[MAX 3.0knot ebb tide @ 08.04am]
~2-2.3miles - 40:32 - a downhill swim
map http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=695962
Michelle was waiting for me at 6am at the door of the club when I rolled in at 6.06am-6.10am, depending on which clock you look at. Apparently she wanted to go back to bed, because she was about to leave. I will get more punctual...
It was a beautiful morning, flat and clear, and with the collected motley crew of Sunrisers looking enthusiastic (or too asleep to argue), Bob Roper suggested a Pier 7. We piled in the zodiac, and plied our way against the strong ebb to a few piers shy of the Bay Bridge. We were entertained by Dustin the geologist, who regaled us with the first four verses of The Shooting of Dan McGrew. Pretty soon a bunch of the boys were whooping it up in Roper's SERC zodiac.
Bob loosed swimmers in a handicapped scatter like playing pooh sticks, as they each floated fast towards Alcatraz. Michelle and I popped in last and tried to catch each of the bobbing yellow hats. A few piers down, Bob subtly nudged me with the zodiac to point out the most beautiful sunrise behind us under the Bay Bridge.
(thanks Capt. Nemo http://captnemo.smugmug.com/gallery/1930716/6/97781277)
I knew we where about the right distance out when Bob ran me over with the zodiac and pointed out that we were headed to Alcatraz, and the Jeremiah and Aquatic Park were 45degrees to port. I realized that I had been sighting on Fort Point as if it were Fort Mason. A schoolboy error, but easy to do with your head in the drink in the early morning. Secretly, I was listing to starboard to stay out in the downhill flow of the ebb tide, but no need to make boat pilots nervous by sharing their shipping channels.
Psychologically more of a slog once we hugged the shore a bit more, until the familiar struts of the breakwater starting flying by, and Michelle and I cut in through the opening to the club, and to a most welcome shower and sauna.
Tales of manhole covers being blown up into the air by a gas leak in Chinatown yesterday kept the sauna amusing, until Sam arrived with one cold golden retriever, and I relinquished my spot.
A beautiful way to start the day. Bay Bridge tomorrow.
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