By: Blonde Two
On Monday morning I was determined to get back into the sea after a break of a few days. I was thrilled to see that a few of my like-minded swimming friends were feeling the same, despite the fact that there was a howling gale outside (I have told Gale to stop howling several times but she is paying no attention).
I arrived at the seafront early and it was so cold that, despite a very thick and cushion-like down jacket, I had to walk up and down to keep warm, whilst I waited for my companions. Entering the sea wasn’t exactly painful but it did bring a few choice words to my lips and I was glad of my unglamorous orange neoprene swimming hat to protect my head (note picture below of my sister wearing said hat and managing to look glamorous!)
The waves were bolshie and multidirectional, which meant that we decided to exit the sea, after a reasonable dip of at least 10 minutes, via the beach and 50 metres or so away from our changing spot. 50 metres with bare feet on cold concrete was far more bracing than I imagine the same distance on hot coals would have been and I was glad to get back to my towel robe and stand on my dry bag.
We were changed in record time but even a quick jog along the prom didn’t warm me up. I was encouraged though by the laughter that I heard from people behind me as I speed walked back up to the car. ‘How lovely,’ I thought, ‘that everyone is so happy this morning.’
It wasn’t until I had got into the car, started the engine and looked in the mirror that I realised that the laughter had been more at me than with me. My head was lovely and warm… because I still had my neoprene hat on!
I note you ended up further down the beach, presumably downwind. I once hired a wind-surfer and tried to teach myself to no avail. After a couple of hours of intense concentration, multiple bruises, and total exhaustion I took stock of my surroundings. I found I was half a mile downwind of my starting point necessitating a humiliating and dejected walk back through the shallows dragging the wretched sailboard behind. Never again!
There is a slight current in that direction around Torbay but we swam towards the beach that day. I couldn’t even stand up on a sailboard, so you were doing better than me!
Neat little hat though. Btw and not related to this post at all but just came across this little gem on Dartmoor. Are you aware of it? Have you been there? http://www.megalithic.co.uk/article.php?sid=45775
How interesting. Not to that specific location but we have visited many of Dartmoor’s stunning megalithic sites. Another one to add to our search list, thank you!
You’re most welcome! A future 2 blondes post maybe?