Am I done?

I accomplished what I set out to do:  Swim in 50 different places during my 50th year.  Does that mean I am now done?  This was WAY too much fun.  Can I do it again?  Perhaps.....

More about my birthday weekend

February 10-13, 2011 -- Okay, this is not a swimming post.  But I feel compelled to share my wonderful weekend!  Following my 50th swim at the Columbia pool (see last blog post), we checked in at our favorite hotel, the Eventi.  It's another Kimpton hotel, which is where we try to stay wherever we go.  The location is perfect (30th and 6th) and it's just got a great vibe!  Check it out at http://www.eventihotel.com/.

Birthday dinner was at a restaurant called PRUNE (http://www.prunerestaurant.com/).  In addition to the four of us, we were joined by Ellen, Steve, Phyllis, Evan, Ari, Paul and Mary.  We had a terrific meal and I am so touched by the travels of my family and friends for this event.  The birthday cake deserves its own shout-out: Banana cake with peanut butter caramel filling and vanilla buttercream frosting.  Probably the best cake I've ever had.

Ari and me

Yum....

Leah (second level, red coat)

Friday began with breakfast at Sarabeth's, another NewYork favorite, followed by a trip to the Guggenheim with Leah.  Leah and I are well-suited to visiting museums together;  we go at the same pace and our level of understanding/appreciation is about the same.  There was a special Kandinsky exhibit which we both loved!

Harvey & Leah, Ernie & Samantha, AJ & Anna

On Friday evening, Harvey, Leah and I had a quick dinner at Mario Butali's EATALY before heading uptown to meet Benj for the Columbia/Princeton basketball game.  By spectacular coincidence, both of Harvey's Columbia roommates, AJ and Ernie, were at the game with their daughters.  We could not have planned this better.  A post-game visit to Mel's for milkshakes capped the evening.



Saturday night was yet another wonderful event:  the annual Columbia Spectator dinner, held this year at the Columbia Club.  As outgoing Editor-in Chief, Ben delivered the State of the Spectator address, followed by keynote from Arianna Huffington.  It was a proud moment and an incredible event, shared by many of our family and friends as well as some of Ben's closest friends.

All in all, it was a truly wonderful weekend -- probably one of the best of my life!  I am thrilled to be 50.

Swim #50: Columbia University, New York, NY

February 10, 2011 -- Officially 50!  The Columbia University pool is where I first started serious swimming, so it seems only right that my 50th swim would be here.  It almost didn't happen:  the pool was scheduled to be closed for swim team practices for several hours during the window of time I could possibly get there to swim (after driving from Boston, and before birthday dinner).  Ben enlisted the help of the athletic facilities staff, who in turn enlisted the help of the assistant coach of the women's swim team, and voila!  A ten-minute window of pool time was opened for me in between women's and men's practices.

In my last few blog entries, I've written about pool temperature.  I can tell when the water is too warm for lap-swimming, but I couldn't have told you what the optimal temperature is.  Now I know, because I felt it today.  This is a pool meant for athletes, and the water was a perfect 78 degrees.  Most health clubs are around 80-82, and hotels warmer.  In any case, time was short, so I swam fast.  And it is remarkable how much faster you can swim in 78-degree water.

Nostalgia is a powerful force.  I really don't remember much about swimming here 30 years ago, but being here today meant the world to me.



And look at the fabulous t-shirt Deena got me for my birthday!

Swim #49: Mount Auburn Club, Watertown, MA

February 9, 2011 -- My 49th swim, the day before my 50th birthday!  Rose joined me for a swim at the Mt. Auburn Club -- http://www.mountauburnclub.com/.  This is the last stop on my tour of Boston-area health clubs (for now, anyway).  I have been checking to see that my beloved JCC is really the best of the bunch. The Mt. Auburn club is very nice -- high marks for the workout facilities and the indoor and outdoor tennis courts.  The locker room isn't very nice, though.  And the pool?  It's pretty good.  Decent size, maybe a couple of degrees warmer than I prefer, but overall good.  And it's incredibly convenient to my office.  How many clubs can I join?

Looking anxiously forward to the 50th on my 50th!!

Swim #48: Sports Club/LA, Boston, MA

February 4, 2011 -- Wow!  I had no idea this existed within the city of Boston.  Located next to the new Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Sports Club/LA (http://www.mpsportsclub.com/clubs/boston/) seems designed to fit in with the Ritz' clientele.  I don't mean that as a negative -- it's just really, really beautiful.  And incredibly spacious -- 114,000 square feet including huge lobbies and sitting areas in what must be awfully expensive real estate.


I came here today with my friend Debbie, who started the day with a hilarious argument with the Ritz doorman.  Upon entering the club, we found that the first Friday of every month is Free Guest day - lucky us!  We were given locker keys and set off to explore.  The locker room was beautiful and, again, huge.  The pool was a little warm (just a couple of degrees) but the cleanliness, peacefulness, and the view of the city make this a winner.  We had a wonderful swim and sauna.

Following that, Deb took me out for a birthday lunch at JerNe at the Ritz.  It couldn't have been a better day!

Swim #47: Commonwealth Sports Club, Brighton, MA

January 31, 2011 -- In the next installment of Find the Best Health Club Pool, my friend Rose (also a swimmer) has brought me to the Commonwealth Sports Club in Brighton.  Or is it Allston?  Here is the link:  http://www.commonwealthsportsclub.com/.

The pool here is quite nice.  It's smaller than the JCC -- that's a minus -- but a couple of degrees colder, which is a plus.  I like their less-chlorine, more-salt approach to water filtration. We had a great swim and even did a few time trials in the middle.  The locker room is nice, too.

Swim #46: Newton YMCA

January 28, 2011 -- I have heard that the Newton YMCA has a great pool, and know a few JCC swimmers who left to join the Y when they built the new pool.

This pool does, indeed, give the JCC a run for its money.  It is a couple of degrees colder than the JCC, which is a really good thing for lap swimmers.  It's a good size, the hours are good, and it's on my way to work.  Hmmm.  The locker room is not nearly as nice as mine, though, and I don't think the workout facilities look as good.  Can I justify two memberships??

I'm sorry I don't have a photo, as this is a really nice pool.  But here's the website: http://www.westsuburbanymca.org/.

Swim #45: Boston Sports Club, Newton, MA

January 25, 2011 -- Checking out all the local health clubs!  I'm interested to see if there is a pool around that I like better than the JCC.  It's hard to imagine, but worth taking a look.  Swims #45 through 49 will all be health clubs close to Newton.

The first stop is Boston Sports Club (formerly known as Wellbridge) on Wells Avenue in Newton.  People have warned me that this pool is too warm for lap swimming -- and they are correct.  Too warm and too small, unless you swim very slowly.  Nevertheless, I did a full 30-minute swim, then spent another half-hour treading water, floating, and chatting with my friend Judy.  It is a nice workout facility -- but so far, I'm sticking with the JCC.

Swims #43 and 44: New York, NY

January 22-23, 2011:  I am in New York on official Longy business, attending a Pacifica Quartet concert at the Metropolitan Museum of Art with an entourage of staff and trustees.  A few clicks of the mouse leads me to two spectacular pools during my short bits of free time.

First stop is Chelsea Piers, a thirty-acre sports and recreation complex on the Hudson River.  The original Chelsea Piers has an interesting history:  In its heyday all the luxury liners and immigrant ships arrived and departed there.  It was the planned destination of the Titanic and is where the Carpathia brought the survivors.  Also, it was the departure point for the Lusitania.  For more on what it was and is, visit http://www.chelseapiers.com/.

The Health Club at Chelsea Piers defies description.  "Enormous" and "State of the Art" are understatements.  It is immaculately clean, light, and expensive.  The breadth of equipment, space and activities is like nothing I have ever seen.  Benjamin and I had a wonderful, long swim on Saturday afternoon in the beautiful pool overlooking the Hudson River.

Sunday morning brought me to Asphalt Green, another health club, this one on the East River -- the opposite of Chelsea Piers in mission as well as location.  You could spend a boatload of money at Chelsea Piers (and have a great time doing it).  Asphalt Green is dedicated to providing fitness and sports opportunities to people from all walks of life.  Walking through the front lobby, I could see that it is truly a community facility.

Asphalt Green's pool is the largest I have ever experienced -- an actual Olympic-size pool.  Sadly, I do not have a picture, but you can take a look at http://www.asphaltgreen.org/.  Even more sadly, I swam only a few laps and was informed that the pool was closing for lessons.  But at least the laps were long ones!

Swim #42: Children's Beach, Nantucket

January 17, 2011 --  This is when it became apparent that I am actually out of my mind.  We were in Nantucket for a weekend with our friends Jack and Barb.  If you're in Nantucket and you've got three weeks left to do nine more swims, what do you do?  You have to swim.

Having learned from my Martha's Vineyard experience, I purchased gloves, boots, and cap to go with my wetsuit.  This was all good.  And as I waded into the water, I felt great - not cold at all.  After diving in, though, I could immediately tell that my gloves were not adequately tucked into the wetsuit.  In seconds, my hands were freezing.  I did swim a little bit, but not as far as I would have liked.  The rest of me (even my face, which was unprotected) felt completely fine!

So, I need more practice at this cold-water swimming thing.  But doesn't the water look beautiful?

Swim #41: With the L Street Brownies!

January 1, 2011 -- I had to do it.  How could I not?  I've always wanted to do a New Year's Day plunge, and this was my big chance.  Plus, it was 50 degrees outside in Boston on New Year's Day.

The warm air temperature meant that huge crowds turned out for the Polar Bear Plunge, despite the fact that the water wasn't any warmer than normal.  I waited in line for about an hour with people dressed as penguins and Vikings, then finally made it inside the bathhouse to register and discard my sweats.  Harvey met me on the beach with the camera and my towel.  Posing for a "before" picture was painful -- the sand was wet and icy.

The plunge itself was like nothing I've ever felt -- I can only compare it to diving into a pile of needles.  I dived fully underwater, though, and swam a few strokes before turning around.  The balmy air meant that I felt completely fine when I got out.  A hot shower in the bathhouse, and I actually felt great!

I'd like to do this again next year.  Anyone care to join me?

Swim #40: Green Mountain Inn, Stowe, VT

December 26, 2010 -- In Stowe to spend Christmas with my mother, Brian, and Nick.  After a day of skiing, what could be better than jumping into a heated outdoor pool?  The Green Mountain Inn was our destination.  They had a heated walkway leading to the pool, so one's feet only touch freezing concrete for the last couple of steps.  The steam effect was pretty cool, although the water was so warm it was like swimming in a hot tub.

Swims #36-39: Martha's Vineyard

November 26, 2010 -- Yes, it is the day after Thanksgiving, and I am talking about swimming in the ocean.    Harvey and his brother have come up with a plan that will get me four swims.  That would be great -- but the question is, will I live to tell the tale?

Armed with a borrowed wetsuit, we head to the first spot:  Philbin Beach in Aquinnah.  We spent so many summer days here in years past, and it is a spectacular beach, especially if you love diving in the waves.  I have to say, I took one look at the surf and was terrified.  Waves were crashing all over each other.  Normally I would run right in, dive under and swim beyond the waves.  But normally it's not a chilly, overcast November day.  This was not a long swim, and my terror did not subside - but I did it!

Next stop was Lobsterville Beach, where the water is calm.  This was (relatively) easy to get into, but it is very shallow and you have to walk kind of far before you can swim.  This is when I realized that I should have bought swim shoes.  My feet were so cold, I really couldn't feel what I was stepping on.  My personal lifeguard, Daphne, was not happy that I was in the water.



Third stop, Squibnocket Beach.  Waves.  It didn't look as ferocious as Philbin Beach, so I went in with more confidence and immediately set off for a swim parallel to the shore.  I figured I'd swim the length of the beach, maybe go back and forth a couple of times.  I started in water that was about hip-deep, not wanting to go too far out.  I swam down one way, turned around to come back, and saw that the shore was a whole lot farther away than it was when I started.  I know about undertow and rip currents, but all of a sudden I was, once again, terrified.  I was also freezing.  I got back to shore without too much trouble, but determined that swimming in November in heavy surf on an unguarded beach was not something I'd choose to repeat.

Fourth stop, Menemsha Beach.  Menemsha is a pebbly beach but great for swimming.  By the time we got there, though, the wetsuit was no longer keeping me warm.  I was really, really cold -- but we were there, and I had to do it.  I actually had a nice little swim here.

 Overall, I think I prefer summertime swims in the ocean.

Swim #35: Marriott Long Wharf Hotel, Boston, MA

November 24, 2010 -- This was a swim where the company was more important than the pool.  I met up with my best childhood friend, Becky, and her twin boys for a swim at their hotel.  It's an odd-shaped pool (something to do with the hotel being built to resemble a ship) and not ideal for lap-swimming, but Becky and I swam and walked back and forth for a good long while, talking the whole time, while the boys played with their uncle.  All in all a delightful afternoon!  Here's a picture of the pool, without me in it:

Swim #34: Westin Waterfront Hotel, Boston, MA

November 13, 2010 -- Leah is out of town with NSPA, so Harvey and I sneaked in a little Boston getaway for ourselves.  We stayed at the Westin Waterfront Hotel, selected for its location (walking distance to the North End) and pool, and the fact that we had earned a free Saturday night at any Starwood hotel. We checked in late afternoon, and decided to do pre-dinner workouts.  At 5 pm on a Saturday, the hotel pool was completely empty.

I'm not sure you can appreciate the full effect from this photo:  the pool was in an atrium  with what seemed to be a vaulted, mirrored ceiling.  So, when I turned onto my back to do a few laps of backstroke, I could watch myself in the ceiling.  This was so cool!  I was completely mesmerized by watching my backstroke and hearing only the gentle splashes from my arms, and swam and swam and swam.  This ranks up there with my favorite swims.

The spell was broken the next morning, though.  In the light of day, the mirrored ceiling turned out to be skylights that only appeared mirrored against the dark sky.  And at 11 am, the pool was mobbed with families.  Oh, well.  I had my moment!

Swim #33: Westin Hotel, Pasadena, CA

October 11, 2010 -- A quick overnight in Pasadena so that Leah can do a college interview.   I would give two thumbs up to the very nice Westin Pasadena, http://www.starwoodhotels.com/westin/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1453.  This is a lovely rooftop pool, big enough for laps, with gorgeous views of the mountains.  So beautiful, in fact, that I am starting to understand why Leah wants to live here!

Swim #32: San Francisco Bay

October 9, 2010 -- We have come to California for two reasons:  cousin Peter's bar mitzvah in Mill Valley, and a college interview for Leah in Los Angeles.  This is already a heavy agenda for a three-day trip to California.  Can I actually get any swims in?  I am hesitant to ask my family to indulge me, but like magic, the perfect reason and location appeared!

It is Fleet Week in San Francisco, and during the few hours of free time we have in between the morning bar mitzvah and the evening party, it is suggested that we drive over the Golden Gate Bridge to watch the Blue Angels who would be doing an air show over the Bay.  A few key questions ascertained that there is indeed a little beach right on the other side of the bridge, across from the Ghiradelli factory.  It would be a perfect spot to swim and to enjoy the show.

I have been cautioned that San Francisco Bay is rather chilly.  Prisoners have died when they tried to swim from Alcatraz.  Well, they were right -- it's cold.  The beach was packed with people watching the Blue Angels, but I peeled off my clothes (yes, I was wearing a bathing suit), picked my way through the people, and dived into the water.  I'm barely visible in this photo, but you can see my red bathing suit and blue cap.

I have a pretty consistent stroke:  I breathe to my left, every two or three strokes.  The cold water hurt my face so much that I had to start breathing on every stroke just so my face wouldn't have to stay in the water.  Once I figured that out, I started to really enjoy this swim.  And then I realized that if I swam on my back, I could watch the Blue Angels flying above me!  We did not manage to get a photo that shows both me and the planes, but hopefully you get the idea.  This was one spectacular swim.

Swim #31: Nantasket Beach, Hull, MA

October 2, 2010 -- It's getting to the end of the season for ocean swimming, and Nantasket has never been known for warm water.  But I am determined to get in another ocean swim before I give in and declare the summer over.  The water is indeed freezing, so my swim was pretty short, but the air temperature is thankfully warm and I was fine in a matter of minutes.  I have many happy memories of this beach; my family came here often.  I remember spending hours in the water riding waves -- I guess I got an early start to swimming in cold water!

Swim #30: White's Pond, Concord, MA

I have found a little slice of heaven!  Unfortunately, it's not easy to get there.  White's Pond is owned by an association of homeowners.  There is a beach area for members -- which I obviously am not -- but there is also a little path in the woods that gets you to the side opposite the beach.  Legal?  I'm not sure.  Not that you'd ever find it on your own anyway.  My good friend Debbie, who has long been known to thwart authority, led me here.  And it is spectacularly gorgeous.  We swam across, sat on someone's dock for a little while, and swam back.  It was kind of a cool, mid-fall day, and I nearly induced hypothermia in poor Debbie.  Hopefully she will forget and bring me back next summer!

Swims #27, 28, and 29: the South Boston beaches

September 12, 2010 - How have I lived here for this long yet never ventured to the beaches of South Boston?  Granted, there are no sand dunes -- but there is plenty of sand, and lovely, clean water for swimming.

Swim #27 is at Carson Beach.  There are a couple of other intrepid souls in the water, but for the most part, the city of Boston has decided that summer is over.  I beg to differ.  The water is a little chilly, and the air isn't quite as warm as it was in August -- but really!  Extend your summer!

Swim #28 is at M Street Beach, my favorite of today's beaches.  I can't believe the beautiful houses right across the street from the beach!  Daphne joined me for a quick swim.

 

Swim #29 is at Pleasure Bay. All of these beaches are contiguous;  Pleasure Bay is right at the point where South Boston becomes Castle Island.  

After a short swim (I've already had two swims this morning, thank you) we head to the famous Sully's for hot dogs.  Daphne approves!

Swim #26: Revere Beach, Revere, MA

September 10, 2010 -- My friend Deena has brought me to Revere Beach, the beach of her childhood.  School has started and we have the beach largely to ourselves.  The water is a beautiful temperature and I have a nice, long swim.  Salt water swims in gentle waves are undoubtedly my favorite swims - lucky for me I live in Massachusetts!

One of the best things about Revere Beach is the fact that the original Kelly's Roast Beef is right across the street.  My roast beef sandwich is out of this world, and even better when eaten on the beach.  In addition to introducing me to Revere Beach and Kelly's, Deena also gets credit for taking one of the best swimming photos of me.

Swim #25: Ledgebrook, Newton, MA

A private pool in the Ledgebrook condo association is the site of my milestone 25th swim, courtesy of new friend Tina.  If I lived here, I would start every day with a swim in this pool.  Imagine being able to walk out your door and into the pool.  I would smile all day!

Swim #24: Round Hill pool, S. Dartmouth, MA

Labor Day weekend, 2010:  Our good friends Roz and Wally live a few blocks from us in Newton, and coincidentally also live a few blocks from us in South Dartmouth.  At least once during the summer we have lobster rolls together.  After hearing of my 50-swim endeavor, Roz invited me to swim at the pool at their golf course.  It was a chilly, overcast day, evidenced by the fact that I am the only person even near the pool.  It was so chilly that Harvey stood inside the clubhouse to take this picture -- I'm not sure you can even see me over there in the lap lanes. Great swim for me, though!

Swim #23: Morse's Pond, Wellesley, MA

Having grown up in Needham and now living in Newton, it is surprising that I have never been to Morse's Pond.  The season has officially ended, so there are no lifeguards and also no throngs of people, despite the fact that it is a spectacularly beautiful day.  There is a sign saying "beach closed - swim at your own risk," and perhaps the Wellesleyites don't realize the gates are still open?  I won't complain about having the lake to myself, but do wish I had brought the dog for company.  I had a very nice swim, going back and forth fairly close to shore.  This is an awkward photo, taken by me with my right arm stretched as far as it would go.

Swim #22: Deena's pool

Ah, the wonder of the backyard pool.  I have spent years telling Harvey that if he built me a pool, I would always be in a good mood.  Alas, it has not happened.  This is my friend Deena's backyard pool, and while I did more floating than actual swimming, it was a really nice float!

Swims #20 and 21, Provincetown, MA

August 18, 2010 -- Staff Summer Outing!  We board a ferry at Long Wharf and head to Provincetown for the day.  While most of my co-workers stay in town to wander, I grab two friends, rent bicycles and head to the beach via the Province Lands Bicycle Trail, roughly a ten-mile loop.  A description of the bike trail calls it "a narrow track full of vertical and horizontal 90-degree turns."  It is indeed hilly, twisty and sandy, but absolutely spectacular as it takes you through pine trees and sand dunes.

 It is a gorgeous, sunny day.  We ride first to Race Point Beach, were I find a bathhouse to change into my bathing suit.  Race Point is a beautiful beach, and a swim in the slightly chilly water was perfect for after a long bike ride!  Lots of kids are boogie-boarding and I am envious.





Back onto bikes, we ride to Herring Cove Beach.  I think my friends would have been happy to ride back to town and call it a day, but I am determined to get another swim in.  I didn't expect much, as the name of the beach is kind of unappealing, but I loved it!  The really neat thing about it is that it is completely pebbly, and if you are underwater when a wave rolls in, you can hear the pebbles tumbling over each other.  It is the most gentle, soothing sound, like an African rain stick.  For this reason, I stayed in the water for a long time, and we had to ride really fast back to town to catch our ferry.

Back on the ferry, I find that a few other co-workers had taken a water taxi out to the very tip of Cape Cod.  A beach that you can only get to by water -- this calls for a trip back to Provincetown next summer!  All in all, this was a great day.

Swim #19: Spring Valley Country Club, Sharon, MA

August 24, 2010:  I spent the day here with my sister-in-law, Vicki.  In past years, when my parents-in-law were still around, the kids and I would come here to meet them for lunch and go for a swim.  Many times, we were the only people at the pool.  Sadly for us, the membership has turned around, and there are lots of young families at the pool today.  A little noisier, and I had to be rather assertive in claiming a clear lap lane.  Still, Vicki and I had a delightful afternoon of eating, reading, sunning and swimming.

Swim #18: Farm Pond, Sherborn, MA

August 16, 2010 -- I am so happy to rediscover Farm Pond!  My family and I came here many times in the early 1970s, until the town of Sherborn closed the parking lot to all but town residents.  Such a tragedy!  Almost 40 years later, I find I have a vivid memory of the bathhouse, but the beachfront doesn't look familiar at all.  What I do remember is how clean and clear the water was (and still is!)

I came here today with my friend Judy (of "Instant good mood" fame).  We parked a mile or so away and rode our bikes in.  A lovely, lovely lake, and we claim we will come back soon.  This would be a perfect lake for swimming across.......

Swim #17: Lake Cochituate, Natick, MA

August 14, 2010 -- While I wouldn't recommend the Natick beachfront as a paradise for distance swimmers, it is a great family place.  We went with good friends Ilona and Alex.  I swam along the rope after ascertaining from the lifeguards that I really couldn't duck under the rope.  Lake Cochituate is gigantic -- I remember sailing here with friends in high school.

Swim #16: Crescent Beach, Block Island, RI

August 13, 2010 -- Block Island is our family's favorite place on earth.  So many wonderful summer vacations here -- we spent hours and hours riding waves and building giant sand castles.  The island is one long beach; no such thing as private beaches here on Block Island.  And even better, dogs are allowed almost everywhere! We were here for a very quick overnight, primarily to celebrate Steve and Phyllis' engagement, but we did manage a trip to Crescent Beach and a swim for me.

Swim #15: Walden Pond, Concord, MA

August 6, 2010 -- Walden Pond, one of my very favorite places, typically visited with one of my very favorite people, my friend Deb.  I love it because it is legal to swim anywhere, so we can swim across and back without fear of capture.

The water level is unusually high this year due to the excessive rain we had.  The beaches are flooded and the benches around the edges are completely underwater.  Still a great swim, though!

Swim #14: Hotel Palomar, Los Angeles, CA

July 19, 2010 -- Our last day in California.  This is another Kimpton Hotel, and the pool is nestled into a tight little area between buildings.  It is very sweet, though, with luxuriously cushioned lounges at the periphery.  Very nice for an early-morning swim.

I regret that I couldn't get more ocean swims into this California trip -- but you can only have so many agendas going at once, and college visits and visits with friends were what this trip was about.  On several occasions I did say those magic words....."Why don't we live here?"

Swims #12 and 13: San Diego, CA

College visits over, we are spending a delightful few days in San Diego, joined by Dawn, Mike and Olivia.  The Hotel Solamar is our home away from home -- a Kimpton hotel, one of many Kimptons we have stayed in (strong recommendation for Kimpton hotels....http://www.kimptonhotels.com/).  The pool is on a roof deck, designed more for visiting with a drink in your hand than for swimming. I did my best for Swim #12, but most of the people in the pool found it odd to see someone swimming.  It was nice to hang out up there, though, with a book and a drink.











Swim #13 was better, at Coronado Beach.  We had a little trouble figuring out where to park:  much of the beach access seems to be controlled by the Coronado Hotel, and they wanted us to pay $15 to park.  We managed to avoid that, and I plunged into the surf.  A little chilly, but I enjoyed the waves.  We found a wonderful little coffee shop just down the block, making it a lovely California morning.

 
 

We also spent a day in La Jolla, which was delightful, but did not include a swim.  I was itching to swim or kayak with the seals, but happily settled for playing by the edge with Olivia.  I wish we had had more time to explore the coastline around San Diego -- I can see that there are many more charming villages and beaches.  

Another trip out here will be necessary!  I close with a picture of Leah and Olivia, our beloved little peanut.