This morning we had one confused Lake and two confused swimmers. We have been swimming earlier this week in a 85 degree pool, so our first impression was that the Lake was very cold, maybe even cold enough that we shouldn't swim. However standing shoulder deep for a while and periodically checking my temperature watch not fall as fast as expected we decided it was us, not the Lake. That proved to be the case, we were standing in 65 degree water which should be plenty warm enough. But there were thermoclines and pockets as we swam with much colder water. Going out was not bad, there were 1 foot swells and we were swimming into a light northeast breeze, one which was predicted to strengthen as the day progressed. While swimming to the wall Jody stopped and pointed, at first I thought she had seen some birds but with effort I was able to see over the swells and it was 5 or so wetsuited swimmers going south. Shortly later they took off north again so apparently our beach was their turn around spot.
After reaching the far wall the wind picked up a bit, and also we were swimming with the wind which should be faster but also harder. And hard it was, both of us had difficulty swimming straight and it was much harder to see each other. Between the cold spots, warm spots, body heat generated from swimming hard and sun on my back my body became very confused as to whether I was hot or cold or what, an uncomfortable feeling. The swells now seemed disorganized and like large, although somewhat smooth, chop. Of course we eventually got back, but both of us agreed it was one of our harder swims at this beach. Jody, at least, was still happy we came since we both have family visiting this weekend and may not get out again.
Joe swam yesterday, water temperature about the same but flatter. He sends along this picture.
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