Thursday, June 13, 2013

The Patriarch Returns!

Next Swims:
   Friday 6/14 @ 6AM...and perhaps 6PM
   (please comment if you plan to come at 6PM)
   Saturday 6/15 @ noon
   Sunday 6/16 @ noon

Last Swims:
   Thursday 6/13 @ 6pm
      Water Temp:  64 (per the Patriarch-o-meter)
      Air Temp:  60 & breezy
      Waves:  Occasional 1-2ft
      Clarity:  stirred up near shore, clear offshore
      Skin Count: 1
      Pitsch Count: 3
      Crew: The Patriarch, Showgirl, Sir James, Capt'n

The Patriarch has returned to action!!  ...and his hard work over the long winter months has him in rare form.  This became shockingly evident to the Kru this evening when The Patriarch asked the Kru "Arrg, is that me Booty!?!?!"....could this have been the first time The Patriarch has seen his booty or was he just trying to show off for Showgirl?  Also highlighting this evening was Sir James new 2013 attitude...he may not talk trash to your face but his new wetsuit will!  Better read it quick cuz you won't see it for long once he gets in the water.  Of course I would be remiss if I didn't mention Showgirl.  Many thanks to Showgirl for the special show to commemorate The Patriarch's return...it was a very thoughtful gesture indeed!   ....really sorry we weren't ashore at the time to see it.

   Wednesday 6/12 @ 6am
      (posted by Gumdrop)
      Water Temp: Mid 50's
      Air Temp 6o something
      Waves: Smooth
      Clarity: Good
      Crew: Gumdrop,Heidi,Show Girl, and mystery person

Heidi and I swam skin, as Show Girl (ironically) swam suited up, for a trip that took us about half way between Cedar Grove and Mudslide. MIA is Mr. Ducky, I'm afraid one of the seagulls may have made off with him :(.

Please Join me at 6PM (today Thursday 6/13) Klode

I just stopped at Big Bay (a.k.a Back Bay, a.k.a. Buckley Bay, depending on which map or sign you believe).  Temp 61, one foot waves, poor water clarity, stirred up from last night's storm.  Could not swim, but will tonight.  Please join me (at Klode, not Big Bay).  Rumor has it that Cap'n will come and Showgirl will show.

Tammy, whoever you are, you are welcome to join us!

I believe Gumdrop and others plan to swim at 6AM tomorrow (Fri 6/14) at Klode.

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Good Signs

Next Swim:  6am Wednesday 6/11 (weather permitting)

Last Swims:

Tuesday 6/10 @ 6pm
   Water Temp:  60.2!!
   Air Temp:  72 & Sunny
   Waves: rippled lake surface
   Clarity:  Exceptional
   Crew:  Capt'n with special guest appearances by The Patriarch, Gumdrop and Wonder Woman
   Pitsch Count: 4
   Skin Count: 1

Sunny Skies, air temps comfortably in the 70's, a gentle breeze and kids swimming in the lake with inner tubes....all great signs that preceded this evenings swim.  Of course a water temp reading above 60 for the first time this year was an exceptional surprise!  While my swim this evening may have been a bit lonely the welcome back to shore wasn't.  Joining me to celebrate today's pleasant conditions and the signs of good fortune was none other than The Patriarch who is preparing his official proclamation for his return to the lake as we speak!  ...also joining in on our festive celebration were extra special bonus guest appearances by Gumdrop and Wonder Woman.  Stay tuned for upcoming posts featuring Wonder Woman who will answer all those deep dark mysteries that you may be wondering about.  :)

Tuesday June 11th @ 6 AM
   (posted by Gumdrop)
   Water Temp: Mid 50's (though It felt warmer than yesterday)
   Air Temp:6o something
   Waves: Smooth as silk
   Clarity: Good
   Crew: David, Gumdrop,Showgirl

Monday June 10th @ 6 AM 
   (posted by Gumdrop)  
   Water Temp: Mid to high 50's (though It felt colder than yesterday)
   Air Temp 6o something
   Waves: a little bit of playful waves
   Clarity: Kinda cloudy
   Crew: Gumdrop,Heidi

Sunday June 9th @ 2pm 
   (posted by Gumdrop)
   Water Temp: Mid to high 50's
   Air Temp 6o something
   Waves: None
   Clarity: Somewhat clear
   Crew: Heidi, Gumdrop, Josh, Jeff, Sir James

Saturday, June 8, 2013

Livin' Large

Next Swim:  Sunday June 9th @ 2pm (if it's not raining)

Warm-up events Sunday 6/9:
   Rock-n-Ride, South Shore Duathlon @ 8am  http://www.greatlakesduathlonseries.com/page/show/733552-rock-n-ride-south-shore-duathlon
   Locust Street Beer Run @ 11:30am  http://www.locust-street.com/beerrun.htm

Last Swim:  Saturday June 8th @ 12pm (Atwater Beach)
Water Temp:  57.2
Air Temp 64 & Partly Sunny
Waves: None
Clarity:  Clear
Crew:  Gumdrop, Kahuna, Sir James, Heidi, Capt'n with special guest appearance from The Patriarch!
Pitsch Count: 4
Skin Count: 2
Strip & Dip Count: 2

Livin' Large...indeed that the Klode Kru was today!  We took our show a few miles down south to Atwater Beach to venture out fer a ship wreck swim and to plunder the spoils of the Shorewood Men's Club Parrrty. 

Joinin' the Kru fer her first ever swim in Lake Michigan was Heidi who is a seasoned vet of the Southern California Pacific Seas.  (...did ya' now that the nights can get as cold as 37 down there...and even at that temp Heidi is rumored to have ventured out fer a swim!)  Not surprisingly Heidi walked the plank and swam skin this afternoon.  Indeed she will fit in quite nicely with this Kru...welcome aboard!!

The water temp of 57 accompanied by calm and clear water conditions were a pleasant surprise....nearly perfect for exploring the Shipwreck.  Following our swim several of the Kru members walked the plank a second time sans their wetsuits before enjoying our customary round of Pitsch. 

Of course if yer a Kru member you know what it's like to be a winner...and to the winners go chicken dinners (...or if you prefer BBQ rib dinners...) a pint or two of grog, abundant sunshine and festive music.  All were waiting for us as we returned from our swim....which of course we took full advantage of while we shared stories of mermaids and plundered treasure.  Indeed we are livin' large!

Shipwreck & BBQ?

Kahuna has proposed a shipwreck swim from Atwater beach today at noon today (Saturday, June 8th). Atwater is hosting the Shorewood Men's Club annual Chicken and Rib BBQ today.  I'll probably be a spectator as the water is still too cold for me (high 40s or low 50s, depending on which map you believe).  But will commit to eating my share of BBQ and bringing appropriate beverages to share.

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Our Own Lake Michigan Swim Event?

Next Swim: TBD

Last Swim:  Gumdrop reported a swim at 6AM on Tuesday, water temp 48, clear and calm water.  He also proposed a swim for 6AM today, I'm not sure if it happened.

The call of our Lady of the Lake is being heard by more and more swimmers.  Big Shoulders is almost full.  Only 80 spots left in the 5K.  If you want to sign up now is the time: http://www.bigshoulders.org

Coach Dave feels that this is an opportunity for us to have our own Lake Michigan swim event right here in Cream City.  I volunteered to be on the organizing committee.  There is much to organize.  We'd need to get approval of one of the lakeshore communities (probably Shorewood as many of us live there), and we'd need lots of volunteers with boats and kayaks for safety.  It would be a lot of work, but a lot of fun too.  What do you think?

P.S.  Riverwest Beer Run on Sunday 11:30AM
http://www.locust-street.com/locuststreetfestival.htm

Monday, June 3, 2013

Flying the Colors

Next Swim: TBD
Last Swim: Saturday June 1st, 1:00PM
Water Temp: 50, brrrrrrrr
Waves: Small Chop
Water Clarity: Good
Crew:  From left to right: Andy, Kahuna, Cap'n, Ryan, and me (observing, way too cold for THIS Patriarch, I'll take the plunge when it's closer to 60)


Here's a recap of last year's statistics.  Because of the early start and high temps of last summer, each of these numbers is a record.  No previous summer has even come close.

Total Lake Swims: 167
Streak: 110 days
Swim Days: 122
Wetsuit Plank Counter:474
Skin Plank Counter: 667
Shots of Killepitsch poured: 230

It was good to be back on the beach with the crew again, even if only watching.  We traded obligatory insults and celebrated the swim and the day with a Pitsch.  Kahuna's new skull and crossbones flag was the perfect touch.  Mermaids of Whitefish beware!  The Klode Kru has returned.

Hpoe to see you on the beach soon!