December 13, 2013 / by Steve / 1 Comment / Filed under Lake Monsters, Swim Reports
Dave and Mike met up with new Lake/Ice Monster Helen earlier today out at Tower Beach. Helen first gave it a whirl in her wetsuit, but then decided to forego the neoprene altogether for a 5 minute swim – which probably felt like an eternity in the 33F lake!
Regardless, since you got in a swim in the sub-35F zone, you’ve earned your Ice Monster stripes, Helen!
Helen, Lake Monster 283 and Ice Monster 13 (congrats!)
Dodging the ice
Helen and Dave post-swim
Swim video
October 27, 2013 / by Steve / Make A Comment / Filed under Lake Monsters, Swim Reports
We’re still above 50F in the lake, folks! The air temperature, though, was a different story at a rather arctic 35F…
A resilient group of Lake Monsters met out at L1 at around 7:15am – just in time to catch a dazzling sunrise. I want sans wetsuit this time and decided to only do a 1/2 mile from the beach back to L1.
The 50.5F lake was a bit of a shock at first, but I was fine after about two minutes. I did cheat a little with some petroleum jelly slathered rather liberally on my neck and torso, but it most certainly did take the edge off of the cold during the swim.
After the swim, there was the predictable afterdrop which creeped in after about 10 minutes. But I had some strong coffee – and some intense sunshine – that managed to keep that beast at bay for the most part.
Hope to see more of you out at the lake soon!
Fall colors
Sunrise!
Lake Monsters pre-swim
Mike and Jane, Lake Monsters 281 and 282 (way to go!)
Sunrise video!
October 19, 2013 / by Steve / 1 Comment / Filed under Lake Monsters, Swim Reports
Indian Summer was fun while it lasted…
It sure felt like a true fall morning out at L1 with the overcast skies and the 46F air temperature. Indeed, we all were a bit lethargic at the start – and quite reluctant to leave the comfort of our sweaters and parkas. But we somehow managed to muster enough courage to get in the 56F lake. And once we did, we were glad we took the plunge.
The lake was mirror flat and amazingly clear. So it was easy to get a decent swim rhythm going without having to burn excess energy fighting off swells or chops. And while the sun stayed behind the cloud bank the entire time we were in the water, it did come out in full force later on.
Just in time to help take the edge off of the afterdrop!
Chilly skyline
Taking the plunge
The sun finally comes out – after the swim, of course!
Gary, Lake Monster 280 (congrats!)
Self-portrait in the “aquarium”
One last look back!
Pre-swim video
October 15, 2013 / by Steve / 2 Comments / Filed under Lake Monsters, Swim Reports
Once again, we beat the storms!
Ma Nature gave us a crisp and choppy lake at 7:00am, so things were a bit slow going at first since it was almost impossible to get a decent swim rhythm. But she made up for her fickleness with yet another amazing sunrise which provided the perfect backdrop to our journey to Oak Street Beach.
All in all, there were around 15 of us who made it out to L1 – including new Lake Monsters John, Mandie, and Maryvonne. Below are some pics from the swim. More are coming, so be sure the check back again!
Skyline at daybreak
Lake Monsters!
L1 at sunrise
Catching the show
Time to get in!
John, Lake Monster 277 (congrats!)
Mandie, Lake Monster 278 (congrats!)
Maryvonne, Lake Monster 279, hailing all the way from France (congrats!)
Sunrise video:
October 6, 2013 / by Steve / 3 Comments / Filed under Lake Monsters, Swim Reports
In an eerie coincidence, the lake temperature once again came in at a reading of 66.6F – identical to that from last Saturday. However, we had none of the frustrating chops, and only a very slight swell. So, buoyed by the unexpectedly high water temperature reading – not to mention the astonishingly perfect sunny skies and 71F air temperature – the whole group of us eagerly jumped into the lake.
By the time we all hit Oak Street Beach, the sun was blazing in full glory, making the return swim even more spectacular. After getting back to the beacon-like L1, a few of us hung around for a while and chatted. The storms were not forecasted until later in the afternoon, so we all took full advantage of the perfect weather while it lasted.
All in all, Ma Nature decided to give us a bonus summer day out at the lake. So I hope you at least got out there to enjoy it!
Daybreak
Sunrise
Back at L1
One more quick dip!
Robert, Lake Monster 275 (congrats!)
Jenna, Lake Monster 276 (congrats!)
Before the swim
September 22, 2013 / by Steve / 1 Comment / Filed under Lake Monsters, Swim Reports
The last “official” meetup of Summer 2013!
Despite a very crisp 53F air temperature, the lake came in at a scorching 68F! Nevertheless, Ma Nature wasn’t willing to give up summer without a fight…
There was a pesky cloud bank hugging the horizon to the east, so we decided to get in before the sun made its official appearance. We got to the 1/4 mile mark when the Grand Show finally took place – and was it ever spectacular! I snapped a few pics of the sunrise in the tumultuous water and headed south through the slog.
The waves at the beach were breaking pretty hard, but that just presented us with an opportunity to test out our bodysurfing skills. This was a much needed break, since the swim back to L1 – especially the first 100 meters – was a real bear! But we all made it back and secured bragging rights for the weekend!
Everybody in the pool!
Race to the beach
Sunrise shot at water level
The author taking a breather to do a “selfie”
The Moon!
Oak Street Beach
Enjoying the waves
Back at L1
Carrie, Lake Monster 271 (congrats!)
Tim, Lake Monster 272 (congrats!)
Jim, Lake Monster 273 (congrats!)
Noreen, Lake Monster 274 (congrats!)
This morning’s video!
September 14, 2013 / by Steve / 1 Comment / Filed under Lake Monsters, Swim Reports
I actually prefer these crisper mornings to the warmer ones. There is little to no haze in the air, so you tend to get some very clear and spectacular sunrises – which is precisely what we got this morning!
When I arrived at L1, there was already a small group huddled together in the 52F air temp. Several more people joined us shortly thereafter – just in time for Mr. Sol’s grand entrance.
After a fair amount of socializing/procrastinating, we all got in the lovely 70F lake and swam south to the beach, where we pretty much repeated the process before turning back. We had a slight swell to contend with, but it was more of a novelty than a nuisance since the lake temperature was so pleasant.
So enough words…I’ll just let the images speak for themselves!
Sunrise close up
Dawn swimmers
Pool party!
Danny, Marton, and Patrick
Lake Monster class picture at the beach
Mark, Lake Monster 266 (congrats!)
Kay, Lake Monster 267 (congrats!)
Nanna, Lake Monster 268 (congrats!)
Patrick, Lake Monster 269 (congrats!)
Red, Lake Monster 270 (congrats!)
Today’s video compilation:
September 14, 2013 / by Steve / Make A Comment / Filed under Lake Monsters, Swim Reports
I didn’t make it out to L1 on Labor Day, but Dave was there – along with new Lake Monster Angela! A belated report, I know, but I’m finally catching up!
Dave, reposing in the chops
Angela, Lake Monster 265 (way to go!)
August 31, 2013 / by Steve / Make A Comment / Filed under Lake Monsters, Swim Reports
It was touch and go when I first got out to L1. The last remnants of a thunderstorm brought some heavy showers, and I ended up sharing the chess pavilion with some rain-soaked clubgoers who were on their way home after a very late night out. But these soon passed, and I trotted back out to L1 to get the official lake reading.
To my relief, the lake came in at a very agreeable 69F. Despite this spate of good luck, we had to contend with very rough swimming conditions, including 4-5 foot swells and some funky chops. That still wasn’t enough to keep us out of the water, however!
We all got in and made the long slog down to Oak Street Beach where the breaking waves lurked, punishing anyone who dared to turn their back on them. But we stared danger in the face and instead jumped in and out of them – all the while wishing we had brought some inner tubes.
Fortunately for us, we were able to finish our swim before the next storm came through. So by the time we all made it home, we could relax indoors while the downpour began anew.
L1 at daybreak
Intrepid Lake Monsters
Swim start – just in time for the rain
Briefly visible sunrise
Beach landing
Braving the waves
Doug, Lake Monster 264 (congrats!)
Calm before the next storm!
Today’s rockin’ video
August 25, 2013 / by Steve / Make A Comment / Filed under Lake Monsters, Swim Reports
Finally back in town! Thanks to everyone for your well wishes. There are so many amazing places in the world, but it’s always great to come back home to friends and family.
We had a great crew of swimmers and curious onlookers show up at our 6:00am swim time. Technically, sunrise came at 6:07am, so we were running a bit early. But since we tend to procrastinate getting in the water anyway, we were more than on time.
The lake temp came in at a blazing 72F. This made the swim quite pleasant, although we had to contend with some pretty vigorous chops throughout the swim. But everyone had a blast at the 6am pool party!
Breaking dawn
Sunrise plunge!
The author back in his element
Fun in the chops!
Beach shot
Clara, Lake Monster 259 (congrats!)
Nate, Lake Monster 260, and Mike, Lake Monster 261 (congrats!)
Juergen, Lake Monster 262 (congrats!)
Christopher, Lake Monster 263 (congrats!)
Today’s video compilation:
