Next Swims: Tuesday 7/24 6AM & 6PM, Wed 6AM
Last Swims: Mon 7/23 6AM & 6PM
Water Temps: 72.7 (with pockets of slightly cooler and warmer water)
Waves: flat
Water Clarity: cloudy am, clear offshore pm
AM Crew: The Patriarch, Diablo, Gumdrop, Kahuna, Showgirl, Lauren
PM Crew: The Patriarch, Crash, Mary, Sidney, Laura, Hailey, Debra, Dave, John, Capt'n (plus one other....sorry, I can't remember your name)
The lake conditions have been SO nice....just how nice? They have been SO nice The Patriarch has now swum in the lake 25 consecutive days without a wetsuit!! Granted the first day of his streak officially registered on the Loco-meter at 58 and the next two in the low 60's but since then the water temps have been 65 or higher. (...which is The Patriarch's officially sanctioned threshold for skin swimmable water.)
Yes indeed, ideal conditions persisted once again for this evening's swim. Water temps in the low 70's, a flat lake surface and crystal clear water (50-100 meters from shore) The Klode crew of regulars was a tad bit light this evening but our numbers were buoyed thanks to a group of 8 swimmers walking the plank at the same time we were.
The majority of this evening's crew enjoyed a delightful swim up to Mudslide and back while a few from our sister crew swam a bit longer in preparation of upcoming events. Just about the only thing unpleasant this evening were some rather aggressive biting flies.....whose life I'm sure will be short lived thanks to the growing number and size of the dragonflies we saw patrolling the walkway from the beach to the parking lot.
Monday, July 23, 2012
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Running Out of Superlatives
Next Swims: Mon 7/23 6AM & 6PM, Tue 6AM
Last Swims: Fri 7/20 6PM, Sat 7/21noon, Sun 7/22 noon
Water Temps: low to mid 70's
Waves: Fri PM choppy, Calm Sat & Sun
Water Clarity: Murky Fri, a little better Sat, crystal clear Sun
Fri PM Crew: Cap'n, Patriarch, Jason, Mary, Slip&Slide, eRun
Sat Crew: Patriarch, Cap'n, Jason, Diablo, Kim, Chris, Crash, Phil, Lauren, plus Jack Frost and his brother Steve who swam at 7AM
Sun Crew: Phil & Friend, Brian, Lauren, Cap'n, Patriarch, Gumdrop, Diablo, Padre, Dave, Not Dave's Wife, Sarah, Ali, Crash, Kim, David, Jack Frost
I am running out of superlatives. I consider a "perfect" swim day to be warm (70+), calm, and clear water. We've had more of those this month than we've had in the last three years. The swimming today and yesterday seemed almost effortless compared to our struggles with the waves the previous two days.
Cap'n is bugging me to firm up social calendar. Of course he's right, summer will be gone before we know it. Therefore I declare this Friday 7/27 to be Klode Kru Fish Fry Night. Please comment on a good place somewhere near the north shore. My personal favorite is North Star, but I'm not sure they could handle a large group on a Friday night.
Coming soon: Lisa's Pizza Night, Picnic at Patriarch's, and (hopefully) a repeat of Steve's awesome party, and Dave's Plunge (jumping off Daves boat a ways offshore and swimming back to the beach. Also coming soon: shipwreck swim (swim out to the wreck of the steamship Appomattox off Atwater Beach). There are also some malcontents pushing for a Big Bay to Atwater swim.
Last Swims: Fri 7/20 6PM, Sat 7/21noon, Sun 7/22 noon
Water Temps: low to mid 70's
Waves: Fri PM choppy, Calm Sat & Sun
Water Clarity: Murky Fri, a little better Sat, crystal clear Sun
Fri PM Crew: Cap'n, Patriarch, Jason, Mary, Slip&Slide, eRun
Sat Crew: Patriarch, Cap'n, Jason, Diablo, Kim, Chris, Crash, Phil, Lauren, plus Jack Frost and his brother Steve who swam at 7AM
Sun Crew: Phil & Friend, Brian, Lauren, Cap'n, Patriarch, Gumdrop, Diablo, Padre, Dave, Not Dave's Wife, Sarah, Ali, Crash, Kim, David, Jack Frost
I am running out of superlatives. I consider a "perfect" swim day to be warm (70+), calm, and clear water. We've had more of those this month than we've had in the last three years. The swimming today and yesterday seemed almost effortless compared to our struggles with the waves the previous two days.
Cap'n is bugging me to firm up social calendar. Of course he's right, summer will be gone before we know it. Therefore I declare this Friday 7/27 to be Klode Kru Fish Fry Night. Please comment on a good place somewhere near the north shore. My personal favorite is North Star, but I'm not sure they could handle a large group on a Friday night.
Coming soon: Lisa's Pizza Night, Picnic at Patriarch's, and (hopefully) a repeat of Steve's awesome party, and Dave's Plunge (jumping off Daves boat a ways offshore and swimming back to the beach. Also coming soon: shipwreck swim (swim out to the wreck of the steamship Appomattox off Atwater Beach). There are also some malcontents pushing for a Big Bay to Atwater swim.
Friday, July 20, 2012
Playing in the Waves
Next Swims: Fri 7/20 6PM, Sat & Sun noon
Last Swims: Thu 7/19 6PM, Fri 6AM
Water Temps: 72-74
Waves: Thu PM 2-3 feet, Fri AM 3-4 feet, irregular and choppy, with a strong current pushing south, difficult to swim in, fun to play in
Water Clarity: Murky with stirred up silt and sand
Thu PM Crew: Patriarch, Lauren, Hannah, Kahuna, Brian, eRun, another person whose name I don't remember (sorry!)
Fri AM Crew: Patriarch, Gumdrop, Showgirl, Cap'n, Diablo, Kahuna, Brain, Ryan
We aren't setting any distance records in the very heavy surf, but we're having a lot of fun bouncing around in the big waves. Sort of like a roller coaster, a little scary but lots of fun. The hairiest part is getting over the sandbar where the waves break, but beyond the break it's not too bad.
It's quite an experience to swim against the current, it seems like you're flailing away as hard as you can, but barely making progress. Sometimes the waves lift you up and instead of pulling water you're windmilling the air. On the way back you move so fast you need to be careful to not overshoot your mark.
Yeeeeeeeehhaaahhhhhhh!!!
Last Swims: Thu 7/19 6PM, Fri 6AM
Water Temps: 72-74
Waves: Thu PM 2-3 feet, Fri AM 3-4 feet, irregular and choppy, with a strong current pushing south, difficult to swim in, fun to play in
Water Clarity: Murky with stirred up silt and sand
Thu PM Crew: Patriarch, Lauren, Hannah, Kahuna, Brian, eRun, another person whose name I don't remember (sorry!)
Fri AM Crew: Patriarch, Gumdrop, Showgirl, Cap'n, Diablo, Kahuna, Brain, Ryan
We aren't setting any distance records in the very heavy surf, but we're having a lot of fun bouncing around in the big waves. Sort of like a roller coaster, a little scary but lots of fun. The hairiest part is getting over the sandbar where the waves break, but beyond the break it's not too bad.
It's quite an experience to swim against the current, it seems like you're flailing away as hard as you can, but barely making progress. Sometimes the waves lift you up and instead of pulling water you're windmilling the air. On the way back you move so fast you need to be careful to not overshoot your mark.
Yeeeeeeeehhaaahhhhhhh!!!
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Can't Get Enough
Next Swims: Thu 7/19 6PM, Fri 7/20 6AM
Last Swim: Thu 7/19 6AM
Water Temp: 72
Waves: half foot
Water Clarity: Uneven, some places murky, others OK
Crew: Sir James, Gumdrop, Showgirl, Diablo, Brain, Cap'n, David, Lauren, Stephan, Patriarch
Another fantastic day for swimming. Warm water, small waves, a bit of a current pushing south. I swam with a group that went to mudslide and back, about a mile. But I felt so good on returning that I just kept going south to the picnic table before returning to the beach. But I'm a wimp compared to Sir James and Stephan who disappeared in the surf somewhere around Sheboygan.
My arms and shoulders are tired but I'll be back at 6PM for more. Northeast winds are predicted for today, meaning the water will be warm and perhaps rough (2-4 waves according to the Nearshore Marine Forecast, GLCFS predicts 2 footers).
Last Swim: Thu 7/19 6AM
Water Temp: 72
Waves: half foot
Water Clarity: Uneven, some places murky, others OK
Crew: Sir James, Gumdrop, Showgirl, Diablo, Brain, Cap'n, David, Lauren, Stephan, Patriarch
Another fantastic day for swimming. Warm water, small waves, a bit of a current pushing south. I swam with a group that went to mudslide and back, about a mile. But I felt so good on returning that I just kept going south to the picnic table before returning to the beach. But I'm a wimp compared to Sir James and Stephan who disappeared in the surf somewhere around Sheboygan.
My arms and shoulders are tired but I'll be back at 6PM for more. Northeast winds are predicted for today, meaning the water will be warm and perhaps rough (2-4 waves according to the Nearshore Marine Forecast, GLCFS predicts 2 footers).
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Eyes on the Sky
Next Swim: I'm not sure I can make tonight (Wed7/18 6PM), but if you are coming please comment so others know they will have company.
There will be a swim at 6AM tomorrow morning (Thurs 7/19)
Last Swims: Tue 6AM, Wed 6AM
Water Temp: 68
Waves: Calm Tuesday morning, very choppy 2 footers Wed morning
Water Clarity: Very good Tuesday, Wednesday all stirred up from the storm
Tue Crew: Diablo, Kahuna, Nivens McTwist, Brain, Steve, Tony, Jason, Stephan, Gigi, Bob, Patriarch
Wed AM Crew: Ele, Mama Ele, Cap'n, Diablo, Gumdrop, Showgirl, Flipper, Stephan, Patriarch
When I arrived on the beach last night for the 6PM swim a big front had just blown through. Air temperatures dropped from 102 to 79 in a half hour. We could see a thunderstorm over the lake to the north and the bay was full of whitecaps. Some of the crew was there: Jack Frost, Cap'n, Dave, Not Dave's wife, but we decided to play safe and not swim.
When we returned in the morning the water was quite rough, but nothing we haven't dealt with before, and despite the forecast for possible thunderstorms, radar showed none in the area. Most of us did a short swim to garage and back, which was plenty tough in the rough water. When we got out, to our surprise it started to rain and we could hear thunder in the distance. Flipper and Stephan were still in the water, but they didn't hear the thunder over the crash of waves.
Luckily the thunderstorm kept it's distance, but this morning was a reminder that sometimes thunderstorms can pop up out of nowhere, so keep your eyes on the sky if there's any threat.
There will be a swim at 6AM tomorrow morning (Thurs 7/19)
Last Swims: Tue 6AM, Wed 6AM
Water Temp: 68
Waves: Calm Tuesday morning, very choppy 2 footers Wed morning
Water Clarity: Very good Tuesday, Wednesday all stirred up from the storm
Tue Crew: Diablo, Kahuna, Nivens McTwist, Brain, Steve, Tony, Jason, Stephan, Gigi, Bob, Patriarch
Wed AM Crew: Ele, Mama Ele, Cap'n, Diablo, Gumdrop, Showgirl, Flipper, Stephan, Patriarch
When I arrived on the beach last night for the 6PM swim a big front had just blown through. Air temperatures dropped from 102 to 79 in a half hour. We could see a thunderstorm over the lake to the north and the bay was full of whitecaps. Some of the crew was there: Jack Frost, Cap'n, Dave, Not Dave's wife, but we decided to play safe and not swim.
When we returned in the morning the water was quite rough, but nothing we haven't dealt with before, and despite the forecast for possible thunderstorms, radar showed none in the area. Most of us did a short swim to garage and back, which was plenty tough in the rough water. When we got out, to our surprise it started to rain and we could hear thunder in the distance. Flipper and Stephan were still in the water, but they didn't hear the thunder over the crash of waves.
Luckily the thunderstorm kept it's distance, but this morning was a reminder that sometimes thunderstorms can pop up out of nowhere, so keep your eyes on the sky if there's any threat.
Monday, July 16, 2012
They Never Knew
Next Swims: Tue 7/17 6AM & 6PM, and Wed 7/18 6AM (and maybe 6PM too, check back)
Last Swims: Mon 7/16 6AM & 6PM
Water Temp: 70, but cooler pockets in some places
Waves: Small Rollers
Water Clarity: Not good near shore, but excellent away from shore
AM Crew: Gumdrop, Showgirl, Diablo, Brain, David, Kahuna, Patriarch
PM Crew: Jack Frost, Ele, Kungfu, Patriarch, and about ten triathletes whose names I don't know
Several of the triathletes had never swum in Lake Michigan before, despite having lived here for years or even their whole lives. They never knew how much fun was to be had right at their doorstep. They were amazed how good the swimming is.
Here's the thing. The papers and newscasts are full of negative stories about Lake Michigan. Sewage overflows, invasive species, algae blooms, polluted beaches, drownings, etc. etc. The lake can be cold, rough, murky, frightening, dangerous. It's not surprising that most people think that only a certified nut cake would swim in the Lake. It's all true, but there's another side to the story, one that's seldom told. Despite all the problems, all the degradation, all the insults that man can hurl at her, despite all that and more, the Lake is still beautiful, awe inspiring, wild and free. And on certain days, like today, it can be warm, clear, calm, inviting, fun, addicting. Perhaps by swimming in her we are doing our little bit to restore the beauty that few others see.
Last Swims: Mon 7/16 6AM & 6PM
Water Temp: 70, but cooler pockets in some places
Waves: Small Rollers
Water Clarity: Not good near shore, but excellent away from shore
AM Crew: Gumdrop, Showgirl, Diablo, Brain, David, Kahuna, Patriarch
PM Crew: Jack Frost, Ele, Kungfu, Patriarch, and about ten triathletes whose names I don't know
Several of the triathletes had never swum in Lake Michigan before, despite having lived here for years or even their whole lives. They never knew how much fun was to be had right at their doorstep. They were amazed how good the swimming is.
Here's the thing. The papers and newscasts are full of negative stories about Lake Michigan. Sewage overflows, invasive species, algae blooms, polluted beaches, drownings, etc. etc. The lake can be cold, rough, murky, frightening, dangerous. It's not surprising that most people think that only a certified nut cake would swim in the Lake. It's all true, but there's another side to the story, one that's seldom told. Despite all the problems, all the degradation, all the insults that man can hurl at her, despite all that and more, the Lake is still beautiful, awe inspiring, wild and free. And on certain days, like today, it can be warm, clear, calm, inviting, fun, addicting. Perhaps by swimming in her we are doing our little bit to restore the beauty that few others see.
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Big Miles Big Smiles
Next Swims: Mon 7/16 6AM & 6PM
Last Swim: Sun 7/15 1PM
Water Temp: 70+, with a few cold pockets
Waves: Small Rollers
Water Clarity: A little murky near shore, but clear further out
Crew: Patriarch, Diablo, Kim, Phil, Anna, Jack, Jason, Ryan, Nick, Brian, Dave, Not Dave's Wife, Big Mike, Regular Mike, Jamie, eRun, Lauren, Kungfu (I'm thinking I missed someone, sorry!)
The swim conditions are so great that everyone is swimming longer and longer. Today two swimmers made it to Big Bay and Back (an ironman distance swim), while six of us made it one way. Most of the others swam at least a mile. Wetsuits are becoming scare as the water is so warm. What a great way to spend a hot summer afternoon. See you on the beach!
Last Swim: Sun 7/15 1PM
Water Temp: 70+, with a few cold pockets
Waves: Small Rollers
Water Clarity: A little murky near shore, but clear further out
Crew: Patriarch, Diablo, Kim, Phil, Anna, Jack, Jason, Ryan, Nick, Brian, Dave, Not Dave's Wife, Big Mike, Regular Mike, Jamie, eRun, Lauren, Kungfu (I'm thinking I missed someone, sorry!)
The swim conditions are so great that everyone is swimming longer and longer. Today two swimmers made it to Big Bay and Back (an ironman distance swim), while six of us made it one way. Most of the others swam at least a mile. Wetsuits are becoming scare as the water is so warm. What a great way to spend a hot summer afternoon. See you on the beach!
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