Welcome to July
I left about 10:00 and I really can’t imagine seeing these clouds burn off over the next hour or two. I’ve been surprised a couple times in the last couple weeks, but today looks like it will require a miracle. Looking out my window it almost looks foggy at the coast, but the web cams look clear. It’s just super hazy.
I’m thinking about the water temperature on the way to the beach and down the stairs. Surfline warns that these afternoon onshores will continue through Wednesday and to expect low 60’s or worse. OR WORSE?! The buoys were definitely down this morning and San Pedro is the coldest at 63 degrees. Oceanside is still reporting 70. I do have to wonder about that. Anyways, I struggle to remind myself that 63 was like a sauna in April. Just before I reach the beach and walk past the lifeguard stand, it is posting 59 degree water. 59!!!??? Ok. Let’s just remain calm. I struggle to remind myself that 59 was a tropical dream in March.
I put my feet in the water and it feels about the same as yesterday. There are two 12 or 13 year old girls playing at the edge of the water and they appear to be more than content. So I walk out into the small surf and I’m willing to take whatever it is that the ocean has to give me.
I quickly pass the breaking waves and start to swim. Ok. Hands down, colder than yesterday. I am feeling the typical cold shock response of head ache and shortness of breath. Wow, I haven’t felt this in a while. I focus on breathing calmly and just keeping my arms and legs moving in the water and I know this will all pass in just a couple minutes. eventually I find myself swimming into warmer water and then not much longer after that, it’s back into the cold and my headache briefly rebounds. This is the key difference between July cold (yes, welcome to July) and February cold. In February 59 degree water, maybe there would be some 60 and 61 degree patches but in July, you might go from 59 to 66. It’s kind of weird, but somewhat exciting.
Anyway I do more than ok. I’m having a good time out here and try to just observe what my body is feeling which is pretty darn easy as the ocean is passing me plenty to feel. While I do so relish the 70 degree water, I also love the experience of variety that swimming year round in the ocean provides. The colder water may be challenging and not exactly “comfortable,” but I like having the opportunity to feel all of the seasons and even the seasons in the seasons like this winter we are having in summer, which happens every year. All of this gives me this full panoramic view of life in the ocean.
I find myself swimming faster and stopping less today, but there are moments where I just feel compelled to stop and look around. One moment I am racing north toward the lifeguard tower beneath the Ritz until the misty view of Monarch Bay in the distance catches my eye at just the right frequency that demands my immediate attention.
When I get to the north end of the beach just 10 minutes before finishing, I spot Big Bob with a smile painted on his face and I know with a look like that, this must be all good.
