A rare mid-afternoon swim today at about 2. When I woke up this morning at 4:30, I decided to sleep rather than swim. Unfortunately I did not really sleep but that’s a whole other story I won’t get into today because I want to finish this and eat.

I went out to a late breakfast with most of my family at a place called Stax pancakes just off of coast highway. I had a Sunrise bowl (oatmeal and fruit) and a Hawaiian latte. It was on the way to the beach so when I left, I parted ways with the fam and headed north to the Strand.

It’s well into the mid 80s today. At first the parking lot was looking pretty full but then I found 3 spots right next to each other a little further from the stairs from where I normally park.

There is quite a bit of traffic coming up and down the stairs. I hear things like “We’re almost there. Let’s finish strong!” and “I’m jumping down the stairs daddy.” “Please be careful son.”

It’s hot. There was a lemonade stand at the top of the stairs selling “fresh home made lemonade.” As I looked at the ocean, I felt like I could not get in that water soon enough.

It’s approaching high tide on the beach and there are bodies pretty much claiming every square foot of available dry sand.

There is a solid south breeze blowing and the water is quite textured. I also notice a pretty good sized set of waves as I step foot on the sand.

I get in the water and it feels good. I want to say it is definitely warmer than yesterday. Certainly not as warm as it was a week ago but it is very refreshing. The entire swim is refreshing. While there are some colder spots, nothing seems as cold as the last few days. However I’m not sure how much the air temperature is skewing that perception.

I’m heading south and I am definitely swimming against the current. Like yesterday, there are still some good sized waves to be seen crashing against the cliffs and also breaking way out past where I am on the outer rocks.

I head north and the swim becomes a different experience entirely. I am being pushed by the current and instead of swimming into the waves, the waves are now rolling over me. Both varieties can make breathing a challenge but I appreciate the exhilaration.

I enjoy the play of the afternoon sun on the choppy ocean surface. It looks electric and alive.

I am trying to find the stillness of my breath but it eludes me. Thoughts and feelings crash on me like these waves. I’m trying to break through the mirage of who I think I am. I want to let go of the personas I chase after - the skin I slip into and then forget what’s underneath.

I reach the northern turnaround point and it back against the surf I go. This feels even more dynamic than the initial southbound voyage. Every now and then I feel like I am propelled over an oncoming wake and can feel the bounce of my entire upper body against the surface or I breath in for air and just see sheets of water pouring over my face. It’s good.

Time comes to head in to shore. This breeze feels so warm against this cool water. The crowd has not thinned but they are all exactly where they should be.