Sunday, September 30, 2018
Saturday, September 29, 2018
2018-09-29 Lifeguard Team at Atas Beach, Mirleft, Morocco
These are the 3 lifeguards who patrol Aftas Beach. They've been very helpful and supportive of my daily swims. Elhossine Changli, Mohamed Bihya and Oussama Mirleft meet me everyday before my swim with the current conditions of the ever-changing Beach. The rip channel has moved from one side of the beach to the other over the course of my 27 swims. Sand has been washed away from the submerged rocks on the right making them more of a hazard.
These fellows along with other local lifeguards were called out in the middle of the night a couple of weeks ago to rescue lost refugees from the ocean after their boat capsized. These lifeguards were able to save some of them, but by the time they had arrived on the scene it was too late for some of the others. This was a rogue vessel without radio communications so immediate response was not possible. That any could be rescued was a miracle.
I'll always remember my time in Morocco, and the many beaches where I swam and the many lifeguards I met along the way. But most of all these 3 gentlemen here at Aftas Beach have displayed knowledge, skill and concern for my safety. Aftas, as they say has a new face everyday.
These fellows along with other local lifeguards were called out in the middle of the night a couple of weeks ago to rescue lost refugees from the ocean after their boat capsized. These lifeguards were able to save some of them, but by the time they had arrived on the scene it was too late for some of the others. This was a rogue vessel without radio communications so immediate response was not possible. That any could be rescued was a miracle.
I'll always remember my time in Morocco, and the many beaches where I swam and the many lifeguards I met along the way. But most of all these 3 gentlemen here at Aftas Beach have displayed knowledge, skill and concern for my safety. Aftas, as they say has a new face everyday.
Friday, September 28, 2018
2018-09-28 Room With a View - Made for Meditative Afternoons
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| What I looked at from my bed while enjoying a good book on a month of afternoons at Aftas Beach, Mirleft, Morocco. |
Monday, September 24, 2018
Sunday, September 16, 2018
September 16, 2018 - My Swimming Course (20 minutes out and 20 minutes back)
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| With the help of the Aftas Beach, Mirleft, Morocco lifeguards, Elhossine and Mohammed, Magic Seaweed, Windguru and Tide charts, I've got a good idea how to stay out of trouble. |
Thursday, September 13, 2018
Saturday, September 8, 2018
Friday, September 7, 2018
September 7, 2018 Aftas Beach, Mirleft, Morocco
Yeah, this swim venue is giving an education though. It's not like I can just swim my 40 minutes and get out. I've got to learn the currents and the rocks.
The life guards are very capable and keep an eye on me. They are developing their knowledge of my capabilities and I'm learning about the behavior of this beach, the tides and the swells.
It's actually a very interesting opportunity and education. The beach is consistent at the various tide positions. I wait for them to tell me when it's okay.
And staying safe is my priority. My first attempt today I backed off. The LG said it was okay, but I wasn't ready. I told him it seemed too rough and I because the tide was high I couldn't see where the rocks were. So later when things calmed down and the rocks were exposed better he signaled me and gave me the royal okidokie. I have yet to have someone to tell me to get in the water
Well when the tide is high, that's when the water level is higher and it covers up the rocks (which the locals have there locations memorized). I don't want to get caught swimming over the top of th and have a big wave come down on me at the same time. Low tide the water level is lowest and all the rocks are completely exposed, but that doesn't mean that's the safest time to swim. When the water is at its lowest point the breakers are breaking over shallower waters and that's called Beach break and they might slam you into the bottom.
So with the lifeguard's help I'm figuring out the currents and the rocks and the preferred tide depth.
Like I say, I couldn't have it any better here. Challenging with supervision.
The life guards are very capable and keep an eye on me. They are developing their knowledge of my capabilities and I'm learning about the behavior of this beach, the tides and the swells.
It's actually a very interesting opportunity and education. The beach is consistent at the various tide positions. I wait for them to tell me when it's okay.
And staying safe is my priority. My first attempt today I backed off. The LG said it was okay, but I wasn't ready. I told him it seemed too rough and I because the tide was high I couldn't see where the rocks were. So later when things calmed down and the rocks were exposed better he signaled me and gave me the royal okidokie. I have yet to have someone to tell me to get in the water
Well when the tide is high, that's when the water level is higher and it covers up the rocks (which the locals have there locations memorized). I don't want to get caught swimming over the top of th and have a big wave come down on me at the same time. Low tide the water level is lowest and all the rocks are completely exposed, but that doesn't mean that's the safest time to swim. When the water is at its lowest point the breakers are breaking over shallower waters and that's called Beach break and they might slam you into the bottom.
So with the lifeguard's help I'm figuring out the currents and the rocks and the preferred tide depth.
Like I say, I couldn't have it any better here. Challenging with supervision.
Thursday, September 6, 2018
September 6, 2108 Aftas Beach, Mirleft, Morocco
Day 3, better today. Picked a shack on the rocks to gauge how far out I am and on the beach I use the lifeguard's yellow umbrella for my lateral location. My new goal is not to go anywhere but to stay in that cross-point. Diving under the breakers and swimming back to my spot when the current of the waves take me off target is a more than adequate workout for this old reprobate! It worked good. The exit takes what little courage I possess however. Making a break for it between sets so I don't get hammered too badly and taken to their destination, the rocks on the left
!
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