The Shake of Arabee?

Wonderful, warm, exotic Arabia as seen from the Sinai peninsula.

This is what Pete saw as he plunged into the aquamarine waters of the half full tub this morning.

Such visions are good, as is exclaiming to one'self "actually this is rather better than I was anticipating" and, "Oh, I can still breathe".  Thoughts rapidly turn to the banal however- "BLOODY HELL", " who turned on the cold tap?" and suchlike.

Just the Gang of Four this morning, free to impose whatever cultural restrictions were deemed necessary - the first stricture to be laid down for future forays being the banning of non-Yoda bearing participants for the duration of the winter season.  The sight of a towel flapping around numbing legs deemed by a vote of 3:1 to be too depressing.

If Hildi, Alex, Ollie and Pete were present, they were missing their Mao in the form of Joan and stalwart party apparatchik Emma.

Back to the Saltdean of the present.  The sea was beautiful, calm, colour as described and COLD.

Widths were completed - Ollie back to normal squealing mode and dives were made off the groyne.
Around 15 minutes for all but Pete who went for the full the 20, extra time needed to match Hildi's widths.

The rosy glow had been forgotten about - it came and went and on the beach, fingers were starting to twitch and words stumbled over - the first shakes of the season had begun.  Hildi needed help in opening the packet of dried pineapple she had bought in lieu of cake(that kitchen can't be finished soon enough) and all agreed that the brutality of winter was not far off.


Swimmers: Hildi, Alex, Ollie, Pete
Earlybird: Joan
Air temp: 10 degrees
Sea temp: approx 12 degrees
Sea: - squint and you can see a felucca on the horizon - aquamarine is the word of the day

Winter drawers on

Saltdean's own Wailing Wall

A post Saltman gathering this morning.  Pete arrived to find Emma & Joan on the beach.  Emma post virus making a tentative outing, Joan post bootcamp - already chilling in the wait for the others.
Alex, Hildi and Ollie arrived and Anita made up the group.  Bootcamp is starting to fracture the timing somewhat, we must decide to make efforts to arrive earlier to accommodate those physical jerks (no offence Joan!), at least that is until it's too dark and that's just a matter of weeks away.

Anyway, the sea was playful but not excessively so and all jumped in and did various things from widths to splash & gossip.  The sea is still fine in terms of temperature and past experience tells us that it should be like this for a few weeks yet - just wait until November arrives snapping at our toes.
With even worse timing, Emma's Richard arrived as we were drying off.  Child duties holding him back but he went gamely straight in and proceeded to impress with what has developed into a nice open water style.  Pete noted enviously.

Back on shore, it was time for cakes, pressies & cards for the birthdays being celebrated.  Alas nothing from the Mitchell kitchen until the building work is complete "unless you wanted a cake tasting of dust" was Hildi's ripost.  We all look forward to the wonderful offerings which must emanate from a purpose built Mitchell bakehouse.  Congratulations to Alex who is now a qualified physiotherapist!

Pete is taking a break from the blog on account of his first foray into the murky underworld of the tattoo artist.  Hopefully nothing too exciting will occur next week.

Richard ploughs a lonely furrow

Swimmers: ANITA, Hildi, Alex, Ollie, Joan, Emma, Pete & Richard
In: 7.15
Out: 7.30
Air temp - approx 12 degrees
Sea temp: approx 14 degrees  (really need that thermometer!)
Sea: Mid-tide and churney but not enough gumption to spit you out.