Itching for a lake Michigan swim fix I ventured down to the Klode beach late this afternoon with wetsuit in hand. With the cooler air temps the last few nights and the cooler water conditions experienced early last week I was half expecting the lake temps to have begun their downward plunge. Much to my surprise the water temp was actually warmer today than it was last week!
There was a slight down side to the conditions tonight though...3 of the 4 Klode beaches are covered with washed up seaweed. Remarkably, south beach remains completely clean....which I'm sure there's a good theory to support why, but I'll save that for another day.
The water at south beach as well as just off the other Klode beaches was for the most part clear to slightly cloudy. With the setting sun behind the bluff, the shadows of the trees and the glare of sunshine in your eyes made it difficult to judge the water clarity. The water was certainly blue and no where near the murky brown The Patriarch and I encountered last Thursday.
My adventure (...or what turned out to be my first adventure this evening...) took me from South beach north up to the garage and back. A little tired yet from the Ironman I decided to come back ashore after about 25 minutes. With the water temp considerably warmer than the air I must admit it was a bit a struggle to pull myself out.
Upon arriving back at my car I was surprised to hear a few familiar voices. Jessica, James and Josh had just arrived to head out for a swim. Following later would be Kimberly. All 3 ventured out for a 30 minute swim without wetsuits...leaving me onshore contemplating whether or not to log a 'double dipper'. After a few minutes I conceded and charged back into the water....after all, the water was warmer than the air. :)
My second adventure took me south from south beach down to the 'sewer pipe'. With the sun tucked completely behind the bluff there was no longer any doubt regarding the clarity of the water as the sandy lake bottom could be easily seen in 10 feet of water.
Itching for another Lake Michigan fix Jessica and Josh are again planning to swim from Klode Thursday evening at 5:30pm. (...of course it goes with out saying that the Patriarch and I will be there!)
Hope to see you then...if not tomorrow! :)
-Capt'n
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Good Luck to All Ironman and Big Shoulder Participants
I'm very bummed to report that I won't be doing Big Shoulders. But not as bummed as my daughter Melanie who will undergo surgery Saturday morning to screw together a stress fracture in the neck of her femur.
I'm happy to say she will be getting the best of care. The surgery will be done at Vanderbilt Medical Center, where she works, one of the best hospitals in the country. And the surgeon is one of the most experienced in this operation. A full recovery is expected.
So Gelaney and I are heading to Nashville to be with her and her husband. I won't be back until Wednesday at least, and Cap'n will be in Madison Friday through Monday, so there won't be any swim plans or blog reports for the next few days.
We're getting near the end of the season, so hopefully there will be some swimming left when I return. But if not today's roller coaster ride was a fitting finale (see previous post from Cap'n).
Good luck to all at Ironman and Big Shoulders!
Hopelessly Addicted...or Completely Nuts???
The Patriarch and I arrived at Klode this morning under grey skies, drizzle, temps in the low 60s and a brisk east wind. The thunder of waves could be heard crashing into the Klode beach rock piles. ...certainly not a very pleasant morning for a swim.
Hesitantly we peered over the bluff and saw the lake surface lined with impressively sized white capped serpents. Reluctantly we turned around and slowly walked back to our cars...agreeing that it would not be wise to venture out for a swim in such turbulent conditions.
Before we could climb back into our cars our optimism took over. Perhaps the seas weren't as rough as they appeared from the bluff? As there was only one way to find out for sure we agreed to venture down to the beach to find out. We arrived at the beach amazed to find the surf was actually a lot rougher than it appeared from the bluff. The waves were enormous, washing clearly up to the tree line…certainly swimming in such conditions would be completely insane!
So we turned back and somberly walked back to the stair case….bummed was certainly an understatement. As we took the first few steps up the stair case we both could could hear the Lady of the Lake calling out to us….'Wimps!' The expression on the Patriarch's face turned as instantly as mine…with a big grin on both of our faces we unanimously agreed…we're not wimps….let's go play!!
So that we did…. Tucking our gear behind the tree line and pulling our swim caps over our heads we marvelled to each other…"we must be completely nuts!" Arrg…that we are! …and with crazed smile on our faces we CHARGED towards the lake.
This turned out to be one of those occasions where I would have loved to have had a video camera. As the Patriarch and I rushed into the lake determined to respond to the challenge presented by the Lady of the Lake we were suddenly both knocked backwards onto our asses as the first wave completely pummelled our charge. It was absolutely hilarious…with a stunned grin on his face the Patriarch proclaimed…."so that's how you want to play!" We picked ourselves up and proceeded back into the lake….this time with a little more resolve.
....to be continued....
...and now, the conclusion....
Determined to conquer the challenge presented by the Lady of the Lake we jumped over, dove through and swam over the waves. After a few fun filled minutes we finally succeeded to get past the first sand bar approximately 20 feet from shore. The second sand bar was just a bit ahead about 50ft....do we dare attempt to venture out to it? The waves crashing over the second bar were very impressive, essentially dwarfing us....when you're standing in 4 feet of water and see a wave measuring another 4-5 feet about your head it's easy to become intimiated. But with visions of the Hawaii-Five-O intro dancing through my head....both the Patriarch and I were determined to play.
A wise man once said "if you can't beat them....join them!" So rather than attempt to conquer the waves pummelling the second sand bar we decided to ride them in to shore.....or shall I say, body surf. Oh what fun!!
Despite the temptation to play all day...we did decide to officially log a swim this morning. The water temp was perhaps in the mid-to-upper 60's, the water clarity was non-existant, the relentless waves measured 4-6ft and the current was swift from the north. As we attempted to swim north it was as if we were in an endless pool. (No lie!) Out of concern that we'd be propelled back into the Klode north beach rock pile we swam along the first sand bar so that we could stand when ever we felt as if we were making negative progress....or after being pummeled by a wave.
It took about 5 minutes of strong swimming but we finally managed to reach the drain spout approximately 75 meters from north beach. The trip back....took just seconds....what a rush!
Reluctant to exit the water this morning we surfed a few more of the waves before finally calling it a swim.
Future swim plans? ...currently uncertain. The Patriarch will be out of town for a few days and I will be in Madison until Monday evening for the Ironman. We hope to resume our Lake Michigan Swim Adventures next Tuesday.
Hesitantly we peered over the bluff and saw the lake surface lined with impressively sized white capped serpents. Reluctantly we turned around and slowly walked back to our cars...agreeing that it would not be wise to venture out for a swim in such turbulent conditions.
Before we could climb back into our cars our optimism took over. Perhaps the seas weren't as rough as they appeared from the bluff? As there was only one way to find out for sure we agreed to venture down to the beach to find out. We arrived at the beach amazed to find the surf was actually a lot rougher than it appeared from the bluff. The waves were enormous, washing clearly up to the tree line…certainly swimming in such conditions would be completely insane!
So we turned back and somberly walked back to the stair case….bummed was certainly an understatement. As we took the first few steps up the stair case we both could could hear the Lady of the Lake calling out to us….'Wimps!' The expression on the Patriarch's face turned as instantly as mine…with a big grin on both of our faces we unanimously agreed…we're not wimps….let's go play!!
So that we did…. Tucking our gear behind the tree line and pulling our swim caps over our heads we marvelled to each other…"we must be completely nuts!" Arrg…that we are! …and with crazed smile on our faces we CHARGED towards the lake.
This turned out to be one of those occasions where I would have loved to have had a video camera. As the Patriarch and I rushed into the lake determined to respond to the challenge presented by the Lady of the Lake we were suddenly both knocked backwards onto our asses as the first wave completely pummelled our charge. It was absolutely hilarious…with a stunned grin on his face the Patriarch proclaimed…."so that's how you want to play!" We picked ourselves up and proceeded back into the lake….this time with a little more resolve.
....to be continued....
...and now, the conclusion....
Determined to conquer the challenge presented by the Lady of the Lake we jumped over, dove through and swam over the waves. After a few fun filled minutes we finally succeeded to get past the first sand bar approximately 20 feet from shore. The second sand bar was just a bit ahead about 50ft....do we dare attempt to venture out to it? The waves crashing over the second bar were very impressive, essentially dwarfing us....when you're standing in 4 feet of water and see a wave measuring another 4-5 feet about your head it's easy to become intimiated. But with visions of the Hawaii-Five-O intro dancing through my head....both the Patriarch and I were determined to play.
A wise man once said "if you can't beat them....join them!" So rather than attempt to conquer the waves pummelling the second sand bar we decided to ride them in to shore.....or shall I say, body surf. Oh what fun!!
Despite the temptation to play all day...we did decide to officially log a swim this morning. The water temp was perhaps in the mid-to-upper 60's, the water clarity was non-existant, the relentless waves measured 4-6ft and the current was swift from the north. As we attempted to swim north it was as if we were in an endless pool. (No lie!) Out of concern that we'd be propelled back into the Klode north beach rock pile we swam along the first sand bar so that we could stand when ever we felt as if we were making negative progress....or after being pummeled by a wave.
It took about 5 minutes of strong swimming but we finally managed to reach the drain spout approximately 75 meters from north beach. The trip back....took just seconds....what a rush!
Reluctant to exit the water this morning we surfed a few more of the waves before finally calling it a swim.
Future swim plans? ...currently uncertain. The Patriarch will be out of town for a few days and I will be in Madison until Monday evening for the Ironman. We hope to resume our Lake Michigan Swim Adventures next Tuesday.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Cinco Locos
Wow! The 36th straight day without a wetsuit! There may not be too many more, though. Our little corner of the lake is cooling down.
Yesterday evening Cap'n and Larry and me swam for about half a hour in moderate chop. It was cooler than the previous days, but still comfortable once we got going.
This morning it was a couple degrees cooler yet. Cap'n, me, James, Jessica, and Dom knew as soon as we dipped our toes that it was going to be one tough swim. I'm thinking that if any one of us had been there alone, we'd have all backed down. But of course no one was going to be the first to wimp out, so off went five brave (or crazy) swimmers, none of us in wetsuits.
Once past the shock of the initial plunge, we actually were OK. I would not say it was comfortable, but it was definitely bearable. We got to the garage and decided to keep going a while. Since most of us are tapering for either Ironman or Big Shoulders we didn't go all the way to the rockpile (good excuse, hey?). We swam a total of 25 minutes. I have to congratulate everyone for hanging in there, we are one tough group of dudes!
I checked the web, and it appears the water in Chicago is still very warm, so hopefully it will stay that way until Saturday's Big Shoulders swim.
Clearly the lake swim season won't last much longer, but we'll keep going as long as we can, even if we have to haul out the wetsuits again (ugh!). But you never know, it could warm up again, most of the lake surface water is still warm and the right wind could blow it our way.
Tonight (tentatively - we'll see what the weather is) 4:30 PM Klode
Tomorrow, Thursday definetly 6:30AM Klode
Yesterday evening Cap'n and Larry and me swam for about half a hour in moderate chop. It was cooler than the previous days, but still comfortable once we got going.
This morning it was a couple degrees cooler yet. Cap'n, me, James, Jessica, and Dom knew as soon as we dipped our toes that it was going to be one tough swim. I'm thinking that if any one of us had been there alone, we'd have all backed down. But of course no one was going to be the first to wimp out, so off went five brave (or crazy) swimmers, none of us in wetsuits.
Once past the shock of the initial plunge, we actually were OK. I would not say it was comfortable, but it was definitely bearable. We got to the garage and decided to keep going a while. Since most of us are tapering for either Ironman or Big Shoulders we didn't go all the way to the rockpile (good excuse, hey?). We swam a total of 25 minutes. I have to congratulate everyone for hanging in there, we are one tough group of dudes!
I checked the web, and it appears the water in Chicago is still very warm, so hopefully it will stay that way until Saturday's Big Shoulders swim.
Clearly the lake swim season won't last much longer, but we'll keep going as long as we can, even if we have to haul out the wetsuits again (ugh!). But you never know, it could warm up again, most of the lake surface water is still warm and the right wind could blow it our way.
Tonight (tentatively - we'll see what the weather is) 4:30 PM Klode
Tomorrow, Thursday definetly 6:30AM Klode
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Keeping us on our toes...
With the recent stretch of phenomenal swimming conditions it becomes easy to forget how quickly the lake temps can change. With the warm water temps we experienced yesterday and the air temps forcasted to be around 90 today who could blame us for expecting a continuation of our recent streak of exceptionally warm water.
...but if it's one thing the Patriarch and I have learned from all our Lake Michigan swimming adventures its never take anything for granted. Yet when Sandy, Nahi, The Patriarch and I arrived on the Klode beach this morning we were a bit surprised to find cooler water temps. Not cold...but cool....and still bearable for Sandy, The Patriarch and I to swim without the assistance of a wetsuit. Nahi, now in his Ironman taper, appeared to be a bit relieved that his workout today required that he swim in his wetsuit...with a smug grin on his face he placed the blame squarely on his coach for requiring him to wear his wetsuit rather than give in to the peer pressure to go without.
Undeterred by the cooler water temps Sandy and Nahi logged a 'rockpile' and back loop while the Patriarch and I...who are both tapering for big weekend events...swam 3/4 of the way to the 'rockpile' before returning.
If I had to guess, I'd place the water temp this morning in the upper 60's vs the mid 70's we enjoyed over the weekend. With today's forecasted high around 90 and with plentiful sunshine we are very optimistic that the cooler water temps will be only momentary. We again plan to head out from Klode at 4:30pm.
Upcoming Plans:
Tuesday: 4:30pm Klode
Wednesday: 6:30am Klode
See you on the Beach!
-Capt'n
...but if it's one thing the Patriarch and I have learned from all our Lake Michigan swimming adventures its never take anything for granted. Yet when Sandy, Nahi, The Patriarch and I arrived on the Klode beach this morning we were a bit surprised to find cooler water temps. Not cold...but cool....and still bearable for Sandy, The Patriarch and I to swim without the assistance of a wetsuit. Nahi, now in his Ironman taper, appeared to be a bit relieved that his workout today required that he swim in his wetsuit...with a smug grin on his face he placed the blame squarely on his coach for requiring him to wear his wetsuit rather than give in to the peer pressure to go without.
Undeterred by the cooler water temps Sandy and Nahi logged a 'rockpile' and back loop while the Patriarch and I...who are both tapering for big weekend events...swam 3/4 of the way to the 'rockpile' before returning.
If I had to guess, I'd place the water temp this morning in the upper 60's vs the mid 70's we enjoyed over the weekend. With today's forecasted high around 90 and with plentiful sunshine we are very optimistic that the cooler water temps will be only momentary. We again plan to head out from Klode at 4:30pm.
Upcoming Plans:
Tuesday: 4:30pm Klode
Wednesday: 6:30am Klode
See you on the Beach!
-Capt'n
Monday, September 1, 2008
Pictures From Labor Day Swim
http://www.flickr.com/photos/20112575@N03/sets/72157607062075912/show/
Tuesday: 6:30 AM Klode Beach
Great Turnout
We had our biggest group swim of the year this morning. In total 11 swimmers took the plunge from the Klode South Beach around 10:30am. Unfortunately I don't recall everyone's name but familiar faces included Jessica, Kimberly, Robin, Dom, Josh, Mathew, Mike, Phil and the Patriarch....guess that means I remembered everyones name except for one. ....my apologies to Jessica's now nameless guest. :)
As was the case the past 3 days, the weather and water conditions remained absolutely spectacular. Sunny skies, temps around 80, light breeze from the south, comfortably warm water temp and beautifully crystal clear water.
The light breeze from the south created 1-2ft waves rolling in from the south east....which were very similar to the ones experienced at the end of our swim the past few morning's. As a result, we swam south first so that we could enjoy a nice push home. It didn't take long for Jessica, Josh, and Kimberly to swim out of sight as we started our swim....their journey would take them just south of 'flat rock'. For the rest of us our adventure would take us up to the 'staircase' which is approximately a 1/2 mile from the Klode south beach.
As expected the swim back to Klode was very swift as the current and waves would rock you slightly backward and then propel you forward like a sling shot....back & f-o-r-w-a-r-d and back & f-o-r-w-a-r-d..... As I'm writing this I can still feel the rhythm in my head when I close my eyes.
We all arrived back at Klode with stories to share....such as how Jessica swam circles around Josh and how Josh took one out of the Pirate's handbook by telling Jessica and Kimberly to look behind them as he sprinted out ahead. (editors note: the Capt'n now and then has been known to take a few liberties with the stories he shares...)
The Patriarch's first mate did take a few snap shots of today's group. Stay tuned for a future post with these pics.
Upcoming Swim Plan:
Tuesday: 6:30am Klode
As was the case the past 3 days, the weather and water conditions remained absolutely spectacular. Sunny skies, temps around 80, light breeze from the south, comfortably warm water temp and beautifully crystal clear water.
The light breeze from the south created 1-2ft waves rolling in from the south east....which were very similar to the ones experienced at the end of our swim the past few morning's. As a result, we swam south first so that we could enjoy a nice push home. It didn't take long for Jessica, Josh, and Kimberly to swim out of sight as we started our swim....their journey would take them just south of 'flat rock'. For the rest of us our adventure would take us up to the 'staircase' which is approximately a 1/2 mile from the Klode south beach.
As expected the swim back to Klode was very swift as the current and waves would rock you slightly backward and then propel you forward like a sling shot....back & f-o-r-w-a-r-d and back & f-o-r-w-a-r-d..... As I'm writing this I can still feel the rhythm in my head when I close my eyes.
We all arrived back at Klode with stories to share....such as how Jessica swam circles around Josh and how Josh took one out of the Pirate's handbook by telling Jessica and Kimberly to look behind them as he sprinted out ahead. (editors note: the Capt'n now and then has been known to take a few liberties with the stories he shares...)
The Patriarch's first mate did take a few snap shots of today's group. Stay tuned for a future post with these pics.
Upcoming Swim Plan:
Tuesday: 6:30am Klode
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