I know I've now done my mile swim, but I've developed an addiction to outdoor swimming! So when someone suggested a dip in Pickmere on Sunday morning, of course I said "yes". It'd been nearly a week since my last fix, and frankly, I was aching for an outdoor swim.
I hadn't bargained on the weather though - when I got up on Sunday morning the rain was relentless. I checked my phone to see if the swim had been called off - but I should have guessed! Calling off a swim because of rain just doesn't enter the heads of the diehards who swim in October!
I met a friend and car shared to Pickmere - she was already in her wetsuit, and had even filled up at the petrol station, much to the astonishment of other customers!
Then it was into the (cold) lake and off for a swim. The others did a mile swim, while I did a smaller circuit, trying to avoid ducks landing on my head.
The rain continued, but we were already wet, so it didn't matter. I trod water for a bit watching the raindrops splash onto the surface of the lake - very hypnotic!
After a while, I was looking across the lake and couldn't see the others - the rain was making a misty layer on the water. And then they came - black triangular arms rising out of the water like shark fins! Quite eerie!
The others were Acky, Nez and Michelle (who took the photo, and very bravely swam without a wetsuit). Thanks to them all for the company!
I really enjoyed getting home and into a hot shower - and then cursing that the sun came out all afternoon!
