New Year's Day - Sunday, High Noon For Auld La-ang Syne!

 I'll take a cup o'kindness, dear

Fo-o-or auld la-a-ang syne....

Hear ye, hear ye, members of ye Klode Kru

Let us gather together

For the traditional New Year's Day at the beach!

Come one, come all.

High noon, yo ho ho and a bottle of rum....

Wait, make that Killepitsch!

Be there or be square.

We'll drink a cup of kindess yet

For Auld Lang Syne!

(should be so dope)

November Cruise

Water: 51.4

Air: mid 50s, slight SSW breeze
Waves: flat but surface ruffled by breeze, current heading north
Clarity: Pretty clear
Last swim: 6:30 a.m. Tuesday
Kru:  Lydia the Tattooed Lady, Corryn, Mr. Anonymous, Dragonfly
Shore Support:  Woman with many questions 

Photo by TTL

Despite the clear SSW breeze, we headed north. The water was dark.  Mr. A took off first in lava shorts and skin.  We followed in full wetsuits (mine sleeveless) with gloves and booties.  Corryn swam to the Cute Chairs; Amelia to the Snowy Peaks of Mt. Jackass, and myself to the Birches.  I was first back and Mr. A was already gone.

But there to keep me company was a woman with many questions.  Usually quite responsive to random queries, I never even glanced at her as I concentrated on getting a) out of wetsuit and b) into dry clothes.  I was having trouble focusing on exactly what to do next.  Everything looked different now in the light.

"So, did you swim?" the woman asked.  "Wetsuit or drysuit?"

"Wetsuit."

"Is that a wetsuit?"

"Uh-huh."

"Do you have a dry suit?"

Did I?  That's right, not anymore.  "No."

"Will you be here a month from now?"

"I don't know."  (It's none of her business, TTL commented later.)

"So will you need a dry suit in December?"

And so on til she wandered off.

A red sun peeped over the sill as I  flung my belongings about and danced around my blanket, searching out a sand-free spot.  TTL and Corryn rejoined me and we shivered and struggled as a group.  Corryn and I broke out Hot Snaps.  Then we labored back up the hill.

"Three workouts," noted Corryn.  "The swim, getting dressed, and going up this hill."

More Spectacular Foliage Effects and a PSA

For Saturday (at which I was present) and Sunday (per Tattooed Lady)

Water: 52.8/52

Air: mid 60s, sparkling sunny/mid 50s, soft grey overcast

Waves: More chop than appeared (Sat)\almost flat (Sun)

Clarity: Crystal plus (Sat/Sun)

Last swim: 12 noon Saturday/12 noon Sunday

Saturday Kru:  Sandy, Corryn, Sunny Luna, Lauren, Dragonfly, Itch,  Mr. Anonymous, Brick, Blake,  Magic Mike

Shore Support:  Alex, Squeeze o'Corryn

Sunday Kru:  Lydia the Tatooed Lady, Sandy, Itch, Brick, Handyman Hank, Moondaug, Mr. Bubble

PSA:  Sandy is putting together a Klode Kru calendar with photos she shot on New Year's Day 2022 and another day with big waves in the 2022 season.  Cost is $12.  Let her know in the comments if you would like one.

Saturday:  If I were selling Life on Earth, Saturday would be on the cover of the brochure. Stupid, incomprehensible, over-the-top beauty--between the sun, the sparkling blue (above) and turquoise (below) waters, and the blazing sumac and other trees. A little on the chilly side, sure, but that's what neoprene is for.  Unless you're Sunny Luna or Itch, who both swam skin and were thrilled to have survived after.  Even through my neoprene (sleeveless wetsuit plus sleeves, gloves and booties) I got enough for a big boost of joy.  I went a little further than I meant to, south to Love Rock, having earlier done an a.m. pool workout. I was tired and ready to get out with still a few hundred left to go.   But the feeling of being crazy alive - the vivid contrast of white rock walls and glowing red sumac leaves - the sun - the sun like a companion - oh, so worth it.

Sunday:  I recovered from Saturday on my couch, while others enjoyed a "lovely" swim as reported by TTL in slightly colder  waters, under soft gray equally beautiful but quieter skies.  The water was clear and almost flat, so the missing elements of paradise from Saturday were present on Sunday.

Glorious Fall Swimming

 A post covering both Saturday and Sunday:

Water: 51.6/54

Air:  low 70s, strong SSE breeze/high 60s, even stronger SSE breeze, a little more south

Waves: MAJOR chop/EVEN MORE chop!!! Yikes!!!

Clarity: Barely any/even less

Last swim: 6:30 a.m. Friday/12 noon Saturday

Saturday Kru:  Lydia the Tattooed Lady, Hollywood Abby, A La Mode, Mermaid Princess, We'Taco, Sandy, Mermaid Princess, Drangonfly, Itch, Brick, Diablo, maybe some others?

Shore Support:  Squeeze o'Showgirl

Sunday Kru:  Blake, Brick, Itch, Dragonlfly, plus Diablo on late shift

Shore Support:  Handyman Hank, Patriarch, many baptizees on North Beach

Next swims: Noon Saturday & Sunday

On Saturday there was a great schism, as Abby headed towards the warmth of the sun beating on the corrugated iron barrier to the north.  A number of us joined her there. Others persisted on staying in the shade to the South.

The water was Caribbean blue, the air was warm but the water was cold, cold, cold.  I felt the season had turned and wore full wetsuit - gloves, booties, the whole nine yards.   It felt like the right choice.  We battled south.  It was slow.  I went extra minutes  south because I knew the current would swoop me back to Klode in no time, and so it did.  I felt comfortable in my wetsuit but grateful for the sun - no afterdrop! 

As we exited the water, Sandy greeted us with giant coffee cake slices topped lavishly with buttercream frosting.  The frosting had the consistency of grease you might wear for a Channel swim, but it was so, so profoundly satisfying.  Maybe someone could share the bakery name in the comments?

On Sunday, I arrived at noon. No one in the parking lot.  At the beach, a lone figure (Blake) at the wall.  As we chatted, the remaining folks gradually showed up, including the rare but welcome appearance of Patriarch.  The water looked more inviting than on Saturday....but once I got in realized it was far far worse!  The chop was bigger.  The breeze stronger.   Though the reading was higher, the water seemed colder.  Maybe just because it was such a struggle.  Itch impressively swam skin. I swam mostly backstroke to make any headway at all. 

We snacked on Brick's hot pickles. Brick proposed, "To a shitty swim" but Itch protested and I backed him up, observing, "it was exciting!"  Not sure if we settled on a toast, but still we downed the Killepitsch.

Driving home, there were four kite surfers at Bradford Beach.  Perfect conditions for them.

Both days Kode  and environs to the north wowed us with a glorious fall foliage embrace.  Especially those mysterious trees with the quaking golden leaves as we climbed back up the hill.  Aspen? Poplars?  Perhaps someone from the Botany Corner can identify!

Going Down

 Water: 55

Air:  45, slight accelerating SSW breeze

Waves: Gentle swells from the SSE; we still headed north

Clarity: Just enough to see my watch under water

Last swim: 6:30 a.m. Friday

Kru:  Lydia the Tattooed Lady, Corryn, Abby (sleeveless wetsuits, sleeves, at least one set of gloves & booties) plus

Linda The Lamprey and Dragonfly (skin)

Shore Support:  Showgirl, Mermaid Princess, Assorted Wim Hofers 

Next swims: Noon Saturday & Sunday

Another beautiful sunrise peeking over a bank of clouds on the horizon.

Water was down two degrees from yesterday, yet I managed almost 100 yards further and two minutes longer.  Acclimatizing?  Also nearing my limit.  Will add gloves & booties next time.  Was in the water 12 glorious minutes.  Not to compare, but Linda The Lamprey was in for 36.  

The baby Wim Hofer was back, but today the woman held onto it while the man soaked.  

Linda and I struggled together up the hill with very cold toes.  No breath to talk.  We turned to watch as TTL, Abby and Corryn churned back across the bay in formation, coming from very far north, leaving long straight wakes.  I could see how they weren't immediately feeling the cold as they exited the water, protected in their neoprene, but it didn't take long for the chill air to impact everyone.

Even after an hour warming up in Stone Creek, as we took our leave, Linda noted, "my heart still feels cold."

                                                                            The Lamprey heads out.

The Best-Laid Plans

 Water: 57

Air:  45, slight accelerating SSW breeze

Waves: Tiny ripples, maybe a northerly current (i.e. heading north)

Clarity: Can't remember.  More conscious of a slight film on top of the water

Last swim: 7 a.m. Thursday

Kru: Linda The Lamprey on early shift; Showgirl,  Dragonfly - all skin

Shore Support:  couple Wim Hofers, a guy, a dog & a baby

Next swims: Friday a.m. probably 6:30, Noon Saturday & Sunday

Large red ball sunrise and spectacular shoreline as the colors are finally bursting forth.

I was so certain:  I did NOT want to swim today.  But I was wearing my suit, and when Showgirl and I got down to the beach we saw Linda already in the water....and it did look inviting.

A novel experience, seeing the thermometer go up instead of down.  It made sense, since the air was colder than the water.

The baby in its bright red shirt, sitting in the sand against the calendar-worthy Fall Foliage somehow the final persuasive touch....how bad could it be?

Already shivering in the slight breeze, Showgirl and I eased into the water.  And it was glorious.  Sun on one hand and the moon (waning gibbous) on the other  I made it a little beyond sewer pipe but wisely turned, feeling nibbles of cold along my arms and legs.  My teeth hurt when I turned to breath.  As usual, the water seemed warmer past the rocks. 

Getting out, I knew, would be the worst part.

I must have timed it right.  With the help of Hot Snaps I was into most of my clothing before the Afterdrop hit. Acting on a coldwater blog tip, I left my swimming cap on until I was otherwise dressed.  It seemed to help.

Even my feet were not total blocks of ice, walking up the hill.

And the birthday coffee at the top, with additional Kru members Mermaid Princess, Lt. MJ and Sunny Luna, was worth it all!

P.S.  Hey guys, we are thrilled for you, that you had this amazing, once-in-a-lifetime  living-the-dream experience in Kona & Hawaii....but your Facebook photos are just KILLING us!  Talk about FOMO!!  No hard feelings, though. Truly hope the trip itself was even better than the photos.  (And videos - thanks Ziggy!)

Snatching a Swim from Threatening Cold Front... & Best of Luck in Kona!

Water: 60.6 - Tattooed Lady procured thermometer batteries so a precise reading is again possible

Air:  64, calm

Waves: Glass

Clarity: In these conditions, who cares?  More once I cleaned my goggles.

Last swim:6:30 a.m. Thursday

Kru: Linda The Lamprey on early shift (she swam North)

Sunny Luna, Lydia the Tattooed Lady, Showgirl, A La Mode, Mr. A., Dragonfly

Shore Support:  Mermaid Princess doing hill sprints, Wim Hofers (we supplied them with our temp)

Next swims: Friday a.m. open to question, Noon Saturday & Sunday

Looks like Capt'n and El Jefe are both on their biking leg according to the Kona Ironman athlete tracker, we wish them luck!

Third day in a row rising pre-dawn,  A forecast cold front threatened to sweep away our Friday swim, so had to take advantage of today.

If  possible, conditions were even more perfect than yesterday.  Could not decide between these  TTL photos so here are both:

The barest of ripples touched the surface.  A dead fish lay inside the corrugated wall, and when it drifted north, it was decided.  We would swim South, overruling Showgirl, who none the less swam longest. 

I figured, Love Rock would the logical turn, but suddenly I was already at Sewer Pipe with Sunny Luna.  Amazed, as she is uber-speedy, but we swam together to the 1,000-yard silver staircase.  We turned to head back and she jetted several hundred yards while I was between breaths.  I didn't see her again til shore.

Linda, Sunny and Mr. A swam skin; the rest of us sleeveless wetsuits plus sleeves.  I was briefly tempted to tag Flat Rock, about 1,200 yards from Klode, but did not want to get all involved.  As Sunny pointed out, "then you have to at least stand on it, then you have to chat" "--and then you're cold!" I finished. Sometimes, oftentimes, less is more.

Was looking forward to checking my splits to see which direction was faster - North or South - but annoyingly, my watch froze at 1,755 yards while I was still several hundred yards out.

Now, mid-afternoon, it's dark & rainy.  Tomorrow's forecast has been revised and is not nearly so dire, so if we plan a meetup will post in the comments.

Still Swimming

 Crew: Showgirl, Rick From Boston, Dragonfly

Shore Support:  Wim Hofers

Air:55

Water:Estimated lower 60s, varying pockets

Waves: Very calm, pondlike

Clarity: Some

Last swim:6:45 a.m. Wednesday

Next swims: Possible a.m. Thursday and Friday, weather permitting, Noon Saturday and Sunday

We arrived on the beach to find the Wim Hofers had secreted themselves on the South Beach beyond the metal barrier.  RFB boldly queried as to why.  The response:  "We can see the sunrise better." I suspect it was actually because we swimmers were making too much noise yesterday, shrieking into their tranquility.

Like yesterday, the water was smooth and pond-like.  Showgirl and I were comfortable in sleeveless wetsuits plus sleeves.  RFB was cold in skin. We swam to the Cute Chairs.

Yesterday's swim included a larger group:  Super Hera, Hollywood Abby, Showgirl, Mermaid Princess, Lydia the Tatooed Lady, Mr. Anonymous and Dragonfly.  Lt. MJ arrived later to share in coffee drinking.  Swimming conditions were pretty ideal. Nevertheless Showgirl and Mr. A experienced a mild head-on collision.  I swam to the base of the Cute Chairs and stood up, contemplating climbing the giant stairs, but then realized how much I hate to disturb my goggles-and-earplugs configuration with land-based activity.

For the Kona followers:  

Cap'n and El Jefe's Ironman is scheduled for Thursday, October 6.  We wish them favorable conditions and luck!

Wild Autumn Swimming

Crew: Itch, Sunny, Magic Mike, Wetaco, Moondaug

Air:65

Water:62

Waves:2-3 footers with some chop and current

Clarity: not much

Last swim:10-1-22, noon

Next swims: 8:00 am, 12 pm, tomorrow

Photographer: Wetaco

 

It's a weird occurrence when all thermometers present agree. Yet it was so today, as the analog duck-o-meter and digital Itch-o-meter were actually in agreement. I theorize this to be because of some state of temporary equilibrium reached through a process of warm summer waters changing over to refreshingly crisp fall water. Though only Patriarch of old could declare for sure. 

While deciding whether to suit up or not, Sunny offered up these words of wisdom-"it's always better to decide dry". Which seemed to cause Magic Mike some serious contemplation. Wet suit or no(?) but wait, HOLY SHIT(!) what am I doing with my life(?!)-as the Lady beckons aw come on Charlie Brown, I wont trick you. As he slowly enters the waters sizing up the situation and decides- yes I can!  And it's another skin swim for the books, though cut a little shorter I suspect. 

The next to submerge are the bad asses of the day, Sunny and Itch, leaving us in their wake as they propel to Three Piers. Wetaco and I, with Magic Mike leading the way head to Mudslide. Frolicking along enjoying the gorgeous fall swimming of brightly changing leaves, birds, and playful waves with a pleasant fall sky, we were in no particular hurry.

The way back was much swifter. Wetaco and I managed about a third faster on the way back. No doubt our wetsuits helped on the way back with the waves and hindered on our way out against the waves.

All in all, it was the best swim of the season. There is still great fall outdoor wild swimming to be had as the leaves have just started to change, and the water temps are still in the 60's. And it's a great way to observe the changing of seasons from another vantage point.

Drama & Chills with the Changing Seasons

  Next swims: 

Mon - Fri 6am, 5pm; Sat & Sun 8am and noon

Last Swim: Thursday, 6 a.m.

Air temp: 53
Water temp: 66 per TTL

Waves:  About 1 foot waves to start, 2 feet by finish
Clarity: Murk, pale brown, clearer away from the rocks
Kru:  Showgirl, Lydia the Tatooed Lady, Linda the Lamprey, Corryn,  Jenna, Dragonfly

Spectacular pre-dawn driving over the Hoan with black sky, stars and white clouds to the left, pale sky with orange tint and black clouds to the right.

Eerie darkness and chill as we tried to persuade ourselves that we really wanted to do this.

The scene was dramatic and thrilling as we, only visible as silhouettes, waded into the waves which felt surprisingly warm and welcoming compared to the air.  Entering into the swim as a bargain, we knew what awaited us on the return.  Truly an intro to the wild and exciting Fall season.

As I swam the eastern sky staged its own dramatic act with intense sunrise hues.  The western sky lit up as well with a vivid swath of pink, luring me on to the Cute Chairs.  But gauging the cold which was starting to settle around my shoulders (I had protected my upper arms with sleeves), I wisely turned at Old Mudslide.

The entire shore was cinematic orangey golden in the newly rising sun.  The waves began to increase, and by the time I neared the rock piles forward motion seemed equally balanced with up and down.  We were almost surfing into shore by the end.  Unfortunately lots of gunk was also surfing in.

Getting changed was a re-introduction to the joys of hypothermia.  We shivered into socks and sweatshirts and planned to meet up at Stone Creek Coffee, a location appreciated for snazzy design and delicious and creative baked goods.

Sitting around the table, I realized we were six women who ranged in age from 30 to 62, with every decade represented.  Lots of laughter and wit in a wide-ranging conversation and also as got to know Jenna, our newest member.  

"Thanks for being so welcoming," she said.

"Yah, you fit right in, can you tell?" I said.  In other words, you're as weird as the rest of us.

So grateful I have stumbled upon this amazing group of badass kindred souls who share a strong sense of what is a good use of our time here on Earth.

Eewww....But! Sign of Tesla!

 Next swims: 

Mon - Fri 6am, 5pm; Sat & Sun 8am and noon

Last Swim: Thursday, 6 a.m.

Air temp: 66? I forget
Water temp: 68.5 per TTL

Waves:  About 1 foot waves
Clarity: Murk, pale brown
Kru:  Showgirl, Lydia the Tatooed Lady, Super Hera, Kahuna, Dragonfly

Shore Support:  Wim Hofer

It was 3 full days after the MMSD "event", but the wind had switched from NNE to SSE and brought all kinds of mucky muck with it.  I swam into a big green patch of ooze coming back to shore. This was somewhat mitigated by the delightfully warm water and the frolicsome waves.

But!

Before we embarked on our swim,  in advance of the sunrise, Kahuna pointed out an unusual cloud formation:  The Sign of Tesla in the sky!  It is kind of faint in the photo below but was clear as day.

Suddenly a deep voice boomed out:

"You get a Tesla!"

"You get a Tesla!"

"And You get a Tesla!"

Actually it was Kahuna's voice - he was inspired by the unholy sight!

                                            

                                            Kahuna electrified by the Sign of Tesla

    

"Actually I'd get a Tesla, but I don't like the guy," he added.

Sun and Moon

 Next swims: 

Mon - Fri 6am, 5pm; Sat & Sun 8am and noon

Last Swim: Wednesday, 6 a.m.

Air temp: 66
Water temp: Warmer than the air, estimated and toe-mometers at 67

Waves:  mild chop
Clarity: Not too clear but blue, not brown
Kru:  Showgirl, Dragonfly, Doug & Bill.  Sandy on the later shift.

Shore Support:  Mermaid Princess

I was apprehensive about the swim as we were only 48 hours out from a major MMSD dump....but in that time the winds and currents had been pushing the mess south.  Indeed it seemed one of the cleaner days and if it wasn't clear, it was a nice shade of blue.  Showgirl caught a slight odor near the rocks but I smelled nothing, even though I was prepared to.  We have swam in much worse, many times.

The sun didn't actually rise, but peeped artistically through the clouds.  On my right breaths was the sun, on my left, the waning gibbous moon.  We swam north and had a strong push back south.

 A decent swim and I'm glad I went.  I did take a shower though when I got home!

Full Moon Swim

 

Full moon swim:  Sat. 9-10-22, 7:30 P.M.

Looking forward to the warm water holding on a clear night, and a flat surface. Full moon rises over the lake at 7:44 pm, with a sunset at 7:11 PM.  Come on out and swim in the harvest full moon rays, with an after-swim twist of Pitsch if you choose. Or maybe just watch the light of the full moon on these last days of summer.  So, who's in?

Meet Bobber! ...plus Labor Day Swim plans

Next swims: 

Labor Day @ 8 am and Noon (a.k.a. Captn's Birthday Swim)
then back to usual schedule, Mon - Fri 6am, 5pm; Sat & Sun 8am and noon

Last Swim: Sunday @ Noon

Air temp: Mid 60s, cloudy and windy
Water temp: 66 Itch-express / 64 Itch-o-meter / 61.7 Macho-meter

Waves:  3ft+ Sea Monsters
Clarity: murky near shore / clearer further out
Kru: Itch, Diablo, Bobber (formerly known as "The Other Dave"), Magic Mike, Wet Taco, JK (Just Kidding...it's Jon Krist!), Luna Laguna, Laguna, plus LIl' Laguna, Ziggy, Capt'n

When you swim amongst big waves it's crazy what you some times see/find...and never see.  Most common are stories of how you swam right next to a fellow Kru mate...but never saw them.  Or times when you swear you saw a Mermaid swimming nearby but nar could you find a fellow Kru mate to corroborate the story.

....and then there's today's story.  Whilst I was returning to the safety of the Klode shore to celebrate my victorious battles against an onslaught of giant sea serpents I sawr something elusively peculiar floating (bobbing) in the water.   One moment it was there, plain as day...but following the next wave it would disappear.  My mind raced in wonderment, what could it be?  Drift wood?  Remnants of the scudge? Or perhaps a lost soccer ball?  After what at times felt like a senseless search for Davy Jones Locker...success!  It wasn't driftwood, the scudge or even a soccer ball...it was none other than "The Other Dave" just bobbing in the water.  ...and from that, a new legend was born...the legend of "Bobber".  

So the story has been told, so shall it be known that from henceforth "The Other Dave" will now be known officially as "BOBBER"! 

Get Out and Vote!

Next swims: 

Sunday @ 8 am and Noon

Labor Day @ 8 am and Noon?

then back to usual schedule, Mon - Fri 6am, 5pm; Sat & Sun 8am and noon

Last Swim: Saturday @ Noon
Air temp: Upper 60s, cloudy and windy
Water temp: 58
Waves: Rockin and Rolling, 4 feet+
Clarity: 5/10.  A bit dirty near the rocks, could see bottom further out
Kru: Itch, Diablo, The Other Dave, Peaches, Capt'n, Brick, Sunny Luna Laguna, Mr. Bubble and most importantly, Andy (aka Bum Foot, Peg Leg or Pool Boy)

Shore Support:  Princess Vivian and her book, Ziggy

As the group was assembling - I noticed a guy I had seen before who was wearing a "medical boot" for a bone fracture.  I couldn't remember his name, so I asked Ziggy - What's that guy's name?  She immediately replied - "Bum Foot", but no she didn't know his real name.  Ziggy answered so quickly and confidently, that I assumed there was a Klode Kru Consensus that this was his new nickname.  So, I approached Bum Foot and said - "I understand you have a new nickname, Bum Foot"  Please remind me though - what is your real name?".  "Andy".  

Andy was not aware that he had been given the nickname Bum Foot, but he liked it.  He said it would help remind him that his foot is not back to normal yet and that he should quit acting like it is.  

However, as I discussed the new nickname with the other Kru members, I learned that there was not yet a Klode Kru Consensus on the new nickname.  First I learned that Kahuna had come up with the nickname - "Pool Boy", but that Synchro had nixed that name.  Then it was alleged that MoonDaug had spontaneously come up with "Peg Leg", which seemed pretty appropriate.  Although the Other Dave pointed out that a peg leg is a permanent appendage, whereas a boot is temporary. 

So, in order to establish a proper consensus for Andy's nickname, I'm asking everyone to do their civic duty 

GET OUT AND VOTE

GET OUT AND VOTE

GET OUT AND VOTE

This will be a SPECIAL ELECTION in several respects:

1. 100% CONVENIENT - Cast your vote in the Comments section anytime of day or night
2. 100% TRANSPARENT - Secret ballots lead to rigged elections.
3. VOTE EARLY AND VOTE OFTEN - You can vote as many times as you like, but if you do vote more than once, none of your votes will count.  

Here's the sample ballot:

REFERENDUM:  

What will be Andy's Klode Kru nickname going forward?

1. Bum Foot
2. Peg Leg
3. Pool Boy
4. Something Else

Beware the SCUDGE

Next swim: Mon - Fri 6am, 5pm; Sat & Sun 8am and noon

Last Swim: Thursday, 6 a.m. 

Air temp: 75

Water temp: 66   

Waves: Flat.   

Clarity: Clear 

Kru: Showgirl,  Lt. MJ, Tattooed Lady, Sunny Luna Laguna, Super Hera, , Kahuna.  Dragonfly, unknown others on early shift

Reminder:  Cafe Kahuna will be open on the beach on Friday morning!  Coffee and treats (bakery or carrot sticks?  please vote in the comments)  

As we walked down the hill a long line of....floating material....was revealed stretching from east of the rocks far away to the south.  We had observed this material in more of a clump or raft formation to the south yesterday, and wisely swam north.

We swam north again today, but there was no escape.

Just off Tree Massacre (south of Mudslide) on the way back, both Showgirl and I swam right into masses of the excrement-smelling stuff.  I have been told it is a form of algae, but if it looks like a duck, walks like a duck and quacks like a duck? 

We named it SCUDGE, a fitting combination of SCUM and SLUDGE.

                                            Eyes closed in anticipation of running amuck into SCUDGE.

On the plus side, water was very flat and clear with little to no current.  Temps were comfortable though a wall of cold water surprised us just outside the rock.  Conversely, it was a wall of warm water at sewer pipe on the return.

Sunrise was magnificent.

  

It's the most wonderful time of the year

Next swim: Mon - Fri 6am, 5pm; Sat & Sun 8am and noon

Last Swim: Wednesday, 6 a.m. 

Air temp: 63.

Water temp: 64.   

Waves: Flat.   

Clarity: Clear. 

Kru: Showgirl, Dragonfly, Super Hera, Cardinal, Greg, Magic Mike, Kahuna.  

Huge number of high school girls on the beach this morning.  School starts tomorrow.  Fyi, Cafe Kahuna will be open on the beach on Friday morning.   

Dragonfly Magic

Next swim: Mon - Fri 6am, 5pm; Sat & Sun 8am and noon

Last Swim: Monday, 5 pm. 

Air temp: 80, with a bright sun after a generally cloud day.

Water temp: 65 at beach but noticibly cooler once away from the rocks.  

Waves: Flat, with some slow lazy swells from the South.   

Clarity: Nicely clear away from the beach.

Kru: Itch, Rosie, Mr. A, the complete Family Laguana, Kahuna.

As I walked down the path, I was greeted by what I percieved as a historic number of dragonflies, hovering over the hillside, above flat reasonably clear Lake Michigan.

 According to Stacey Kayne in an online essay, “a dragonfly can hover, fly sideways, stop on a dime, change direction, and even spurt backwards at astonishing speeds. Rather than slipping air smoothly over sleek airfoils as birds do, dragonflies create furious vortices which swirl much faster than the surrounding airflow around the surface of the wings.

"The speed of the air immediately adjacent to the wing produces lift in both planes. The wings vibrate as fast as 1,600 times per minute, allowing the dragonfly to reach speeds of over 30 miles per hour."

When a male has attracted a receptive female, he grasps her behind the neck with a pair of pincers. The female then curves her abdomen under the male's so that the sperm can be deposited. In this locked position, they often take flight in an aerial "mating circle" that's said to be unique among animals.

Good for them, say I.

Here Come Ol' Flat Rock

 Next swim: Mon - Fri 6am, 5pm; Sat & Sun 8am and noon

Last Swim: Wednesday 6 a.m. Big Bay north to Flat Rock

Air temp: 70?

Water temp: 70 per TTL

Waves: Flat as a pool with nobody in it.  Everybody with their own lane.

Clarity: Nicely clear

Kru: HFON, Corryn, Holly, Hollywood Abby, Showgirl, TTL, Lt. MJ, Drangonfly

Shore Support: Sunrise watchers, Klode Kru hopefuls, Pfister chef

                                                                    TTL takes temperature.

Flat Rock grooved up pretty quickly as we were lifted north by a gentle current past the stairs (more beach than last year) and past the Great Wall of China at the Herman Uihlein residence.  (This future Klode Kru clubhouse is listed at a cool $7 mill, give or take.)

The Great Wall of China.  Photo and arrow courtesy of Showgirl

Naturally "Lakefront Privacy" doesn't apply to the Kru, who were already scoping out possible chairs for sitting on and stairs for access to chairs.

The water was warm and comfortable.  A few swimmers overshot Flat Rock  (got to be good looking cos he's so hard to see) but were recalled by the triumphant cries of those already surmounting it (come together...right now....over me!) We stood in a row, gilded gold accented with bright green, pink, and orange caps & barbies.  If only someone had been there to capture it.  

The Kru was in full outreach mode, as sunrise watchers inquired about our times & places.  A gentleman who gave his occupation as "Pfister Chef" walked with Showgirl and MJ up the hill.  He was assured he could join our group...especially if he brought breakfast!