Veterans Day 2013
Be sure to thank a veteran today.
(Belated) Swim Report – August 13, 2013 – Secret Beach, Kauai
The turn onto the first Kalihiwai Road (there are two) comes so abruptly that it’s easy to pass it up – which is exactly what we did. But after backtracking a bit, we finally got on the right road to the Secret Beach trailhead. And then the real adventure began…
It’s a short and steep hike down to the beach, but it’s well worth the effort. The journey is quite picturesque, and at the end of the trail you emerge right on one of Kauai’s loveliest – and least crowded – north shore beaches.
The first stop was in the water for a swim, of course. It was a bit odd swimming in salt water after being so acclimated to Lake Michigan. But the ocean was crystal clear and the water temperature came in at an amazing 82F. Also, we were fortunate to have much tamer waves as is the case on the north side during the summer months.
But the real treat was yet to come.
A short walk to the west the beach comes to an end at the lava flows. If you hike over these for a short distance, there are several natural tide pools you can swim in if the sea is calm. Luckily for us, the conditions were ideal. So we checked out several of them and even did some snorkeling in the larger ones.
And the best part was that we pretty much had all of them to ourselves!
Secret trail
First look
Arrival!
View from the water
In swim shot
Secret tide pools
Private ocean side spa!
D-Day – June 6, 1944
“I hope people remember there were many men who sacrificed their lives and youths. We were young when we went over there, but we came back old men. It was a supreme sacrifice. I hope people remember, there were some of us willing to die for democracy, because we believed in it.”
July 20, 1969 – Apollo 11 Lunar Landing
43 years ago today!
Happy Summer!
The lake temp is 63F-64F at L1 with a colder thermocline layer moving in that’s about 1 meter below the surface. But it’s hot and sunny, so get on out to the lake!
November 11 – Armistice Day
In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields
- Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae (May 3, 1915)
Lake Monsters in Maui!
As we get ready to brave the forecasted 50F – 53F lake tomorrow, it’s good to know that others are dealing with similar challenges during their swims. Here’s Brian, Lake Monster 118, and his daughter enduring the harsh climate and bone-chilling water temperatures of Hawaii. Per Brian:
Saw your oct 16 post. Check out my swim conditions. 86 air temp. 80 water temp. 1 foot swells. water visability forever.My daughter and me in Maui.
