Toto We Aren't in Washington Anymore

I left at about 7:15 today and skies are overcast. I've been away in Washington all week and super looking forward to getting back in the water and being on the beach.

Even though I've been away, I still look at the webcams every day and it looked like the marine layer has been burning off sooner this week but I'm still on the early side.

The morning air feels warm especially compared to Washington. I check the buoy data and things look like they could be chilly in the water. The closest buoy in camp Pendleton reads 73 but another close to it reads 66 along with Oceanside and San Pedro is 60. 60! That's ok. I'll survive.

It's a peaceful morning here. I don't see anyone in the water and the surf is small but a few waves sneak through. The moment my feet touch the water, any concern I have about water temperature vanishes. There is no ache and it feels good.

I mosey on into the water and it doesn't feel any colder. I start swimming south and quickly come to the conclusion that this water is perfect. Toto we aren't in Washington anymore. I didn't swim but the water temperature was low 50s in the San Juan Islands. This is nearly a 20 degree difference.

The water is also more clear today than it has been in a long while. I can see the ocean floor over the entire swim.

Near the south end of the beach, I see two bat rays swimming nearby and I follow them for a small stretch.

It's hard to tell what direction the current is heading today. It seems to assist me in both directions. The swim seems to go by fast today.

I stay pretty close to shore, but I think the north star buoy may be back. I thought I saw it when I was parking earlier. Maybe they put a new buoy out there. Well I won't find out today.

I don't have a lot of time this morning to just hang out but I'm certainly not eager to get out of this wonderful ocean. Everything here is utterly delightful.

The water texture is a bit more roughed up than when I started. It's certainly no more sunny.

I savor every step in this sand all the way to the ramp. There is a group of hikers gathering up top. Even the shower is warm here. Dana Point is always nice to come home to.