Marine Convoy

This post has nothing to do with ocean swimming but I'm branching out to other topics.  Yesterday I was driving from Temecula, CA to Oceanside, CA on Interstate 15.  This is part of the route that the Marine Corps drives when they go out to their desert training base at Twenty-Nine Palms, CA.

Temecula temperature was 101 degrees and these Marines were returning from temperatures in the neighborhood of 110 degrees. They may have been out there for two weeks or two months--who knows, but 29 Palms is a miserable place.
As I drove along at 60-70 miles-per-hour, being passed by most cars going faster, we all passed this slower, long convoy of 8-wheel military vehicles with Marines in full combat gear sitting on top of the vehicles, hanging out of the vehicles, standing inside with their upper bodies outside getting fresh air, etcetera. 
The vehicles were traveling at 50-55 miles-per-hour. 
Now here is what what special about this encounter: At least 3 of every 4 cars that passed by EACH armored vehicle (I'm going to refer to them as LAV-25's--the top picture) slowed down and waved to the Marines aboard each LAV-25, and ALL of the Marines waved back to all of the cars.
I personally passed by about 16 LAV's in the rear portion of this convoy, and I waved to all of them.  I saw other drivers switching lanes to get to the lane adjacent to the Marines to give then the 'thumbs-up,' a smile, or a wave. 
I was struck by a very deep admiration and respect for these men, and I got goose bumps as I drove along. The striking thing to me was that most of the drivers on the highway were hit by that same feeling of patriotism and an appreciation for the work the Marines are doing for us. 
These men are the best that we have, and to see them being thanked and appreciated was quite touching. 
(And I do hope that they get a swim in when they are in Oceanside)


"The first time you quit is the last time you try."

Warmest Water Yet. Solo 2.5 mile evening swim

Wednesday evening. 72 degree water. Low tide. Small, mild waves. Overcast sky.  Not many people around the beach/pier area.
I was feeling crummy with my low back and craved the relief that I get from the water today.  I wanted a big swim, and I got one.  I went out at tower 2 and around the pier and headed south.  I hit the end of the pier at 14 minutes.  There is a floating white pole sticking up off Wisconsin Street about 1/3 of a mile out, and I decided that I would swim there and back.  There was a small chop at times, but mostly the water was flat with a small swell out there.  No back pain in the water but the neck pain was with me as usual.  I really felt good and smooth during the swim.  I hit the buoy/pole at 54 minutes.  On my return trip north, there was a small current that I was swimming into, so I had to commit to the swim.  I thought a lot about my arm pulls and recited poems and the like over and over in my head to occupy myself.  It was on the dark side out there because the sun was occluded by the clouds and I didn't finish my swim until about 7:15 PM.  Total swim time was 1 hour and 46 minutes.  I approximate 2 1/2 miles for me, knowing what I know about my swim times.  I tried to finish strong coming in on the north side of the pier, and my arms got a good workout.
I feel like I broke through some barriers tonight and had a very good swim.

"The first time you quit is the last time you try."

Sunday Night Pier Swim

Lots of people Sunday evening. Warm water.  It's too warm, really.  69-71 degrees. The tide was out and I swam around in 28 minutes.  Flat water, clear sky.  I got in about 15 minutes before the sun would have set.  This is a great time for kids to play in the water with the mellow waves and the comfortable temps. 

"The first time you quit is the last time you try."

Swimming After Sunset

The sun set as I was swimming out on the south side of the pier.  I didn't get in until late because the place was crowded and parking was short.  Smooth, flat water with 2-3 foot waves for the surfers.  Water temp 69-71 degrees. Clear sky.
I ran into a mild current when I got out to the end of the pier; it was running north to south.  It was neat to swim in with the sky darkening; you start to think scary things.  But nothing uneventful occurred; I had a great, relaxing swim of 32 minutes.  There were still plenty of people on the beach even after sunset.

"The first time you quit is the last time you try."

Who Wants to Buy My Kayak?

I'm not using the kayak. $600 firm. This gets you 2 new lifejackets, new paddle, paddle tether, high-rise, comfortable seat with storage pouches, 40 pound kayak, one-seater, sit-on-top.  Knee straps for stability.
e-mail me on this blog or call Brendan 760-445-5082 Oceanside.
I gotta' go swim the pier now.

"The first time you quit is the last time you try."