hurricane swells/miami beach

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2.5 days


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Tuesday morning

there is an hurricane not far from here - somewhere near the island of
Hispaniola.
i went to the beach in the morning -
big or huge waves one after another -
not many surfers in the water.
too windy.

it looked more scary today -
like no gap no peace between the swells

the current felt strong and violent
like a river
if i stopped swimming i would find myself 100 yards south just in a few
instants

i saw a small Portuguese man of war -
i decided to swim back
the wind was very strong
a couple of big waves crashed on me violently -
and i knew i just have to let go
and wait until i can see and feel where the bubbles go
---
Sunday/before


life guards bugged me
wouldn't let me swim past the surf
so i swam in the surf
sand and salt in my eyes

cool couple with kids
i am sure they don't watch TV
the kids are happy
the mama wears a ramones cap

many women with silicon in their chest
just laying on the beach
i don't know how looking so artificial can be attractive.

24 block swim in the riptide
the lifeguards threatened me not to go past the surf
dehydrated salty mouth and face and bloodshot eyes and blisters on my toes
too much sand in the water.
past the breaking point is so much easier and nicer to swim.

my eyes burn for 2 days - i need drops
and iodine tincture on my toes.

--
in the park by the beach
some bums
collect ripe coconuts with a pole and a bin
it will pay for the cheap
beers they drink out of cans
morning day evening

1333 miles - nyc->miami drive 1

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brooklyn to miami
1340 miles door to door

gas station in NJ.
toilet is broken -
attendant tells me to “pee pee” on the corner.

motel on exit 97 Goldsboro NC.
40 bucks incl tax discounted sat nite price.
got a coupon booklet at some gas station
VA MD NC SC
and sleep at half price.

no starbuckses on I95 anywhere south of Virginia.
only energy drinks
found a gonji berry one that tastes good

florida oranges sold at gas station -
a bag of fruit advertised for a dollar is just 3 oranges in a plastic bag.
i try a sample - too many seeds.

NY miami 19 hours actual drive - just some stops to fill the tank - pee
- and coffee.



by driving i saw a lot more - places i considered to visit -
and all without having to rush to the airport with the stress of missing
the plane.

no need to book a ticket find a place to park the car -
get a cab or get the subway to the airport
security
cab from destination airport
--


on the beach
surfers waiting for swells that come not very often -
just choppy waves - just strong wind waves.

in miami
went swimming
it was very warm -
you do not have to think it twice to jump in the water -
i went to the boat-limit buoy
it was very windy -
many waves and currents - high tide as well

a couple of ecuadorenans had to be rescued by the life guard -
she told me 15 people had to be rescued -

---
spencer tunick shot a bunch of naked people at the sagamore hotel.
he left my name at the door - but i did not make it on time

i needed beach massage swim rest my back from the 19 hour drive.

italian restaurant - authentic upscale food.

some friends took me to the sagamore hotel
spencer tunick shoot after party -
i asked my friends if the fake blondes with short dresses were hotel
hookers -
but it was just the miami style - apparently.
there was free champagne -
it was nice to drink.
but after 2 days swimming and under the strong sun -
at night i feel like observing and being quiet.

at the sagamore there is so much cool art.
a wall of elliot erwitts - another wall of winogrands -
old school photographers printed smaller size than today -
i saw a tony oursler piece as well.

i wonder who is the clientele -
the music from the PA is very boring and generic
across the street an old store with handwritten prices.
uniforms and other outfits