The Algae - WTF???

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2009-06-23 10:53 AM

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Subject: The Algae - WTF???
Ok, so I swam in Monona yesterday and while there was a bit of algae, it was NOTHING like the foulness I endured today. It was like pea soup and I'm not sure how (or why) I even got into the water. I had to bag the swim after 18 minutes because it was so unbearable. I'm just curious, is the algae dangerous? I kept my mouth closed very tightly but inevitably probably ingested .5 cups of water or so during my short voyage.

I swam in Wingra Sunday and there didn't seem to be any algae there. Is it a Monona thing? Does anyone swim in Mendota at all? I have to find other OWS options for the week, I don't think I can bear to get back in Monona. Are there any nice lakes I can drive to within an hour maybe? Help!

2009-06-23 10:59 AM
in reply to: #2236914

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Master
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Subject: RE: The Algae - WTF???

Oh oh. It's probably a blue green algae bloom, and yes it is dangerous. They happen from time to time, and the conditions are perfect right now (heavy rain followed by a hot spell). All of the lakes are susceptible, and it totally depends on which way the wind is blowing as to where is best to swim. The other side (Olbrich) of Monona might be just fine right now.

Yes, people swim in Mendota, too. You can go in off the end of Lake Street (theres a boat launch) and swim from there.

Rock lake in Lake Mills is usually clear, as well.

2009-06-23 11:39 AM
in reply to: #2236914

Iron Donkey
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Subject: RE: The Algae - WTF???

Thus the reason the 50 meter length pool at SERF was offered.  So, you want to bag the OWS Thurs. and do the pool now?

2009-06-23 11:55 AM
in reply to: #2237080

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Subject: RE: The Algae - WTF???
1stTimeTri - 2009-06-23 12:39 PM

Thus the reason the 50 meter length pool at SERF was offered.  So, you want to bag the OWS Thurs. and do the pool now?



You didn't get my voice mail? Hells yes, I'm not going near that nastiness again. Although my coach prefers me to find an alternate lake if possible, so I'm working on it. But for now the pool is sounding lovely.
2009-06-23 12:22 PM
in reply to: #2237150

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Subject: RE: The Algae - WTF???

LazyMarathoner - 2009-06-23 11:55 AM

You didn't get my voice mail? Hells yes, I'm not going near that nastiness again. Although my coach prefers me to find an alternate lake if possible, so I'm working on it. But for now the pool is sounding lovely.

You really probably would be okay with the other side of the lake. Here's the lake report:

http://www.publichealthmdc.com/environmental/water/beaches/

BB Clarke (the one that's closed) is the one that's closest to Monona Terrace. Olbrich (across from Monona Terrace) is open and fine.

2009-06-23 12:45 PM
in reply to: #2236914

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Subject: RE: The Algae - WTF???
Lake Ripley is in Cambridge about 20 minutes east of Madison on Hwy 12/18. 

Swam there yesterday and it is fine and not nearly as smelly as the Madison lakes.  The park charges $2 for entry.  Nice sandy beach, bathrooms, concession stand, etc.  The swim area is marked by a buoy line which makes it nice for practicing sighting.  We usually swim from the first buoy out to the buoy line, down the buoy line--about 200 yards one way.

The park is located on the far end of town.  Turn off is marked with a brown sign "Lake Ripley Park" and an arrow pointing left.  Boats are allowed on the lake so you do get some boat chop. 

2009-06-23 1:00 PM
in reply to: #2237270

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Subject: RE: The Algae - WTF???
DeannaS - 2009-06-23 1:22 PM

LazyMarathoner - 2009-06-23 11:55 AM

You didn't get my voice mail? Hells yes, I'm not going near that nastiness again. Although my coach prefers me to find an alternate lake if possible, so I'm working on it. But for now the pool is sounding lovely.

You really probably would be okay with the other side of the lake. Here's the lake report:

http://www.publichealthmdc.com/environmental/water/beaches/

BB Clarke (the one that's closed) is the one that's closest to Monona Terrace. Olbrich (across from Monona Terrace) is open and fine.



LOL, I was totally swimming right next to the closed area. Stupid out-of-towner. God, I hope I don't get sick. Aside from killing cattle and dogs, what does the blue green algae do to you? Do I even want to know?
2009-06-23 1:22 PM
in reply to: #2237426

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Subject: RE: The Algae - WTF???

http://www.dhs.wi.gov/eh/bluegreenalgae/#Howsick

2009-06-23 1:57 PM
in reply to: #2237491

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Subject: RE: The Algae - WTF???
DeannaS - 2009-06-23 2:22 PM

http://www.dhs.wi.gov/eh/bluegreenalgae/#Howsick



Thanks. Guess that explains the sore throat today. Let's hope I avoid the "other" symptoms! You're a great source of info Deanna, thanks for sharing. I'm getting a crash course in Wisconsin lakes this week.
2009-06-23 2:00 PM
in reply to: #2237607

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Subject: RE: The Algae - WTF???
LazyMarathoner - 2009-06-23 1:57 PM
DeannaS - 2009-06-23 2:22 PM

http://www.dhs.wi.gov/eh/bluegreenalgae/#Howsick



Thanks. Guess that explains the sore throat today. Let's hope I avoid the "other" symptoms! You're a great source of info Deanna, thanks for sharing. I'm getting a crash course in Wisconsin lakes this week.


Deanna, and really all of them, ROCK!   I'd have been lost without them.
2009-06-25 3:36 PM
in reply to: #2237376

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Subject: RE: The Algae - WTF???
retiretotri - 2009-06-23 1:45 PM Lake Ripley is in Cambridge about 20 minutes east of Madison on Hwy 12/18. 

Swam there yesterday and it is fine and not nearly as smelly as the Madison lakes.  The park charges $2 for entry.  Nice sandy beach, bathrooms, concession stand, etc.  The swim area is marked by a buoy line which makes it nice for practicing sighting.  We usually swim from the first buoy out to the buoy line, down the buoy line--about 200 yards one way.

The park is located on the far end of town.  Turn off is marked with a brown sign "Lake Ripley Park" and an arrow pointing left.  Boats are allowed on the lake so you do get some boat chop. 


Anyone been to Ripley in the last two days? I'm thinking of doing a long swim there tomorrow but would love a conditions update before making the drive!

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