For the first time since later 2024 we had a lake in the 40F+ zone. That means that the lake is starting to shed its winter layer and will soon turn over, essentially signaling the real start of spring. So while the Chicago area will officially celebrate on March 20 at 4:01am, we Lake Monsters all know that spring is already in progress!
Regarding the swim, it was as good as it gets with a 40F lake temp and an almost equal air temp. Plus we had a flat lake and clear slices with lots of intense spring sunshine to temper any chill. And as many of you long time readers might remember, spring is my favorite season of the year precisely for all these reasons!
