by the second swim lulu learns to keep her mouth closed except for getting the ball. i feel soul happy in the water with her. there was a gathering in the arcade of kids in blue and for a second i thought they were junior rotc or popo but they didn't say anything to us so we waded in. the water is divine and we the soul swimmers. today i took off lulu's leash and collar so she was naked and free and she swam boxing style but also swam relaxed horizontally. after a while two lifeguard girls came by and said the beach isn't open but they were just informing us and we can stay. i appreciate that. it's a sweet long beach that could have a little dog section at the end, but whatevs, we'll swim while we may. on the way back lulu was soul mellow and relaxed and happy with us. two other lifeguards asked if we were kicked out and i said no, they said we could stay, and they said that's good, we can't make you leave anyway. phase 4 whatever that means will be the reopening and the humans will displace us. as with mister i can't fully convey the thrill that comes being with a good dog in the beautiful water, but i'll keep trying to articulate.