Eating the Sand

 Last Swim:  6 a.m. Tuesday

Next Swims:  Likely 6 a.m. Wednesday.  For the next few months, any weekday will be game for a 6 a.m. swim, especially if flat water is forecast.

Evening swims:  Not sure if these are at 5, 5:30 or 6 - post in the comments section if you would like to go at this time. (by time, I mean Evening as opposed to Morning.)

Saturday and Sunday noon; 8 a.m. and noon

Water temp: 54 degrees F "but feels colder" per Lydia the Tattooed Lady 

Air temp: About the same, intense sun

Kru & Gear: Lydia the Tattooed Lady (full wetsuit), Showgirl (sleeveless + sleeves), Dragonfly (sleeveless + sleeves) Moondaug (full wetsuit) 

Waves:  Just not flat - leftover action from yesterday's giant waves

Water:  Almost completely opaque and quite stinky in patches

The city shimmered in the sunrise, and the harbor was glass.  So often the early promise as viewed when driving over the Hoan is not delivered at Klode cove, where a bit of swell churned in from the northwest.  Yet the air was perfectly still, a bonus, with the plume from the Milorganite plant going straight up.

It appeared they expanded the fenced off perimeter around the sinkhole at Big Bay. This 70-foot deep Bad Boy was caused by a failing 90-year old Whitefish Bay sewer and officials don't want anyone near it.  More photos can be seen on The Milwaukee Journal Facebook page.

This brought back the memories for TTL, who recalled a sinkhole on North Avenue some years back that swallowed a car.  The escaping driver was so freaked out, they left the car running....and it ran for hours, til it ran out of gas.  Makes sense to me.  Priorities.

There was nothing technically wrong with today's swim....despite some swell from the NE, it was fairly flat.  I was planning on about 1,600 yards, i.e. turning at Mudslide (about 800 yards), but somehow TTL, Showgirl and myself all met up there and decided to press on to the Cute Chairs "near those white sticks" said Showgirl.  "Otherwise known as birch trees?" asked TTL. The Chairs (which I have yet to actually see this year) are about 1,000 yards from Klode.

"To bad choices," said TTL, and we pressed on.  I knew this was not the right call for me since I was already cold.  Then we engaged with further chitchat at the Chairs (or 1,023  yards by my watch.)

"There's a xxxx by mudslide," said Showgirl.

"Oh yeah," said TTL.

"It's weird," they agreed.

It wasn't til we were back ashore that I realized they were saying not "it's weird" but "it's DEER" - they saw two deer bounding about mudslide.

I knew I was in for the desperate struggle, so I shoved off homeward.  Unfortunately ended up taking a wide detoour inshore, getting washed up so far on the beach that I was eating the sand (position 4, below.)  I had a bit of energy towards the end, but my hands were starting to claw with the cold.

I checked last year's blog - both air and water averaged 8-10 degrees warmer last year!  I am definitely blaming the cold for why "struggle" is fa feature of my swim descriptions so often this year.

Milk and Honey

Last swim: 6-9-24, 12 PM

Next swim: 6-11-24, 6:30 Am

Water temp: 57 according to the Duck-o-meter, and 58 Itch-o- meter, 61 Brick m-o- meter

Air temp: 70's, and sunny

Kru: Itch, Brick, Diablo, Moondaug, the Lagunas and spawn of Lagunas for shore support

Waves: flat

Water Clarity: 7

It was a gorgeous day for a swim. We wondered why more people weren't swimming. The only possible reason we could think of was they were all hung over from Saturdays festivals. More Pitch for us. 

There was a lady on a jet ski who was picking up beach patrons and giving them rides and doing donuts very close to shore within the path of swimming routes. Upon my return I happened to intersect her and informed her motor vehicles were prohibited from launching on the beach and that she should not be operating so close to the beach and the swimmers. Afterwards she respectfully speed off. 

Apparently Brick is in the market for a milk cow. Though he doent know what kind or the ordinances pertaining. I don't know why, when you can just buy the milk. See you at the beach definetly maybe. 

Shipwreck Ho!

Captain's Log Supplemental (Kahuna Reporting in the Captain's Absence):

Last Swim:  10 a.m., Sat., June 8th.

Upcoming Swims:  The Typical/Regular Schedule, at Klode Beach:  M-F 6 a.m. and 5 p.m.;  Sat. & Sun.  8a.m. and noon.  (See blog comments, to see posts by Kru members who may be trying to set up an "unscheduled" time for an extra swim.)    
Water temp: In close,  54 degrees, and maybe in the lower 50's fuerther out.  

Air temp: 60, with clouds, and a bit of rain.  

Kru: Mr. A, Moondaug, Amanda from Oakland California, Magic Mike (shore support?), and Kahuna.  Two other nice young women were down there trying out their new wetsuits, and another Californian was working out on the beach, and they all 3 indicated they're glad to learn about the Kru, and will come out and join us at some future swims.  If you are them and reading this, we'd love to see you again at an upcoming swim.

Waves:  Almost completely flat.    

Water Clarity:  Clear near shore, but with the strong winds over the last few days, less clear as we got further away from shore.  

The SMC BBQ Shipwreck Swim is one of the highlights of the summer swim season, and while all participants this year had an good time, the weather and water clarity did not 100% cooperate with us.  

Welcome to the impressive Amanda (English teacher from Oakland), who (despite the frigid temps) swam skin for at least a half hour.  Even those of us who were wearing wetsuits, were talking about having the shakes or numb fingers after the swim was over.  Mr. A and Moondaug's hands were still shaking when I handed them a beer 15 to 20 minutes after they emerged from the Lake.  (I got off really easy this year as to my offer to buy the first round for all attending Kru members.)

We did see the wreck.  Although given the lighting conditions (very cloudy) and water clarity, it was hard to see this year.  It was definitely a day when you needed clear goggles, and even then, it wasn't the bright clear image that we've  seen in prior years.  Always fun though to be out on the Lake, and having rain fall around you (with no lightning risk).  

Apres swim, we changed and climbed up the bluff, and enjoyed BBQ and beer, and some live music (by my 10- year-old neighbor, the highly talented guitar-player and rock vocalist Tenley Sheldon).  In about 10 years from now, we'll be able to say we saw him back in the day, before he started sellinng out concert venues, and breaking hearts.  

Looking forward to seeing folks on the beach.  I get the feeling we will be seeing warmer water in the next week to 10 days.  

Both of the California swimmers I talked with yesterday said they had checked the blog, but couldn't figure out the upcoming swim schedule from the blog.  They also said they couldn't tell if we swam everyday, given the eratic reports on the blog.  So I encourage Kru members to (1) "blog your swims" (the report can be very short); and (2) when you blog, including something clear at the top, so that newbies know the "typical" schedule at Klode (something like I have above).  

On a related "helping newbies to be able to join us" issue, I repeat here the question I posted earlier this week in one of the comment sections:

LMS FAQ Webpage? Where Did It Go?: On the right side of the blog, where we have links to the Atwater buoy, etc., didn't we used to have a link to a page that was called something like "FAQ about the Lake Michigan Swimmers" or "About Us"? I don't see that now. And that was a handy page link to send to out-of-towners asking about swimming with us, or newbies asking us basic questions in the comments (like do we charge dues, do I have to join, do I have to sign a waiver, when do you swim and where, where can I get a wetsuit, etc.) Is that page still someplace, and if so, what's the link? If we need to get such a page/link that back up, I think only the Cap'n can edit the home page? I don't think I can.

Cap'n, you got any thoughts on the above?  Or does anybody know anybody other than the Cap'n who can edit the blog's home page, and add a new "About Us" title/link on the right side?  Seems like we may want to get the above addressed, before all the folks come to MKE for the RNC National Convention next month in July.    

Tatoo You and Don't Call Me Betsy

Last swim: 6-7-24, 6:30 AM

Next Swims:  Saturday 10 AM at Atwater and Sunday noon at Klode, see comments for suggested custom swim times

Water temp: In the high 40's near shore

Air temp: 60's, with sunshine.

  

Kru: Lydia the Tattooed Lady, Showgirl, Fin Fin, Dragonfly, Hollywood?, Hurricane (an other lady), Moondaug

Waves: Almost completely flat

Water: Clarity 9 of 10.  

I arrived solo at 6: 30. Except for the morning squaks of baby red wing black birds in the trees and busy fluttering mother birds delivering breakfast. And the serene scene of seaguls loafing (on the rocks) and some gliding over a calm, gentle, and undisturbed morning lake. Just the subtle phasing in and out refraction patterns on the water.

The Duck-o-meter quacked at an invigorating 48 F. After some hem and haw, I took the dive in. Did just a short swim, but still oh so rewarding. About half way through I was feeling great! Upon returning I was greeted by 6 additional Klode swimmers. Good morning, Good morning!

Being the only male on the beach this morning with a school of females I tried my best to listen without interrupting the flow of conversation too much. Apparently my male ears heard a conversation about someone wanting to get a tattoo. Apparently I was just dreaming though. Or was I having a premonition about future official Klode tattoos? I may have to meditate on that. Feel free to make recommendations.

Then the conversation shifted to unwanted nick names. Apparently the the name Betsy is not well liked. I'm not sure why though. But I suppose we can scratch that off for possible official Klode tattoos.

If you'll be my swimming buddy

I can be your long lost pal

I wont call you Betsy

No Betsy's on our tats, let them say loral.

 

I'm calling for a 10 am swim this Sat. to shipwreck swim and then the Barbecue hosted by Kahunas group up the beach. Post thoughts.

SUMMER'S HERE! BOOYAH!

Last Swim:      Noon, Sunday, 6/2 

Next Swims: M-F 6 a.m., Saturday and Sunday noon, see comments for suggested custom swim times

Water temp: In the low 60's near shore, like 55 a little further out.  Some warmer and cooler pockets.

Air temp: 72, with bright sunshine.  

Kru: Lydia the Tattooed Lady, Cap'n, Diablo, Brick, Magic Mike, Itch; shoresupport from Leon and Leon's mom.

Waves:  Almost completely flat, slight push from the South.  

Water:  Clarity 9 of 10.  

A lovely day.  Nice to see some old faces.  And no, I'm not going to get into a debate about when summer legally, officially, astronomically, or scientifically, starts.  In my book, it started yesterday, or at the latest today, when I got in the Lake for the first time this year.  

Pirate Shipwreck Swim & SMC BBQ Returns!  Next Saturday, June 8th at Atwater Park is the Shorewood Men's Club Chicken & Rib BBQ Picnic & Community Fundraiser.  It is the Kru's tradition to gather for a swim at like 9 or 10, swim out to the wreck off of Atwater Beach, then come up to the bluff for some beer & BBQ.  I'll buy the first round.  I have pre-sale food tixs (you save a little if you buy your Chix BBQ tixs from me before hand).  Scrumptious BBQ Chicken Dinner Tixs are $16, and Luscious BBQed Rib Dinners are $20.  All proceeds go to support worthy local projects, like park maintenance, tree plantings, youth sports and student scholarships.  If you want to reserve a ticket, let me know in the comments.  

Happy Birthday Department:  Today is Johnny Weissmueller's birthday (born 6/2/1904).  

R.I.P. Department:  

    Ricky Racoon, 

    Ya died too soon,

    Ya lay on the beach, 

    Not far out of reach,

    We on the kru,

    Know rank spew,

    Ya did not tary, 

    So we gotta bury.

(Next time I come, I'll try to remember to bring a shovel, so Rick can have a proper burial.)

Lost & Found Department:  I got home without the swim goggles I wore today.  So if anyone finds a pair of Speedo Vanquisher mirrored/smoked goggles iwth black straps, let me know.  

Pink seagull and Mr. A: Signs of Spring

  Last Swim:  6 a.m. Friday

Next Swims: Saturday and Sunday noon; also 8 a.m. Sunday pre-Mother's Day swim

Water temp: 52.9 degrees F per Lydia the Tattooed Lady 

Air temp: About the same, a little chill-ish breeze, initial cloud but then beautiful sunshine 

Kru: Lydia the Tattooed Lady, Showgirl, Fin-Fyn, Dragonfly, Mr. Anonymous, Diablo

Waves:  Maybe about 1 foot of fairly gentle swell

Water:  Pale brown, a little stinky and greasy around the rocks, clearer offshore

A pink seagull was the first thing I saw stepping out the back door this morning.  Pink because the sunrise was reflecting on it as it sailed among pink clouds.  A good omen for sure.

What do you think of when you think of signs of spring?  New bright green crocus shoots?  Tulips or daffodils? The first trill of the redwinged blackbird?

For us open water swimmers, it was definitely the first appearance of Mr. Anonymous on the beach.  Sporting a Lake Effect t-shirt (Milwaukee's surf shop on Capitol Drive), he arrived at our little encampment.  

"How was everyone's winter?" he asked in his polite, debonair way.

He & Diablo went in for brave skin dips.

The rest of us followed in full wetsuits.  me in a sleeveless with sleeves - earlier than I would have planned, but my full wetsuit has developed a small seam separation which must be dealt with STAT.

The swim was absolutely gorgeous, with the sun grandly emerging from a horizon cloud bank and just enough wave to rock you gently.

Photo credit:  TTL.  And TTL fully deserves the credit, as she devotes the energy to the group experience, taking not only the photo, but the temperature, while the rest of us are lazy slobs.

6 a.m. swims begin! "Is this fun?"

  Last Swim/Dip:  6:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 30

Next Swims: Friday a.m. - probably 6?  Saturday and Sunday noon

Water temp: 50 degrees F per Lydia the Tattooed Lady 

Air temp: 51, cloudy but beautiful (see photo below)

Kru: Lydia the Tattooed Lady, Showgirl, Lt. MJ, Fin-Fyn, Dragonfly

Waves:  Flat-ish, brown but clear.  Strong smell of coffee at midpoint, goose-stinky heading back.  Geese on beach looking smug

Shore support:  Wim Hofers Nahid and Mermaid Princess (yes, MP has crossed over!)  A La Mode with her running group

It started innocently enough on a random Monday with Lt. MJ's text post from Surf Captain that conditions would be "flat and fair" on the morrow.  Surf Captain is reliable enough, on occasion.  LT. MJ also noted that the Atwater Buoy 45013 was "on vacation" already - so early in the season!  Might as well believe Surf Captain.  They are all liars, telling you what you want to hear.

At the beach, conditions were indeed flat...ish.  Though the water temp reading was 50, it felt MUCH colder, imo. My hands in particular started cold and never warmed up.  Even my face warmed up enough to get somewhere past Garage.  

Showgirl, Fin-Fyn and I all arrived back to our blankets around the same time. I wasn't the only one chilled. We struggled out of neoprene and into dry clothes for at least 5 minutes in complete silence, finally broken by someone asking plaintively, "Is this fun?"  Hi, it's me, I'm the problem.  Fortunately Fin-Fyn laughed, and it was immediately  more fun.

TTL and MJ emerged a bit later, TTL declaring, "the trip back took about a million years!"  

Start of swim, Photo courtesy of Mermaid Princess

So early in the season, people's watches were acting up.  Lake Michigan and electronic things just don't always get along.  "Apparently I am still somewhere short of the Rock Pile," Lt. MJ commented a couple of hours later on this photo: