Greetings from Old Blighty
While temperatures are dropping but still at at a balmy 20 C in CTB, here the river temperatures are rising to what the hardy wild swimmers here call ‘lovely’ and this is 14C.
This weekend my trusty wild swimming buddy Leigh and I swam/ swooshed the same stretch of the Thames near Chertsey that we did last year in the summer. She told me it was about 10C.
Actually tuned out to be warmer and we estimate circa 13/ 14C. Fresh and pretty awesome. We had tea and chocolate hobnobs in her boot after. I know … I’m talking this up.
I read one needs gloves and booties plus a ‘swimbler’ beanie for cold swims. It’s all glamour. It works #buggarglamour
All the gear an no idea
We joined some of the SOS crowd. Surrey Outdoor Swinmers.
Entry chat and fabulous golden lab photo bomb
Exit point always a welcome sight
The boot story dressed as Michelin man.
Next day we joined our local Blue Tits group, the Woking Blue Tits for another stretch of the Thames. Like all wild swimmers they are warm and welcoming. And no Leigh and I never discussed matching cozzies. No need.
We swam up stream and swooshed downstream on another stretch of the Thames at Laleham.
Seen here with Leigh and Kate, my delightful swim buddies. That’s Paul, Kates other half photographing swans and who took some of these pics.
The fabulous WBT crew
Entry chat and direction guide
Happiness
The tranquility and beauty of the Thames
Emerging feeling incredibly alive and well.
Someone measured the temperature and it was 14C. An amazing bloke called Patrick baked delicious biscuits for the afters. So we didn’t do the boot trick and ate Patrick’s delicious biscuits at the waters edge. Cake and conviviality set up.
The swans are nesting and getting a bit fierce. These guys were only interested in Patrick’s biscuits.
My family declared me totally nuts. Again. As did many friends. However it was really fantastic. Ahsweh.
Grandpa Jonny and Granny on Swimming lesson duty. Seth and I both froze that’s day (someone turned the air temperature gauge off that day ) – apparently Seth could only get out when his lips turned blue. Make them tough around Lincoln.
Meanwhile back at the wall and CTB, Nat was seen with the lovely Scogs who reported beautiful conditions again. At last !
Holly makes a guest appearance.
Great pictures from the bay as visibility improves. Please keep them coming, they are wonderful to see.
Hambe Kahle (go well) everyone, we miss you all.
Di
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Management Notice
B&B monthly dinner – it will be a good one – a few episodes of Yes Prime Minister or Utopia will prepare you well!
Tuesday 10th May 2022
The speaker at our next monthly dinner, to be held on Tuesday May 10th at Bluewater Café at 6.30 pm, will be one of our swimmers, Ranya Alkadamani. Ranya, whose career as a political media adviser involved traveling the world with a former foreign minister, will take us behind the scenes of the dark art of political electioneering. These advisors, professional guns for hire who sell their skills to the highest bidder, are a strong determinant on who we vote for. Sometimes more Yes Prime Minister than West Wing, this insight into the secrets of political manoeuvring will be totally enlightening and entertaining. So, forget about the Federal election, open your mind and park your politics at the door.
The cost of the dinner is great value at only $30 a head, which includes shared entrees, and a selection of mains to choose from (including a vegetarian option). Glasses of beer or wine and desserts are also available at the special price of only $5 each (please note, NO BYO). Bookings are essential, so to avoid disappointment and secure your spot please book HERE.