That's me on the southern terminus monument last April. I too, would love to thru hike the PCT someday, but darned if that work thing doesn't get in the way right now. Maybe in a few years.
Yes, even in August, the water was very cold. We swam out about 100 ft and I couldn't take it any more. My hiking partner on the other hand, is an ex Navy Seal and thought the water temp was quite nice

Gary


Everything I ever needed to know about parenting, I learned from watching Davey and Goliath