Next Swim : Monday, July 30th @ 6 am and 6 pm
Last Swim: Sunday July 1st @ Noon
Water Temp: Bath Water! 62 per Itch-o-meter
Waves: Flat with occasional gentle rolling swell
Clarity: very clear 9/10
Crew: The Patriarch, Diablo, Itch, , Handyman Hank, Northshore Nancy, Kahuna, Panini, Dragonfly Riff Raff, Magic Mike, Cool Hand Luke , Jennica, Mr. Bubble, Sir James (first shift),
New Faces: Reed, Amelia and Linda
It was starting to cloud over and get cooler by the lake as the Noon hour approached. But that 62 degree water was so heavenly! Nice, clear and calm, too.
Sir James had just come up the hill as we were going down, and he warned us that a thunderstorm was supposed to arrive by 1 pm. Didn't seem like an imminent threat at Noon, but the sky was looking more and more ominous as 1:00 approached.
Everyone was pretty much in synch as they got out of the water
"Head for the hills! Thunderstroms a comin'".
No group photo, no shots of Killepitsch or toasts to Best Swim of the Season (it was!).
First drops started coming down as we were heading up the hill.
In other news, Kahuna has decreed
REGULAR 6 AM SWIMS START MONDAY.
To date, there's just been some irregular 6 am swims.
ON THE SUBJECT OF NEXT SWIMS -
Who's in for Big Bay to Atwater swim on July 4th?
Mrs. Bubble has once again offered to shuttle people from Atwater back to Big Bay.
I've really enjoyed doing this swim twice before on the 4th so looking forward to doing it again.
Sunday, June 30, 2019
Saturday, June 29, 2019
When a picture is worth no words...
Next Swim : Sunday June 30th @ Noon
Last Swim: Saturday June 29th @ Noon
Water Temp: 60's to 53
Waves: Flat with occasional gentle rolling swell
Clarity: crystal clear
Crew: The Patriarch, Diablo, Itch, Linda the Lamprey, Handyman Hank, Kahuna, Panini, Ziggy, Moondawg Gumdrop, Sir James, The Big Show, New Mexico Theresa, Eleanor, Kim, Kate, Deb, Mike, Capt'n
CONGRATULATIONS to The Patriarch who walked the plank for the first time in 2019 and narrowly avoided ending his streak of 109 consecutive years of swimming in June!!
So if a picture is typically worth a thousand words, when is it worth no words? ANSWER: when you reluctantly give your phone to a kid to take the picture so you can be in it and then later realize he never really took the picture despite claiming to do it three times! (SHIVER ME TIMBERS!!!!)
Anonymous Klode Kru member quote of the day: "That which does not kill you....makes you schlonger" ...wondering what that really means? So am I....
Anonymous Klode Kru member request of the day..."you should blog about how nice a day it was today" Indeed, it was an OUTSTANDING day for a Lake Michigan swim. Without a doubt the best day of 2019 so far. Sunny skies, air temps around 80, crystal clear water with no waves and FINALLY water temps on the plus side of 60! While initial water temp readings a few steps off the Klode beach registered wildly between 53 and 61, those who braved the bone chilling entry into the lake were rewarded with an abundance of warm water pockets and a few icy pockets to remind you that the summer swim season has only just begun.
Last Swim: Saturday June 29th @ Noon
Water Temp: 60's to 53
Waves: Flat with occasional gentle rolling swell
Clarity: crystal clear
Crew: The Patriarch, Diablo, Itch, Linda the Lamprey, Handyman Hank, Kahuna, Panini, Ziggy, Moondawg Gumdrop, Sir James, The Big Show, New Mexico Theresa, Eleanor, Kim, Kate, Deb, Mike, Capt'n
CONGRATULATIONS to The Patriarch who walked the plank for the first time in 2019 and narrowly avoided ending his streak of 109 consecutive years of swimming in June!!
So if a picture is typically worth a thousand words, when is it worth no words? ANSWER: when you reluctantly give your phone to a kid to take the picture so you can be in it and then later realize he never really took the picture despite claiming to do it three times! (SHIVER ME TIMBERS!!!!)
Anonymous Klode Kru member quote of the day: "That which does not kill you....makes you schlonger" ...wondering what that really means? So am I....
Anonymous Klode Kru member request of the day..."you should blog about how nice a day it was today" Indeed, it was an OUTSTANDING day for a Lake Michigan swim. Without a doubt the best day of 2019 so far. Sunny skies, air temps around 80, crystal clear water with no waves and FINALLY water temps on the plus side of 60! While initial water temp readings a few steps off the Klode beach registered wildly between 53 and 61, those who braved the bone chilling entry into the lake were rewarded with an abundance of warm water pockets and a few icy pockets to remind you that the summer swim season has only just begun.
Thursday, June 27, 2019
Rain check reflections
I wanted badly to swim today, but the storms turned me away. I have been gone for the past two weeks, first to Washington DC, then to San Fransisco. During that second trip I had the pleasure of swimming San Fransisco Bay at the Dolphin Club near Aquatic Park.
They’ve been connecting over swimming in the open water since 1877, a little longer than we have. I found this article and can say that it captures the same feel I experienced there earlier in the week, when they allowed me to swim from their club’s beach on one of the two days a week that it is open to the public. So, perhaps you pulled off a knucklehead swim today in the storms. Perhaps you were smarter than me and swam earlier, avoiding the storms. Either way, here’s to Friday’s swim
They’ve been connecting over swimming in the open water since 1877, a little longer than we have. I found this article and can say that it captures the same feel I experienced there earlier in the week, when they allowed me to swim from their club’s beach on one of the two days a week that it is open to the public. So, perhaps you pulled off a knucklehead swim today in the storms. Perhaps you were smarter than me and swam earlier, avoiding the storms. Either way, here’s to Friday’s swim
Shine On, and Patriarchal Rituals
Last swim: 6/26/19, 6 pm
Next swims: Thursday and Friday at 6 pm
Weekend swims: what say the Kru? Noon each day?
Conditions on Wednesday, 6/26:
Water temp: 57 per Itch-o-meter
Waves: 1-2 footers with some chop from the South.
Air temp: 69.
Clarity: bit riled.
Crew: Itch, Syncro, Super Hera, Mary Ann (I think), and Kahuna.
Skin: Itch, everybody else wetsuit.
With the days being as long as they are, it is nice to be able to swim in the sunshine still during the 6 pm swims. We continued to be stymied by below 60 degree water temps, but things are slowly getting better. Maybe some of these 80 degree days will help us out. I'm not yet fully acclimated, as I've only been Lake swimming sporadically this season. But now that I'm past Grandma's, that will likely change. I plan on re-establishing the 6 a.m. swims next week.
An equipment comment/recommendation/endorsement for the less hardy or less acclimated of the crew: if you are looking for some nice gloves, consider Xterra Lava gloves. I bought a pair last month, and really like them. Only problem is, if you visit the site, they currently say they are sold out of small, medium and large sizes. But if enough folks express an interest (which you can do on the site), I'm sure they will manufacture more. Having a pair of gloves and booties can help to extend the season, and make those cold days much more pleasant.
Beach chat topic: where's the Patriarch? My thought? The Patriarch is off to the ancient Ethiopian city of Gondar, for the festival of Timkat, to bless the waters of the Blue Nile, so youths there can have a far more kick-ass baptismal ceremony, than any of us had. (Go to the video at the following link, then scroll ahead to minute 32 in the video:
https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x70v9fo.)
Maybe the Patriarch will grace us with his presence this weekend, and dip his giant cross into the Lake, and banish the Evil Spirits of the Cold back to the Deep Underworld, and then we can all leap into the Lake ecstatically. Maybe we need an all night vigil on the beach.
Although, on second thought, maybe there are some advantages to our having boring baptismal ceremonies and our Lake to swim in, compared to some other lake to swim in:
https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/article212760364.html.
Cheers.
Next swims: Thursday and Friday at 6 pm
Weekend swims: what say the Kru? Noon each day?
Conditions on Wednesday, 6/26:
Water temp: 57 per Itch-o-meter
Waves: 1-2 footers with some chop from the South.
Air temp: 69.
Clarity: bit riled.
Crew: Itch, Syncro, Super Hera, Mary Ann (I think), and Kahuna.
Skin: Itch, everybody else wetsuit.
With the days being as long as they are, it is nice to be able to swim in the sunshine still during the 6 pm swims. We continued to be stymied by below 60 degree water temps, but things are slowly getting better. Maybe some of these 80 degree days will help us out. I'm not yet fully acclimated, as I've only been Lake swimming sporadically this season. But now that I'm past Grandma's, that will likely change. I plan on re-establishing the 6 a.m. swims next week.
An equipment comment/recommendation/endorsement for the less hardy or less acclimated of the crew: if you are looking for some nice gloves, consider Xterra Lava gloves. I bought a pair last month, and really like them. Only problem is, if you visit the site, they currently say they are sold out of small, medium and large sizes. But if enough folks express an interest (which you can do on the site), I'm sure they will manufacture more. Having a pair of gloves and booties can help to extend the season, and make those cold days much more pleasant.
Beach chat topic: where's the Patriarch? My thought? The Patriarch is off to the ancient Ethiopian city of Gondar, for the festival of Timkat, to bless the waters of the Blue Nile, so youths there can have a far more kick-ass baptismal ceremony, than any of us had. (Go to the video at the following link, then scroll ahead to minute 32 in the video:
https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x70v9fo.)
Maybe the Patriarch will grace us with his presence this weekend, and dip his giant cross into the Lake, and banish the Evil Spirits of the Cold back to the Deep Underworld, and then we can all leap into the Lake ecstatically. Maybe we need an all night vigil on the beach.
Although, on second thought, maybe there are some advantages to our having boring baptismal ceremonies and our Lake to swim in, compared to some other lake to swim in:
https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/article212760364.html.
Cheers.
Tuesday, June 25, 2019
Spectacular Swimming
Next Swim: M-F @ 6:00 pm,
Sat/Sun @ Noon
Last Swim: Tue, 6/25 @ 6
Water Temp: 58 duck-o-meter
Air: 75, sunny, calm, no clouds
Waves: smooth and calm
Clarity: Very clear
Crew: HandyMan Hank, Moondrop Gumdaug, Kahuna, Super Hera. Mr. Bubble.
Shore Support: Dhondup
What a perfect evening for a swim! Gliding along on the surface of clear blue water, set against the clear blue sky.
Linda the Lamprey had finished swimming just as Hank arrived. It was her second swim of the day. Hank alleges that Linda characterized the water as cold, which surprised us because we didn't think she knew that word. However, this report was not based on some kind of Lamprey-sense, not empirical measurement.
The duck-o-meter did provide empirical evidence, but even that was disputed by Moondaug's foot-o-meter..."the duck-o-meter reading is the surface temperature, it's much colder by my feet" and indeed, the Daug was in shoulder deep water and his feet were a great distance below that. Also, as is often the case, there was a diversity of water temps at different points during the swim. One area east of the rocks felt below 50, but most seemed to be in mid to upper 50s. The bay inside the rocks felt like bathwater when I got out.
Introduced my son-in-law Dhondup to the group. Dhondup is from Tibet and has been in the US for 6 months now. He doesn't swim, so Hank was giving him some advice on converting from being an adult non-swimmer to being a passionate swimmer. Kahuna complimented his English. Moondaug had some questions about Tibetan politics (What's going to happen when the Dalai Lama dies?). Dhondup got a laugh out of Super Hera - he asked her if she is the woman who did the 11 hour swim.
All in all, a very pleasant experience this evening. Best Swim of the Season!
Sat/Sun @ Noon
Last Swim: Tue, 6/25 @ 6
Water Temp: 58 duck-o-meter
Air: 75, sunny, calm, no clouds
Waves: smooth and calm
Clarity: Very clear
Crew: HandyMan Hank, Moondrop Gumdaug, Kahuna, Super Hera. Mr. Bubble.
Shore Support: Dhondup
What a perfect evening for a swim! Gliding along on the surface of clear blue water, set against the clear blue sky.
Linda the Lamprey had finished swimming just as Hank arrived. It was her second swim of the day. Hank alleges that Linda characterized the water as cold, which surprised us because we didn't think she knew that word. However, this report was not based on some kind of Lamprey-sense, not empirical measurement.
The duck-o-meter did provide empirical evidence, but even that was disputed by Moondaug's foot-o-meter..."the duck-o-meter reading is the surface temperature, it's much colder by my feet" and indeed, the Daug was in shoulder deep water and his feet were a great distance below that. Also, as is often the case, there was a diversity of water temps at different points during the swim. One area east of the rocks felt below 50, but most seemed to be in mid to upper 50s. The bay inside the rocks felt like bathwater when I got out.
Introduced my son-in-law Dhondup to the group. Dhondup is from Tibet and has been in the US for 6 months now. He doesn't swim, so Hank was giving him some advice on converting from being an adult non-swimmer to being a passionate swimmer. Kahuna complimented his English. Moondaug had some questions about Tibetan politics (What's going to happen when the Dalai Lama dies?). Dhondup got a laugh out of Super Hera - he asked her if she is the woman who did the 11 hour swim.
All in all, a very pleasant experience this evening. Best Swim of the Season!
Sunday, June 23, 2019
Rockin to Love Rock
Last swim: high noon 6/23/19
Next swim: M-F 6 PM, check blog for other possible times.
Water temp: 57 per Itch-o-meter, 58 per Duck-o-meter.
Air temp: 69.
Waves: 1-2 footers with some nice velocity.
Clarity: shaken, not stirred.
Crew: Diablo, Handymanhank, Gumdaugmoondrop, Panini, Linda, Dragonfly, w/ appearances by Northshorenancy and Kahuna.
Skin: Linda, Itch, Diablo, Dragonfly
Suite: Panini, Handyman hank
Topless: Gumdaugmoondrop
So, swim report. In the parking lot Itch already seemed to be in an inquisitive (confrontational?) State of mind. Itch- so why did u have to swim so long yesterday? Which of course is as good a reason as any to get pissed off! On the way down the ramp: Itch- hmm feels colder. Me: well, you never know till the duck quacks.
Down at the beach the dueling thermometers get unsheathed to do their job. Itch-o-meter reads 57, while duck-o-meter reads 58. Itch: never try to predict the temp, you'll always get screwed. Me: well, maybe I like getting screwed.
Next decision, skin or suite? Hmm, it could be an outstanding skin swim, but one never knows for sure. So maybe split the difference and go topless? So I solicit suggestions. Of course someone (Handymanhank) responds- i think everyone should always go topless.
Going topless was the right choice. At least one (meaning me) of us had a great three-some swimming to Love Rock and back. While Linda looked comfortable, Dragonfly had a bit of after swim shakes. No worries though, she didn't spill any Killepitsch and all agreed afterwards it was the best swim of the season!
Saturday, June 22, 2019
First Day of Summer Do-Over
Next Swim: M-F @ 5:30 - 6:00ish pm,
Sat/Sun @ Noon (default times?)
Last Swim: Sat, 6/22 @ Noonish
Water Temp: 58.5 Itch-o-meter, 59 duck-o-meter
Air: sunny, calm, low 70s
Waves: 2-3 feet
Clarity: not at all, greenish. lots of plant matter floating a few feet from shore - leaves, dirt, twigs, some big branches
Crew: Liz, Dan, HandyMan Hank, Panini, Moondrop Gumdaug, Itch, Diablo, Dragonfly RiffRaff. Mr. Bubble and MaryAnn from Effingham
It actually felt like a summer day today! Sunny and mild. Great day to hang out at the beach.
Liz and Dan had their first swim of the season. We all headed southbound, thinking we'd have the waves at our back on the return, but it was more like they were coming straight from the east, so the waves were always coming laterally. Fun swimming.
Did every one else know that June 21st is actually not the longest day of the year? There isn't just one longest day - the suns rises and sets at the same time yesterday, today and tomorrow. So there are actually three longest days of the year, not one.
So, that's why today is the first day of summer do-over.
Sat/Sun @ Noon (default times?)
Last Swim: Sat, 6/22 @ Noonish
Water Temp: 58.5 Itch-o-meter, 59 duck-o-meter
Air: sunny, calm, low 70s
Waves: 2-3 feet
Clarity: not at all, greenish. lots of plant matter floating a few feet from shore - leaves, dirt, twigs, some big branches
Crew: Liz, Dan, HandyMan Hank, Panini, Moondrop Gumdaug, Itch, Diablo, Dragonfly RiffRaff. Mr. Bubble and MaryAnn from Effingham
It actually felt like a summer day today! Sunny and mild. Great day to hang out at the beach.
Liz and Dan had their first swim of the season. We all headed southbound, thinking we'd have the waves at our back on the return, but it was more like they were coming straight from the east, so the waves were always coming laterally. Fun swimming.
Did every one else know that June 21st is actually not the longest day of the year? There isn't just one longest day - the suns rises and sets at the same time yesterday, today and tomorrow. So there are actually three longest days of the year, not one.
So, that's why today is the first day of summer do-over.
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