"Dry Run" for "The Big Swim"

Anticipating next weekend's "Big Swim," a dozen Pod members took a preview this morning, swimming northward past our usual "Sailboat" destination to Fort Hill Beach for a two-mile roundtrip (Margot Edlin, Evelyn Cruise, Gae Polisner, Annmarie Kearney-Woods, Nancy Reycraft, Sue Robinson and I), or all the way to the dock before the point for a three-mile roundtrip (Cathy Kabat, Rob Ripp, Rob Todd, Todd Rowley and Mark). Yesterday's blistering heat had abated somewhat by the time we entered the water, and conditions were perfect for a long swim. The water was clean and clear and relatively calm despite a steady northerly breeze, and its coolness was a welcome antidote to the sun still baking the beach. Approaching the mouth of the harbor, the water felt distinctly cooler, and big underwater swells rolled and lifted us, auguring the “big water” just beyond the point where the harbor meets the Sound (next season’s “Bigger Swim”?).

Reconnoitering at the Fort Hill Beach floating dock, we caught our breath and chatted, then set off in the direction of the Sailboat for the l-o-n-g swim back to West Neck Beach, swimming hard against the outgoing tide that had propelled us northward. Happily (and not by accident), next Sunday’s “Big Swim” will be on an incoming tide, for a tidal assist on the return trip! (For details about the “Big Swim,” see the West Neck Pod Facebook page at  http://www.facebook.com/pages/West-Neck-Pod/128827940504281#!/event.php?eid=231555000200139. ) As for tomorrow’s swim, we’ll see you in the Salt at 8:00!