I left the house at 8:15 this morning. Skies are completely overcast.

Looking out at Doheny as I cross San Juan Creek, the water looks peaceful. Lots of surfers and a few SUPs.

When I get to the Strand parking lot, the ocean surface looks a bit bumpy but nothing too extreme. It’s pretty peaceful here and I see a few kayaks and outrigger canoes in the distance.

Looks like low tide on the beach and surf is up a notch or two but not too big. There are a couple surfers out pretty much right where I head into the water.

I’m heading north today. I’m gonna give my Achilles a break and skip the gym and take a longer swim instead. I’m thinking of heading all the way to Monarch Bay point.

Water seems a bit cooler this morning than yesterday. Of course the morning is not showing up as the tropical summer morning we had yesterday. I’d say 70% of the water feels its same warm self but there are more cold patches.

There is very little visibility in the water and when I get to the point at Salt Creek, the water seems to get bumpier. That’s probably from the surf since this is the prime surf break which breaks fairly far out.

I just keep going and I feel really good. Mentally, I was not at my best when I got in the water but I feel like its starting to come out in the wash here so to speak.

Once I get about half way across the bay between Salt Creek and Monarch points, I can see just a hint of blue sky above the golf course. To my left, I see two fishing boats.

Eventually I’m quite close to the northern end and can see more blue sky developing just past the beach on the other side of PCH. Looking out at the end of Monarch point, I see people standing on the ridge. I remember seeing them last time I did this swim a couple weeks ago. I think they are fishing. From here they just look like ants.

I contemplate swimming out to the little sandy beach nestled toward the end of the point but I think I will wait for a day when the surf is flat since I am totally unfamiliar with the break and rock conditions and don’t want to end up in a bad place in that isolated area.

I could go a little further and get closer to the rocky cliff but I am feeling ready to head back.

I start my way back south. Before long, it really seems like the sun is making strong headway. If I look north and toward the beach, it is beginning to look like a genuinely sunny day. Looking southwest, it still looks kind of dreary.

Once I am about in front of the lawn behind the Salt Creek snack bar, I pause and there are three small kayaks spread across with guys fishing. I’m taking a picture of one who is standing on his craft and right then he catches two fairly large fish and he sounds very excited.

Ok it’s now looking like a completely different day from when I started this swim. Also the water is definitely smoother and visibility has increased. This is what I am talking about!

I keep heading south and I am wondering if maybe today I can spot Big Bob. Nope. He’s gone. He will be missed.

I’m right in front of the Salt Creek lifeguard tower and the day is looking absolutely gorgeous. Also, the water feels warmer. Also, I’d say my sour head space has definitely sweetened.

I soon see a buoy but it’s not Big Bob.

The clouds have sequestered themselves just offshore of Dana Point but I’m sure those will be gone soon as well. Everywhere else is blue sky.

As I wade out here I can see the waves rolling through the water one after another after another.

I swim the remaining few hundred yards and the swim is done. I had no expectation that this beach would turn itself around into what is here now.

As I pass the lifeguard hut, the water temperature reads 72. Whatever.