The joy of Hutz

It was a rare treat today, Ollie & Pete huddled on the prom after a bracing run to the marina & back, met by Joan who possessed a special key

Joined by Emma, Joan led us to a portal and behold, another world!  We stripped off with alacrity and raced each other down into the all embracing warmth of the ocean.

Amazing what an ice cream head can do to rational thoughts.  The real world was brought into sharp focus by near icy seaweed  wrapping its fronds around our legs as Ollie did his now familiar impression of a six year old girl confronted by a spider.  Ollie, you promised not to yelp and whinny today!

By way of compensation, widths were officially on and Pete was proud to retreat with a brace.  That was until Emma delayed her exit and slipped in a sneaky extra half width.  Far less fuss from Joan who swam around serenely with a still bleating Ollie in tow.

Approx ten minutes were managed and all agreed that it was no longer "about the swimming" and yet we still do it.  Perhaps the kick of waving to the commuters lined on the cliff edge watching and wondering which department of the council to contact, or perhaps the fun of sharing something different and the buzz gained for the rest of the day.  No, the real reason is that Joan now has use of a beach hut for the winter.  Yippee!  No more icy gales up your yodas or standing in puddles - carpet, real carpet.

Thank you Saint Joan

Swimmers: Ollie, Joan, Emma, Pete

In:  7:15
out:7:25

Sea - Torpid
Temps    air: 5 and sea: 7

Dive Dive Dive!

We're talking temperature here.

What a difference a couple of weeks makes.

Although the air temperature has been balmy, the sea is more seasonal.
Last time Pete swam, surf frolicking was the order of the day - today, the water
was smooth, inviting and COLD!

Joining up on the beach this morning were Sara, Joan, Emma and Ollie, all relishing the start of the real winter season.  Widths were on offer for those taking part in the competition.  Rules reminder, each groyne must be touched
( unless by consent it would result in extreme exfoliation).  Half widths allowed.

On entering the water, the "naked" swimmer first notices the freezing of the feet and then the delicious lick around the nether regions, followed by pain creeping into hands as fingers drag the surface of the water.
Enough of that, plunge in for a full ice cream head.

All of this is a temporary inconvenience because after a single width, a pleasant numbness sets in.  Width two sees the onset of the "rosy glow" and a nice feeling of euphoria.  Width three and you just want to stay in, which is of course when you must get out pronto!

For some, rapid changing is the order of the day and that cup of tea poured before the shakes set in.
By consent, this was a lovely swim, enhanced by the rising of a blood red sun over the water as we swam.
Magical.

Finally the tradition of temperature measurement - confirmed today as 9 degrees - I guess we won't see double figures now for 4 months!

In: 7.15
Out: 7.30
Sea conditions: oily in a nice way
Temp: 9 degrees

Swimmers: Ollie, Sara, Joan, Emma, Pete