Mullet Recce

Ran the route today at low tide.
Tables say low at 07:44 but it was still going out an hour later.
So, working on the principle that the same is replicated at high tide, it looks like swimming around 09:50 but we might want to get there a little earlier.

No underwater problems really, it seemed very clear except for one section with a fence on the eastern bank which goes down into the water, there are posts either side for about 50m.  Posts to the north only about 40cm above the mud, posts to the south are about 1m high, slanting east (out of the river).  The position of these are easily found so no problem.

The river spills out over a shingle bank.  This is the only area where things may be unpredictable.
If we come ashore on the eastern side, it is gently shelving so easy to get out before it gets interesting.
Pretty much all the way along, you can easily get out on the western bank.  There is one outflow from a ditch.  I don't anticipate that with the flow of water and lack of rain, there should be any problems.

We do need someone to walk the path and pull the trailer with our stuff.

Return of the Blog

No, not a cheesy B-movie but this marks the month when SSF get back into their stride.

It's been a generally crap year for all sorts of reasons ranging from weather and rocks to illness and injury.

Now things are approaching what passes for normal hereabouts.

Sept 9th was the day selected for our inaugural night swim. Ten frolicked in the inky but perfectly clear and calm waters, illuminated by glow sticks and a big fat moon.  Perfect conditions were enhanced by Ollie's swim up bar, serving hot amaretto chocolate.

Sat 20th saw the second edition of "The Saltman" (Saltdean's Premier Middle Distance Triathlon). Another perfect swim for the competitors, aided this year by not one but two safety boats.  The swim from Our Beach to Rottingdean and back was hotly contested this year but Pete upheld tradition by bringing up the rear - time for the award of an aquatic "lantern rouge"?

Hildi models the SSF winter uniform
although Pete was concerned that pink might
clash with his skin tone

 This week we said au-revoir to Anita Jones Locker, The Devil's Claw, The Devil's elbow, The Lost Buoy and everyone's favourite, Pike.

Yes, the buoys have gone away for the winter.  We'll make a point of visiting every time we run past Black Rock over the coming months.

Meanwhile, New Girl Ruthie joined regulars Emma, Hildi, Pete and would be regular (if it wasn't sooo cold), Cat.

It was decided that winter Yodas would be permissible after this week.  Hildi brought hers down to remind us all how cosy they could be.

Although the tide was low, there is now enough sand to fill the gaps in the rocks and it was easy to get in by the eastern groyne.

Ruthie and Emma nattered and splashed whilst Hildi and Cat swam round the Imaginary Buoys. They were followed at a never closing distance by a spluttering Pete.

The water temp has dropped a couple of degrees as if to remind us that our balmy days are numbered.
Joan, fresh from the "Happiest Kingdom in the World" will be opening up the winter facilities so all will be looking forward to trying the newly improved Jacuzzi (last year's wasn't quite big enough).

Here's to a successful SSF winter season.

In October:
Oct 5th - The Mullet
Oct 27th (ish) - Au Naturel in the Fairy Glen
                          at Fairlight

                      Pete