One Dolphin Seen Today

      I got myself into the water again today.  It really was exceptional.  I stood by and observed the water for about ten minutes before entering, and I was fortunate to catch the big jump of a larger dolphin about 200 yards off the sand.

     There was a fifteen-foot boat stopped out there--with a twenty-foot line to a small raft containing what looked like two little kids in it.  As I looked at that, the dolphin jumped first, and it was about twenty feet from the kids in the raft.  I was thinking that those kids just got startled or just had an enjoyable experience.

     For ten minutes it swam around and showed its back in the area of the boat.  I guess the kids were cool with it because the dad didn't reel the raft in until the dolphin was gone for a few minutes.  It's neat to see stuff like that.

     I spent an hour in the 69 degree water; the visibility was about 8 foot.  The waves were 1-2 foot and a three-foot set occasionally outside.  I swam out and back in, then did it again.  I went out again, trying to think about form, and then I swam south against a mild current.  So, it was more swimming than I have done yet, and I loved it.

     Unfortunately, afterward my low back was hurting, but nothing out of the ordinary.  I'll be anxious to get in again and continue to work on my wind.


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

Clean water after the rain. Beautiful.

     We had some rain for a couple of days and I needed a break, but today I got in for about 45 minutes.  Just a little swimming out and in.  The water was probably 68 degrees--very warm.  The waves were small--about 2 feet--and not rough.

     The conditions were great for swimming out past and also just for playing in the water.  I felt good today.  Will continue.


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

Wet, Warm, Water in Oceanside, CA Today

     I had the thought to skip today at the beach because I was awake at 2:30 A.M. with my back hurting.  I had gone four days without medicine.  When I went to bed again and woke up about 9A.M. I was doing much better.

     I drove to the beach early afternoon and the water was warmer than yesterday--about 65 degrees.  Visibility was better at about 8 feet.  Really great water.  I just went ahead and swam out--I felt so good.  I swam the crawl for 15 minutes and had a fresh, enjoyable dip.  No clouds in the sky; the air temp was 77-78 degrees, and the beachgoers were happy. 

     I'm hurting tonight; my ice packs are on.  I have a few important things to do tomorrow, so I don't know whether I'll get there tomorrow.


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

A swim at the beach--Oceanside, of course

     "It's always darkest before the dawn," dates back to 1650 and is attributed to English historian Thomas Fuller.

     I am feeling more optimistic that I may be experiencing the beginnings of a new dawn.  I got into the water today...four consecutive days.  'Easy does it' is what I'm thinking when I'm there.  I really felt a noticeable increase in my comfort level, buoyancy, and elementary technique. 

     Today the water was about 65 degrees under a big blue sky.  After stretching on the sand I got in and relaxed in the water.  Visibility about four feet, no rip current like the last few days.  Also no big outside wave to traverse outward.  I think I goofed around inside for a good twenty minutes.  After that I swam out past the surf into a one-foot chop.  It was so nice.  I swam north for a hundred and fifty yards, took a break, and noted the mild current south to north.  I swam back south and started to feel a couple of things: my left low back twinge, my anterior thighs fatigued, and a twinge in my right shoulder.

     I stopped a few times and had to exert myself a bit.  Too early for that, I think.  But at least I got in a short swim outside and held together alright.  I am quite happy with it!



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

Three days in a row! I'm getting a tan.

     I parked near Pappy's and walked down to Surfrider again today.  Just like yesterday--the beach conditions, that is. 

     I felt better in the water.  Taking it easy.  Just remembering how one swims in the ocean--how one swims under the waves as they wash over--how one kicks and works the arm reach & pull.

     Same moderate rip current to the north.  Less people there (Monday) to clog things up.  I didn't dare go out to the outside break yet.  With fins--yes; without fins--no.

     Walking up the hill to my car I started reminiscing about that ocean water in Hawaii.  I sure missed out on a lot.  I was preparing to begin a Navy SCUBA school at Pearl Harbor way back when and I got shipped back due to two lumbar fractures (rodeo bucking horse).  But my good buddies stayed and I can only imagine the beautiful and exciting dives they had there.  What a cool place. 

     I'll plan for a dip tomorrow.


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