Brief Rough Swim South of Pier

I drove from the Harbor to the Pier, and then south to Wisconsin Street.  Parking is free there.  I found a beach access stairway at Ash Street between two houses that I didn't know existed.  The beach was rough all along and the Lifeguards were roving around taking care of business.  I noted a fire engine and two ambulances with lights on in the Harbor and Pier areas.  I hope everybody is ok.  The stabbings won't start 'til midnight.
The water was chilly for me.  I don't have my cold water tolerance back yet.  My swim was only twenty minutes but the water was very choppy and rough to swim in and catch a breath.  It was beautiful, refreshing, clean water.  Visibility about 8 feet.  Surfline has the water at 64 degrees, but it felt colder to me.  I just swam out through a rough surf zone: 2-3 foot waves with a strong surge of white water, coming one right after the other.  Then I swam south parallel to the beach for 6-7 minutes, and back.  Then a swim in to a beach with some strong water right up to the rocks.  Just the right thing for me in my quest for maintaining and possibly improving my condition.


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

Rough Beach Today

Wow. The surf was rough today!  Cool pictures.  The current was really moving left to right in these photos (south to north).  Water temp about 62-63. Air temp 73.  We don't see this kind of smashing waves often.  I swam out into the surf and it was a good challenge to get through it.  It took me about ten minutes to get through.  Then I tried to swim toward the pier into the current, but it was not to be.  I swam a bit and then swam in.  Even swimming in through the big surf was exciting.  An invigorating swim, and my body held up ok.


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

Around the Pier. Making Progress.

Look at these beautiful pictures.  Pretty waves-about 2 feet, good shape, just right to play in.  The water was colder today.  I'm not used to cold at this time, so I was a bit surprised.  Let me look it up: surfline.com says 62-64 degrees.  I think 62.
My plan was to swim out past the surf and see what was up.  This I did and I felt good--I had energy.
I angled out to the end of the pier, figuring I'd turn around if I lacked the energy.  I felt good so I went around and hit the sand on the south side in 36 minutes. 
The water had a greenish hue to it; visibility probably 6 feet.  A pleasing, nice, successful swim workout for this old guy.

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

Short Swim on a Beautiful Day

It is just gorgeous today in Oceanside.  Look at the amount of people on the beach.  That is a lot for us!  Aren't we spoiled?  Yes!
So, I felt good today and wanted to do a short swim.  I went out here at Surfrider Way, just a little past the breakers, and swam north (to the right in the pictures).  It was flat, a pleasing 64 degree ocean, and swimming along was awesome.  I turned around and did the same swim back.  The yellow lifeguard boat hung out for about 8 minutes watching me, so they are earning their money. 
My swim was 22 minutes.  The back support is helping so much.  Enough for now.

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

Beach Gazing by Chris O'Dowd

Beach Gazing 

                

Each day different, my ocean ever-changing;

Refreshing, inspiring, a tonic to the heart;

I come here for renewal, never disappointed;

Inhaling sun, water, air, and freedom itself.

Rough and angry, calm and serene, all a blessing.

Clear blue sky, white clouds, sandpipers, seagulls;

And the Pier, we lack a Boardwalk here, Oh, it pleases.

Crowded on warm, sunny days; watching the fishermen.

Myself, I am captured by cold and roughness.

A rare blast of chilly rain thrown into my face,

Greets me like a close friend, I love the bracing cold.

Even happier am I lost inside the numbing ocean.

Count the pelicans that fly in their crooked lines.

Constantly changing their minds in formation.

A dozen, two dozen, a V formation in flight;

Then back to their shifting, trailing lines.

Stroll the seashore, look for shells;

Some get their feet wet; children venture farther out.

Parents’ time divided between worry and joy;

Take your photos, these times are soon gone.  

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