Thanks to the Morecambe And Lancaster Lancashire Open Water Swimmers (MALLOWS) and Ceri @ the Aquatic Body I was able to have a dip today at Capernwray Dive Centre, a remarkable place to get in to the water and amble about amidst the fish, divers, more fish and lots of similarly minded swimmers – the proper swimmers – heads down open water swimmers that make me realise I might have to trade my glasses for goggles at some point.
Gwyn came along to take some photographs and to ensure I wasn’t eaten by a Sturgeon. Now Capernwray does actually have Sturgeon, some as big as six foot plus, but the proximity of such creatures has been a source of amusement in our household ever since I got badly stung by a Sea Urchin when swimming in Cuba years ago. Having experienced what was a surprisingly painful sting to my foot I came out of the water and asked the nearest person what might have stung me, between my poor Spanish and his pronunciation of Sea Urchin I faithfully reported to Gwyn and the kids that I had been stung by a Sturgeon. Cue incredulity, laughter and zero sympathy for my foot, an agony that was then made much worse by suggestions from bystanders that I pee on it, whether the foot or the Sturgeon/Sea Urchin remained unclear.
Fortunately, there were no issues with fish today, just the joy of entering the water to be told I’d forgotten my wetsuit by one of the divers. The hazard here would be staying in too long, the clarity of the water and the presence of others combined to make this one of the longest times I’ve spent in sub-10 degrees water, pushing close to 15 minutes in total and whilst the shivering went on for awhile longer than normal, managing to both swim and chat whilst in the water with similar minded folk felt like a privilege.
If you’re reading this and want to come along for a swim, know of any places that might be amenable to a socially distanced swim, want to bring or eat cake and have a chat, please get in touch. If you want to know more about why I’m doing this project and how we’re trying to raise awareness and funds for Cancercare locally please take a look here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/graeme-chesters10x10x10
Love the GB hat!!!