Evanston, August 31

What a difference a day makes, as the saying goes. Yesterday the water felt cool at entry but was actually warm. Today it felt cold and was. The water temperature averaged 67 with much colder water only a foot or so beneath the surface. The difference in location may be as relevant as the strong south west winds the last 24 hours. Fortunately Jody brought her other daughter, Karen, who is quite different physically from Jill. Even though Karen claimed this was her first open water experience she handled it quite well, Jill would have been frozen. Actually with warm air and a nice sun it really wasn't that bad, in fact I would say it was great. The water was mostly flat, by shore even mirror flat, but further out there was a light swell and chop. The water was mostly clear, the bottom was visible most of the way but with an unusual brownish color, possibly sand from yesterday's wind or maybe algae? The latter is unlikely as I would feel much worse now with my algae allergy.

Our swim got off to a ragged start with Karen taking the lead not quite knowing where she was going, me in chase, while Jody went back for her ear plugs which she claims do more than a wet suit to keep her warm. We all met up at the wall and had a lazy swim back enjoying the nice day.