Evanston, September 24

Jody and I wanted to swim Evanston at least once more this summer but today was not the best time. First we had to help out with the Park Ridge Charity classic 5K run which kept us busy until almost 9. But while there we decided it was now or maybe never for our swim. We finally got to the beach around 10:15. But the temperature had gone down and it was a cloudy but dry 65. The SE wind did make the water a bit warmer but with the cool air it felt very a very chilly 65 also. And top of this were 3 foot wind blown waves. But we were there to swim so we took off up the lake. The reason I really like swimming with Jody is that when I paused, less than happy with goggle problems, Jody looked at me with a big smile and said "isn't this fun!".

Big Shoulders Redux, September 17

We, Jody, Joe, Kevin and I wanted to swim Evanston but Jody noticed that the reported water temperature recorded at the Wilmette buoy was dropping quickly overnight. This temp is not very accurate but it doesn't usually drop like this. So off we went to trusty Ohio St beach were the conditions were virtually identical to last week's race. The water was a slightly cooler 70. There were several places where the water was glass smooth, unlike last week's low chop, but this could be from the the fact that hardly anyone was swimming.

However when we went we around the curve we could already feel it getting colder. I measured 68. So it would not be surprising if it was much Cole in Evanston. We later found that as close as the Chicago crib it was 57 just a little later in the morning.

Big Shoulders September 10

The forecast was for possible thunderstorms followed by a small craft warning. But none of that happened. Conditions were excellent, a little chop but otherwise flat, 72.4 degree water with air temperature about the same and cloudy but dry. I have slowed down, especially without my magic pants, so I only attempted the 2.5K. But Jody, Joe and son Kevin all had good 5K swims. I must admit it was nice being done to welcome them all across the finish line.

Joe, Jody and me at Big Shoulders 2016.