The kind of day you’d be grateful to anyone who peed in the water ahead of you, aka wetsuit wearers are selfish

In other words it was at tad chilly/fresh/brisk/crisp this morning. An invigorating 8 degrees in the air with a gentle Westerly to make things that little bit more interesting. By contrast we had a tropical ocean to look forward to.

The 6:30 crew were shivering so much they couldn’t wait to get into the water, compounded by my being so cold I couldn’t keep the camera still

That’s some of them heading off towards an orange coloured sky. Ear worm? You’re welcome.

While those waiting for the 7am start huddled together for warmth, reluctant to disrobe

Shelley’s blog tart skills in evidence

Cheryl emerged from the water at 06:40, a bit chilly

But she brought 6 litres of hot water with her and by the time you’re reading this she’ll have arrived at Lady Elliot Island so she didn’t care (3 tenses in one sentence, now that’s an achievement!)

Time to hit the water.

Worth it, don’t you agree?

At Shelley. Those chasing the www badge must be feeling happy to be close to that goal if they haven’t hit it already. Then there are those like Ian who never allows his skin to be violated with neoprene

Heading back, approaching land

Warming up in the reflected and radiant warmth (pretty sure there’s some coffee and raisin toast as well)

There are some very bright sparks among the Bold and Beautiful swimmers, but the mental giant of the day award goes to Alex who is doing a Masters in The Classics and recently scored 100% in her Classical Greek exam.  Συγχαρητήρια Alex!

Here are some admirers basking in the glow of her brilliance

Visibility was not great today, and it was not a day for mooching along the Bower or the Scenic, but here are some of my recent shots from both places.

And a dog. Because dogs.

What am I reading? Other Minds / The octopus, the sea and the deep origins of consciousness by Peter Godfrey-Smith. Warning: If you think the theory of evolution is a crock then this book would possibly offend you.

What am I listening to? Well I recently discovered Robert Crumb and his Cheap Suit Serenaders on Google Play Music, and also a recording of a concert called Make Some Noise, Save Darfour. The latter recording is a collection of John Lennon songs. I especially like the last track – Regina Spektor’s rendition of Real Love. If you are a fan of either I suggest you have a listen. However any links to an aquatic theme in either are tenuous or non-existent.

So here’s the Swimming Song to remind us of summer. It was written by Loudon Wainwright III but I prefer the version by his ex and her family.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend, stay warm and see you on the wall. Not the wall from The Handmaids Tale though.