Started the morning with a 6 mile run to Capistrano Beach, then down the bike path to Poche Beach and then home via Shorecliffs. Left the house for the beach a little after 9. The skies were partly cloudy. When I got to the beach it was mostly sunny with a thick bank of clouds far off shore and into Laguna Beach. The funicular is out of order today like it often is, and there is a couple hauling down a wagon full of stuff and a hefty sized cooler. I say something like, “looks like you have your hands full…literally!” Then as I continue my way down I feel bad. I am able bodied and am headed in the same direction. So I head back up and help them with their wagon.

It’s a super nice morning on the beach. The water is pretty much the same as it was yesterday: comfortable temperature, not very clear, not too ruffled but not super glassy either and practically no surf to speak of. I make my way out and head South. It’s a refreshing swim. I just put one arm out and then the other and then the other. When I get to the South end of the beach, I take a few photos and head back North.

As I proceed North, the sky seems to get more and more grey. Those offshore clouds are not quite so offshore now. Eventually I find myself looking into the eyes of the Green Monster buoy, which actually has no eyes. The Green Monster is just a bit further North and off shore than my usual turn around but it feels somehow satisfying to reach it. A solid landmark. What will I do when these buoys get put away in the Fall?

Heading back South to finish the swim. As I am walking back to the shore, I am taken off guard by a wave and knocked down. It’s a little embarrassing but I doubt anyone really cares or is even looking at me. I mean…who do I think I am? Some mysterious beach dude that everyone can only stare at in wonder? I think not. They probably look at me and are amazed at how hairy my eyebrows are. I certainly am amazed. I am constantly poked in the eyes by them. Honest question: is it a bad idea to trim one’s eyebrows? Will that just make them grow back even more grotesquely?