Southern hemi south swell

A faithful reader asked me if we swim in the ocean. This is why we do not. March is the time of year when our beaches get a "gnarly shore pound" from huge waves. There is a phenomenon called the ola verde, the green wave. These are enormous, rolling waves, beloved by surfers, that start way off shore and roll in, gathering force as they come. They rise, curl, and slam onto the beach. And the really big ones are not here yet, but they will come in a few weeks. For now, we have 10' to 15' variety. When they hit, it feels like an mini earthquake and makes a loud roar, enough to wake you from a sound sleep. This will last for a week, then subside. In a month it will start again. It is spectacular to watch; great sprays of foam 25' high.

So no, we don't swim in the ocean. The ola verde, along with serious rip tides, make this a great beach for observing but not for swimming.

Wonderful dinner at the beach tonight. Thirty of us showed up to break bread (or tostadas) together. Tomorrow's opera is on at 11 AM our time, given that you nortes are on DST. I'll be all ears for the sublime Renée Flemming.