Hello...a few questions about cold water swimming

I've been swimming in open water for two years now, but this will be my first winter swimming without a wetsuit. I plan to make it through the winter, although right now I can only go about 1/2 a mile. I really want to work up to at least 1 mile at the current temperature (60 degrees). So I have many questions on my mind, but here are a couple to start off with: 1) In the last month, my caloric intake per day has nearly doubled!!! I know part of it must be from swimming in cold water--I think my body is trying to develop an extra layer of fat to protect itself--but there might be other factors (I've also started lifting weights etc.). So I wonder if anyone else has experienced the same thing. 2) I swim at La Jolla Cove at night--is there anyone here who is interested in joining me? Otherwise it's just me and the sharks! I have a lot of other questions burning on my mind...I am so glad I found this forum!