Cool conditions 3

Quite the experience on Friday to head down to the beach when an icy wind is blowing and the car is registering 6 degrees. The only dedicated idiots I encountered were Vic and Rosie, Tony, Dave, and Chris. The others were MIA…or down south… or overseas… or…

I invested in a long sleeve rash vest during the week to ward off Jimbles only to be assured by Chris and Dave that none had been sighted.

I was filled with trepidation having not swum for 5 weeks and my ankles groaned their protest whilst standing in the shallows. The last time I ventured in, the water temp was a balmy 18C. Today it was 14.5C. No more procrastinating. We struck out at a brisk pace in the crisp, crystal clear water. Dave and I bumped into each other near the island. My arms felt water-logged and heavy. I persevered and made it to the end of the island as the rain started to fall.

Realising that there was no way that I had the fitness to continue, I waited for the guys to stop so that I could inform them of my plans. Dave and Chris kept swimming so I headed back.(Chris told me later that he did stop but it must have been around the corner). The water was pleasant compared to the air temperature. The wind on the beach was icy to say the least and my feet were so cold that it felt like I was walking on broken glass.

Clothed and warm, I awaited the boys return. Chris reported that he saw some Jimbles near the island. So much for those little bastards no longer being around!