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)
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)
. 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)
Today we had a cheerful holiday swim gathering at the Albany Bulb. Lots of swimmers came out, which seemed extra special because the numbers have been dwindling lately. It was great to swim with a big crowd again. There’s nothing like watching a dozen people brave the cold and go paddling off in all directions. … Read More Celebrating (Day 351)
Today was a lovely swim at sunrise with friends. It’s rare that Sheila, Arwen, Angie, and I all manage to swim together these days and so it always feels special when it happens. A frigid wind blew as we got into the water and with each wince and groan, I thought, it’s going to be… Read More Greeting the Day with Friends (Day 350)
Today I swam with Marcia, Wendy, and Tonya down at the Albany Bulb. They are all faster than me and, while I can just manage to keep up in warmer months, I didn’t even try today. At 50 degrees, I prefer to take my time. It’s still nice to be out together and to begin… Read More Back Stroke (Day 349)
As is so often the case these days, I swam into the sunrise this morning. Sometimes as I’m setting off in the dark, I wonder why we keep planning these early swims and then I remember that we aren’t necessarily changing our patterns, but rather, it’s the sun that’s changing hers: rising a little later… Read More Another Sunrise (Day 348)