Unplanned swim

I was just going to have a cup of coffee with Charlotte and help her bring some big heavy stuff to the attic. But one thing led to another! We did bring the stuff to the attic, and with the two of us it was done in absolutely no time. And the coffee was great. But then she got a text. She got all apologetic about it; it was from a friend she would go for a dip in the river with. She didn't expect that call until hours later. But the friend was already on her way.

She just asked if I was interested in joining. And it took me a few seconds to think about that one. And then I decided that I was! I quite like the refreshing qualities of cold water. And normally I restrict myself to cold showers, but I never regret it when Kate drags me into cold water on an unlikely day. So I got on my bike, rode home, got into my swimming kit, grabbed a towel and the flask with hot tea, and went to the river. I already saw them walk along the bank.

The swimming spot

It was nice to meet Charlotte's friend Karen. And then we got ready. I had been swimming in the river many times before, of course! But always in my own garden. And this was go-to swimming spot in the area: a place where the river was quite wide, but also deep enough to swim. And it was right by the main road, so very accessible, but the road was higher up and behind a wall, so it was easy to ignore. And between the road and the river was a nice rolling grassy field which was excellent for picnics.

I got in and swam a little circle. I had no intention of staying in very long! Karen was already out. Charlotte was still having a whale of a time and was swimming Olympic distances.

View from in the river

Charlotte in the distance

Me having a good time 

It was really nice! And I wasn't cold when I got out. I just got back into my civilian clothes and drank some tea. And then we each went our separate ways. The whole thing hadn't taken us more than half an hour, but it had been quite nice! Who knows; I might do this again…