Today we went for a lovely walk with the extended family to a village on the Essex/Suffolk border called Bures. My nephew-in-law likes it because it’s one of the hillier places in usually flat Essex. He, like Kevin’s family, is from Yorkshire and the dales are in their blood. We walked up a hill to… Read More Bures (Day 361)
When Kevin and I were first dating, his mom, Kathleen, started writing me letters. She’d tell me about herself, about Kevin, about her day. I’d look forward to those envelopes with her loopy handwriting; to sitting in my San Francisco attic apartment and reading them, a cup of coffee in hand; getting out my best… Read More Grandma’s Swans (Day 360)
I had planned to go swim with the Bluetits in Dedham again, but the draw of staying in my PJs and watching my delightful grand niece, Eloise, open her Christmas presents and dance around the room, was too strong. After lots of laughing and lounging, Sandra drove Kevin and me down to the River Stour… Read More Christmas Swim in the River Stour (Day 359)
For the last few months, ever since we booked our trip to England for Christmas, I’ve been delving into local swimming groups in order to map out the swims that would carry me through the tail end of my year of swimming. I was delighted when I discovered the Colchester Bluetits. The Bluetits Chill Swimmers… Read More Dedham Mill Pond (Day 358)
Today was another travel day; we left London by tube, train, bus, then rental car to go to Kevin’s sister’s house in Essex. Before we left, I went for a quick dip in the Golden Lane pool assuming I wouldn’t get another chance. It was a dark, rainy morning and I got nearly as wet… Read More Off to Essex (Day 357)
My plan for today was to go to the Parliament Hill Lido, but the Ladies’ Pond was so magical yesterday that I opted for another swim there instead. Hazel, Eliza, Kevin, and I made the journey to Hampstead and I left them on the high street to browse while I beelined over to the pond.… Read More Back to the Pond (Day 356)
Today’s swim is one I’ve been anticipating for months. The Kenwood Ladies’ Pond on Hampstead Heath is a legendary wild swimming spot. It’s part of a series of ponds in Hampstead Heath, fed by natural springs originating from the River Fleet, that were established as reservoirs to supply water to North London in the late… Read More Kenwood Ladies’ Pond (Day 355)
Because we just arrived in London today, jet-lagged and disoriented, the plan was to swim in a swimming pool. Kevin had scoped out a place near the flat, the Golden Lane pool, where he’s been swimming these last couple of weeks. Hazel and I dragged our exhausted bodies over to the pool while Kevin back… Read More Golden Lanes Swimming Pool (Day 354)
. Angie joined me for one last 2022 sunrise swim at the Albany Bulb. Later today I’m off to England for some much colder swims. I’ll miss this place that has brought me such joy this year and was glad she saw me off with such magnificence this morning. Each sunrise swim is a surprise.… Read More One Last Sunrise for the Road (Day 353)
In order to accommodate World Cup Final viewing this morning, Arwen, Sheila, Kim and I met for a swim at the Albany Bulb at 10:30. Except for evening swims, it was the latest any of us have gone for a dip at the bulb. I usually opt for the Marina or Keller for mid-day swims… Read More Lazy Sunday (Day 352)
Jenny Swimming 