Entry deadline extended for June 14th meet at Flushing Meadows Corona Park

The entry receipt deadline date for the Sunday, June 14th Long Course meter swim meet at Flushing Meadows Corona Park Pool has been extended to Wednesday June 3, 2009.

So, if you missed the current deadline, you now have a second chance! Event info and entry form posted in PDF file format on the Metro LMSC website.

Open Water Swim at West Neck Beach: Memorial Day, 2009

Ok, this doesn't look too perfect... could you ask for better open water conditions? I've seen higher "waves" than this in the Huntington YMCA pool -- both of them! As it turns out, my firm rule of not swimming till mid-June or so was sorely tempted this Memorial Day. It's probably a good thing that I got to West Neck Beach late -- had I been there early, I would have been tempted to hop back in my car for the ride home to pick up swim suit and wet suit. The water looked that good even though it was in the mid-fifties.

Most of the swimmers were long gone before I got there -- so no close-up pictures today. But, that is more than made up for in the beauty that was West Neck Beach on this Memorial Day. For those of you who were brave enough -- and this time, smart enough to hit the water early this Memorial Day morning, I hope that you enjoyed your swim -- it looked great from ashore. 

For those of you who missed out -- I hope these pictures will give you an idea of just what you missed this Memorial Day morning. On the other hand, its not even summer yet -- we've got months and months of Open Water Swimming ahead of us -- if only those pesky jellies keep their distance!

Jelly Fish Spotted Signing In at Huntington YMCA

It is not even Memorial Day and our old "friend" Jelly Fish was caught on film, (well digital "film"), signing in at the front desk of the Huntington YMCA. This photo brings with it a number of disturbing AND unanswered questions. Among them:

Where did Jelly Fish get his YMCA Membership card?

How does Jelly Fish carry his YMCA Membership card?

How did Jelly Fish learn how to use the scanner and how in the world did he get up that high to even see the scanner?

But most importantly, has Jelly Fish invited any of his relatives to visit us at West Neck Beach?

Stay tuned for further updates on Jelly Fish and our intrepid outdoor swimmers -- none of us wants to see a repeat of the 2008 Outdoor "Jelly Fish Infested" Swimming Season. 

Open Water Season has started

This weekend, OWS officially kicked off with a few "regulars" hitting the water. I think Don Bond was officially the first to dip his toe in the water on Saturday. Windy and cold would be adjectives I can pass along. On Sunday, Don and I hit WNB for a return visit to the water. Less windy, more cold but for 15 minutes and it almost felt like the summer was here.( except for the cold water part ). Memories of jellies filled by thoughts. The good news is that for the next month, NO jellies will be seen!

Weekend swims will start to become regular again and weekdays soon to follow. If anyone is interested in knowing the scheduled , please email me ( robmartell@optonline.net ) and I will add you to the distribution list.

This Sunday is the tentative next date but I could be convinced of a Friday AM swim if there were people interested in a mile or two in the cold.

Yolanda and Julio Moving to Florida -- First Stop Meehan's!

Yolanda and Julio Velez are relocating to the St. Pete/Gulf Coast area so Bob Miller quickly organized a "Bon Voyage" get together for them at Meehan’s in Huntington. Below are a few pictures from the Saturday, May 9, 2009 party.

The party organizer and the guests of honor together at last!