, and I understand she has an excellent system in place. 

Shipwreck swim on Sat as conditions look good for viewing. Mostly sunny, warm, and flat water forecasted at high noon will allow for optimal viewing. Post if your in for a ship wreck swim.

Full Moon Swum

 Last swims: 8:30 Friday full moon, others..., 12:00pm  Sunday 7-25-21

Next swims: Usually 6 am, 5 pm, M- f

Water temp: 70

Air temp: 80

Waves: Awesome full moon gravity swell

Crew: Rose & Co, Wetaco & Co, Brick, Moondaug

Full moon swum-It was a gorgeous night, fire flies alight sparkled like little stars in flight along the winding path, as the full moon shone blood red. Under a blood red full buck moon we rode the steady rhythm of the full moon gravity fed swells. Later, as we said our good byes for the night, desires were already kindled for another summer full moon swim. Stay tuned. Best swim of the season!

  

12-24-21:

Conditions: were almost identical minus the gravity swell waves.

Crew: Stephanie, Wetaco, Rosie, Itch, Forger, Brick, Super Hera, Neo, Dragonfly Riffraff, Diablo, Moondaug, others...

Noon time conditions were tropical like. Crystal clear warm water, sunlight reflections on the sea bed and a slight nice swell propelled many to Three Piers, and some twice as far. The only complaints heard were concerning the navy ship yard (at least 20) of yachts parked along the swimmers way, and not a one of them offered refreshments. But all in all, many were still thinking of making it a double dip day. Conditions dont get any better than this, so get it while you can. Best swim of the season!

Full Moon Swim

Last swim: 5pm

Next swims:  Tomorrow 6 am, 5pm, 8:30pm (full moon)

Water temp: 70

Air temp: 80

Waves: Just a little chop and swell to make it interesting

Crew: Itch, Magic Mike, Nanook and support, Moondaug, new guy, new gal.

Warm water, warmer air, we were spoiled. Nanook graciously came to the rescue of our parched desires with a savory replenishment of fresh provisions, and bestowed future provisions to the good keep of Itch. Smiled upon by two wonderful ladies today. Best swim of the season!

Full Moon Swim Fri 23, at 8:30. Full moon rises over the lake at 8:38, with a sunset at 8:22 PM.  Air temps forecasted in high 70s and water temp close to 70, according to current trends skies forecasted to be clear!

Serenity at sunrise

Next swims- Tues-Fri: 6am and 5pm; Sat and Sunday: Early shift 7 and/or 8 am, Midday shift 12noon

Last swim: Monday, July 19, 6am 

Water temp: 68

Air Temp: 60

Waves: like glass

Clarity: 7/10

Kru: Lt. MJ, Magic Mike, Diablo on the early shift

At 6:00, MJ and some fitness buffs were gathering in the lot. The fitness buffs started to prepare for their workout atop the bluff, while me and the lieut walked down to the shore. The water was lying still. The sun was a cool yellow ball just over the horizon. Not a clear hot sunrise. It was shaded a bit by a very slight haze in the air. You could look right at it.  

As I stepped into the water to gauge its warmth, Diablo emerged on the north steel wall with encouraging words for the swim.  For the past week, the water has been steadily cool, but not cold (low, mid 60's), and slightly choppy. Never annoyingly choppy, just some regular motion in the water. Today, it was smooth and flat. Also, a few degrees warmer-- really nice. After a little chat about the Bayfield swim in August, we were off. We both swam past mudslide. I did that thing where I swim way far out because I only breathe to one side and can't see the shore on the way back. MJ swam around the rocks for a while wondering where the heck I was. One of those days where you don't really want to get out of the water. 

Eventually, we did get out of the water, though. Reluctantly. I kept a little sand in my shoes and between my toes to remind me of the swim while I sat all morning in Zoom meetings. Priorities! This is the time to get to the lake!

"I'm not fond of dead birds..." (Plus swimming landmarks visually defined!)

Next Swims: 6a.m. and 5 p.m.  Monday - Friday 

Saturday - Sunday - 8 AM and Noon, (bonus: swim with Showgirl at 7am Sat/Sun)

Last Swim: 6 a.m. Wednesday

 Water Temp: 66?

 Air Temp: 70's

 Waves: flat as glass 

 Clarity: none

Kru: Lt. MJ, Rachel, Mr. Anonymous, Dragonfly, Showgirl, Panini

Shore Support: Lydia the Tattoo'd Lady, who is shore support BECAUSE she got some amazing new tattoos

Lt. MJ, Rachel, and Mr. A were suited up and ready to go into the water when Dragonfly and TTL and I arrived on the beach.

Swimmers launch.

There was a mysterious floating object surrounded by birds that was gradually drifting south.  "Is that a dead bird?" Lt. MJ asked.

MJ, Rachel, and Mr. A launched, and moments later we heard, "I'm not fond of dead birds."

Sound carries over water.

Anyway, no one took on the task of investigating the possible carcass, and we were all happy that it had headed south before we returned.

Pre swim, there was general grumbling regarding the treatment of entrants in the Point to La Pointe swim. 

Apparently, the event communication went something along the lines of, "We don't give a rat's ass if you want to do our event, which now bears no resemblance to the original,  and fuck you if you want your money back."  The consensus was that they could have made their language a wee bit more........ conciliatory.

TTL is still recovering from her new tattoos, and thus did not swim.  She did, however, walk down the beach and photograph several landmarks that many of us have only seen from the water.

Sewer Pipe (north)

Interior of The Garage....KACHOW!!

Mudslide Staircase

Thanks TTL for providing this handy visual guide to many of our cherished swimming landmarks!

It's Not Always Calm at Sunrise

Last Swim:  6 am Monday

Next swims 

Mon-Fri, 6 am and 5 pm

Saturday, Sunday and Holidays - 8 am and Noon

Water temp:66 

Air temp: ~66 with little or no wind

Swell: 1-2 feet, rough but pretty regular

Clarity: bit murky

Kru: Showgirl, Dragonfly, Luna, Rachel, Terri and Julie

Shore Support:  Mr. Bubble, Beth (not Showgirl)

Another beautiful sunrise, which I enjoyed as the first arrival.  Subsequent arrivers got to enjoy some beautiful sunshine from behind some light clouds.  

First time this year for my friends Terri and Julie.  Julie has come only once before.  Terri came out maybe 6 or 8 times last year.  

So, it was atypically rough for an early morning swim.  Not a washing machine like yesterday, but still pretty challenging.  Everyone headed north.  Luna, Showgirl and Dragonfly headed out first.  The other three ladies followed after spending a minute or two facing down the waves.  Terri made it just past the rocks and decided to come on back (she's a very sensible person).  Julie was doing the breast stroke to get out past the rocks, then she and Rachel took off.  Showgirl did her usual thing of swimming past the rocks on the return.  

Beth came down while everyone was out - she was a regular sunrise swim observer last year.  Beth is pretty chatty, so I didn't feel lonely while the others were out swimming 😊

Since this was Terri and Julie's first time this year, I took some photos of them facing down the waves and a 10 second video of them swimming out.  Apologies to Showgirl, Dragonfly and Luna for not getting photos of them.  Actually, I wish I had taken a photo of Showgirl checking the water temperature.  The way she was standing holding the thermometer, I made the remark that, from a distance and looking from behind, she looked like a guy relieving himself 😂.  So, probably best that I didn't take a photo, lest anyone else have the same misperception.

Washing Machine

 Last swim: 8 am Sunday

Next swim: Noon Sunday, 6 am and 5 pm Mon-Fri

Water temp:68 maybe?  Pretty warm

Air temp: mid 60s, mostly cloudy

Swell: 3 footers+, coming quickly at irregular intervals

Clarity: Bit dirty inside the rocks, clearer outside the rocks but still murky

Kru: Mr. Anonymous, Ben, relative newcomer and blog follower

Shore Support:  Mr. Bubble 

I came down to do a scouting report for Rachel, who said she might go swimming mid-day.  She says big chop makes her sea sick, so thought I'd do her a solid and provide a scouting report.  It's a long drive from her house to Klode.  

I'm getting over a cold myself so didn't come prepared to jump in.  However, as expected, managed to get my shorts wet just by wading in to ankle depth when the waves came crashing.  

Ben didn't quite make it to sewer pipe before deciding discretion is the better part of valor.  He was swimming skin without a Barbie, so that was using good judgement.  

Mr. A cruised out to just before rockwall before coming back.  12 minute swim for him.  Probably would have taken me 45 minutes.  

"Washing machine" was Mr. A's description.  

Here's a photo and some videos

Good Swim Good Time Bubbles

Last swim: 5pm

Next swim: 8am and 12 pm tomorrow

Water temp:67

Air temp: Mid 60s

Swell: Nice one footers with significant wind chop

Clarity: Some clear some cloudy spots

Crew: Itch, Rosy, Mr. Bubbles, Chris, Synchro, Moondaug, Stickler, 2 tri lasses that started as we were finishing

A very enjoyable swim was had by all, best swim of the season.  Except that no one had Killepitsch to toast afterwards. Hopefully this situation of a lack of fresh provisions does not last long. 

So, a Lewbowski-ite walks up to us after swim, in the parking lot, and declares that he doesn't mean to offend, but simply must say that he has bathed with Mr. Bubbles. Preposterous I think at first. Bubbles comments that he's seen his fair share of psychotics. But then I wonder how did he know Mr. Bubbles name? As I side eye Bubbles I observe he is wearing a Mr. Bubbles shirt. Ahh, that explains it- or does it? What could this mans motivation possibly be I wonder? So I get home and I Google Mr. Bubbles, and I find a multitude of people that make the same claim, and apparently find it quite enjoyable, and very affordable.

Well, I'm not one to judge, but apparently a good time can be had with Mr. Bubbles and its much cheaper than the going rate for swimming with Patriarch ($100).  

Addendum; Mr. Bubbles is certainly no misogynist.

Luna Laguna Saves the Swim!

Next Swims: 6a.m. and 5 p.m.  Monday - Friday 

Saturday - Sunday - 8 a.m. [probable, may vary], some of us swim at 7am, and NOON FOR SURE. 

Last Swim: 6 a.m. Thursday, (also 6am Wednesday) (and 5pm swims happening as well)

 Water Temp: 63 

 Air Temp: WTF, 55??

 Waves: 3-4 footers according to the forecast.weather.gov 

 Clarity: none

Kru: Showgirl, Luna Laguna 

So Wednesday morning, Dragonfly, Lydia the Tattoo'd Lady, and I braved the gunky shoreline and swam north in the waves to the birches.  Let the record show that Dragonfly initially declared herself to be shore support, but succumbed to peer presser and FOMO, and swam right along with us.

Afterwards, we were all pleased that we had braved the conditions and swam.

Wednesday night there was some texting, and general agreement that the forecast for Thursday morning was rough water.

But.... that morning had been rough and we swam anyway.  So I went to the beach, and could hear the surf at the parking lot.

I was convincing myself to swim solo when Luna Laguna arrived to save the swim!  So off we went into the waves, which were big, but not much bigger than Tuesday.  No breakers.  Definitely warmer when you got out of the murky/muddy water and into the blue/green.

Afterwards, again, we were pleased that we had braved the conditions and swam.

6@6@Flat Rock

Next Swims: 6a.m. and 5 p.m.  Monday - Friday 

Saturday - Sunday - 8 a.m. [probable, may vary] and NOON FOR SURE. 

Last Swim: 6 a.m. - July 5th from Big Bay 

 Water Temp: 63 

 Air Temp: Upper 80's, sun-in-haze, breezy 

 Waves: amazingly flat 

 Clarity: Crystal 

Kru: Showgirl, Rick from Boston, Lydia the Tatooed Lady, Luna Laguna, Dragonfly, Adam (without beer.) 

Met up with Showgirl on Bartlett Ave., proceeded to the Lake path where Lydia headed toward us, ID'd at some distance by her pink crocs. 

 At bottom met with Rick, waiting on the wall. A few moments later, "Sunny" Luna and Adam strolled up. 

Rick confided that he had already been nicknamed Captain Zero, "but I like Rick from Boston better" which led to a discussion of nicknames and getting one by doing or saying something stupid - "that's why I haven't said anything yet," Adam noted wisely. 

I was almost last in, still partly asleep or more truthfully, just reluctant. Adam was last, adjusting ear plugs. 

I don't HAVE to swim to Flat Rock again, I said to myself, getting cold around 600 yards. I was just there yesterday, I reasoned. And yet soon in similar with only 150 more yards to Flat Rock, Rick and Luna already up. I watched as Showgirl and Lydia arrived and climbed up. Then my turn - made it! We stood grandly in a row, warmed (more than yesterday, thankfully) by a hot breeze. 

 "Why is this so weird?" I asked. 

"It's just so wrong," replied Lydia, on my right.

 

We even turned and looked out toward Klode. Rick observed he didn't feel like swimming further.

Luna was the first to head back, crouching to get a really flat dive. Lydia and I followed in sync. 

My return trip was even more of a struggle than yesterday's. I was very conscious that the water was 3 degrees colder. Fortunately there were some warm patches and I kept reminding myself of the warm air and hot sun overhead. But a couple of times I felt weak, and resorted to a spot of backstroke, which helped a little.

Just before the exit point, swam over a huge school of fingerlings - maybe 4 to 6 inches long? Fish size estimates are like wave heights. Divide by 2. 

Back on shore, Lydia commented that she had turned a couple hundred yards after leaving Flat Rock and seen Adam standing on it. So we all achieved it, which was satisfying. 

 Adam arrived shortly, looking cold. He was going home to a small child and a baby, this was probably the easiest part of his day. 

We bade farewell to Rick for another year. He invited us to come swim in Boston.

Do we owe our independence to the Pirates of the Carribean?

 Next Swims:

   6am Monday July 5th - Big Bay

   Noon Monday July 5th - Klode

Last Swim:

   Noon Kru - July 4th from Big Bay

   Water Temp: 65

   Air Temp:  Upper 80's and Sunshine

   Waves: rippled surface with slight current from south

   Clarity: Crystal Clear

   Kru:  Diablo, Itch, Kahuna, Moon Dawg Gumdrop, Spider Girl, Wet Taco, Nina, Laguna, Luna Laguna, Lil' Laguna and Capt'n

If you're a fan of small stones and not sand on your beach then Big Bay is for you!  Not sure where all the sand went....it used to be there....but it's not there any more.  Contrary to the beach though....once your toes hit the water the sand is just a few ginger steps out.  Rest easy though...besides the stoney beach at Big Bay the water is still wet and as enjoyable to swim in as Klode!

Being my first swim from Big Bay in 2021 I did find it quite interesting that it appears 99% of the small stones are on the beach now and not in the water where they traditionally greet you....perhaps they all decided to come out and enjoy the perfect weather we're having for the 4th this year?  If you enjoy the familiarity that typically accompanies traditional venues the bigger toe stubber rocks can still be found on the south side of the pier....I would assume they were likely too lazy to join the smaller rocks sunning themselves on the shore.

On the topic of interesting historical facts regarding Independence Day...did you know the Pirates of the Caribbean played a role in our nations quest for independence?  If historical facts about Pirates interest you check out Netflix's "The Lost Pirate Kingdom"...I've actually learned a few fun facts about Pirates I was not aware of!

The Lost Pirate Kingdom trailer

Big Bay: The Place to Stay

 Next Swims:

Mon - Fri 6 am and 5pm
Saturday: 8am and Noon

MONDAY 6 a.m. only: Big Bay

Last Swim: 8 am Sunday, also noon but I was not there 
Water Temp: 66
Air Temp: warm & sunny
Clarity: great with the current (i.e. north) less great but ok going south
Waves: Flat
Kru: Handyman Hank, Magic Mike, Showgirl, Nanook, Lt MJ, Rachel, Mr. Bubble, Brick, new guy Mark(?),  Kim

Shore Support:  Squeeze o'Showgirl  

MJ and Mark (? sorry) were in wetsuits, the rest of us skinning

We had such a transcendant experience at Big Bay we decided to go back Monday morning.  Based on experience from previous years, We figured Klode would be pretty trashed from the 4th celebration.  

Big Bay was all about the rocks.  A beach composed of rocks and blocks of granite, relatively sand-free and feeling very clean with that hidden gem vibe.  Many cute dogs afrolic, despite a very large and stern sign prohibiting them.

A layer of haze on the horizon made the far-off fishing boats seem to be floating in the air.

We swam north in the cold (although 66) flat water - Rachel, MJ and Mr. Bubble going all the way to Love Rock, a Klode landmark.  Most of the rest of us congregated on Flat Rock.

I was swimming along, taking in all the new landmarks - a 400-yard wall, followed by a pastel-colored (i.e. grafiti'ed) block, a rock wall, a greensward, a staircase and a manicured lawn, and other items to numerous to name or remember.  I knew I was getting cold (was it colder near shore with so many new barriers people built last year?) but wanted to go long....past 500 yards...past 600 and then it's only 200 more to 800 which is 1,600 round trip and then you might as well go a mile.  I was approaching 900 where I was absolutely going to turn around when I saw what appeared to be two men standing...they didn't seem to be on paddleboards....maybe some kind of water bicycles?  I got closer, there were 3 people standing like gods upon the water.  What was it?  Too close now, I had to go the full 1,000.  And there was Flat Rock.  Mark (he did share his name, but I didn't think I would be blogging - please correct me in the comments), Magic Mike, Nanook, all standing in a row, just standing in about knee deep water, facing north.

It was irresistible.  I clambered up between Nanook & Mike.  And nearly slipped right off again.  "It's smoother over here" Mike said and gallantly offered his hand, which I was not too proud to take.  And with firmer footing, just like that, I became one of them.

Showgirl was next to arrive.  "I love you guys so much," she said, climbing up to stand beside Nanook.

Alas, I was first to leave as the breeze hit and I started to shiver.  I did the flattest racing dive of my life and the water was even colder!  After about 200 strokes I turned and floated, they were still standing upright, "like bitchen lamposts" to quote the original Gidget (the book, not the movie.)

After that, it was mostly about survival.  Lots of self-talk to encourage myself as I churned, against the current now.  That water flowing past your skin just sucks away any joules you might have generated....yet you can't slow down, 'cos then you'll never get there....

Finally arriving back at the beach, I staggered out onto shore. I wasn't the only one foundering in the ankle-deep rocks.

"You are no longer magic, you are just another human on this Earth," observed Magic Mike.

We learned that he was the first to arrive at Flat Rock.  "I thought if I stood there long enough, others would join me."

Brick handed out cookies that appeared to be homemade - generously sized and not entirely uniform, I mean that as a compliment.  He also poured Pitsch for a few of us "morning derelicts."

"All that's missing is Kahuna with his big flag," Showgirl noted.  We speculated that he would be at the noon swim. 

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What a Difference a Day Makes!

Next Swims:
Mon - Fri 6 am and 5pm
Saturday: Klode, 8am and Noon
SUNDAY: Big Bay, 8am and noon

Last Swim: 8 am Saturday 
Water Temp: 63, reportedly measured by Showgirl
Air Temp: 67 on arrival and warming
Clarity: better, maybe 7-8/10
Waves: Nope
Kru: Multiple shifts

1st Shift - Dragonfly and Showgirl

Swing Shift  Rick from Boston, Linda the Lamprey and her BF Adam from Cleveland, 

2nd Shift - Magic Mike, Lt MJ, Rachel, Handyman Hank, Northshore Nancy, Mr. Bubble

Shore Support:  Rick from Boston's mom

"What a difference a day makes!" Sure, that's cliché, but to quote Madeline Kahn in Blazing Saddles;

"Oh, it's twue.  It's twue.  It's twue.  It's twue!"

Yesterday was Iwisconsibly Dangerous, today it was lovely and calm, and warm! or at least warmer.

Klode parking lot almost full at 7:50 due to a yoga class in progress.

Met up with Rick from Boston's mom on the way down - she said she was coming to check it out.  She declined the suggestion that the best way to check it out was to get in the water - "Nope" - just as most normal people would say.  

Linda introduced her BF, Adam from Cleveland.  Adam was all suited up, wearing big fins and carrying a boogie board, which was secured to his ankle.  He walked backwards into the water - I guess because of the big fins.  

Everyone headed north.  Long swims for MJ, Rachel and Mr. B - they got to White House, I got to staircase.  Handyman waiting for us when we returned.  MJ and Rachel said several times they didn't want to turn back, exactly how I felt as well.  

Repeat of Showgirl' Public Service Announcement:

Sunday Swimming:  Klode beach will basically be closed all day due to the 4th of July fireworks, and Atwater will close up shop in early afternoon, so I'm putting our Sunday swims at the infinitesimally small Big Bay.  Each of you will be allocated a 3" square piece of beach for your gear.  Use it wisely.

Swimming Irresponsibly

Next Swims:

Mon - Fri 6 am and 5pm

Saturday: Klode, 8am and noon

SUNDAY: Big Bay, 8am and noon

Last Swim: 6am Friday (and Thursday too)

Water Temp: 59 inside the rockpiles, but warmer outside

Air Temp: 50's, for crying out loud, thanks Wisconsin
Clarity: no clarity at all
Waves: yes, there were LARGE, DANGEROUS WAVES!  Okay, not really that large or dangerous

Kru: Lydia the Tattooed Lady,  Showgirl, Dragonfly, Luna Laguna

Yep, despite numerous warnings of Dire Consequences, we swam this morning.

All survived the ordeal.

In fact, it wasn't really THAT much of an ordeal.  

It was wavy, and there were breakers over the sandbar, so we went out farther to avoid them.

TTL and Dragonfly donned wetsuits and swam further.  LL and I swam skin (I wore my gloves and booties).  I went to the birches.  Pre-swim, Dragonfly made some remark about keeping her swimming in check due to the conditions, as opposed to TTL's wild, unfettered swimming.  In the end, she zoomed off into the waves.

The water temp outside the rockpiles was definitely warmer, though not exactly "warm."  I was hit by the shivers later.

It was kind of one of those swims where you look down from the crest of the wave as the water heads to the beach.

Sunday Swimming:  Klode beach will basically be closed all day due to the 4th of July fireworks, and Atwater will close up shop in early afternoon, so I'm putting our Sunday swims at the infinitesimally small Big Bay.  Each of you will be allocated a 3" square piece of beach for your gear.  Use it wisely.