The Bay - Part 3

I will have you know that on July 19th, I finally swam a 'real' swim.

In hindsight, I probably shouldn't have watched Jaws for the first time the night before, but live and learn.

So this was the perfect night to really make the First Swim Night.  It was very hot so the water was actually nice and warm and lovely.  My husband was watching the children, I had no company to try and talk to or interact with, no social obligations that come with swimming with others.  I swam along the shore for about 200 metres or so, and there were weeds, which were icky and touched me and Were Not Sharks.

I was heading for a dock probably 250 metres around the shore from my starting point, but before I got there I started to worry about being too far from the starting point and it being my first time in the water really in over a year, with the exception of splashing in pools and shallow water and such.  The first 'real' water.  In a year.  Maybe I shouldn't go *too* far, I thought.

So I turned and headed back along the shore but after a short time I thought maybe I should be brave and cut across deeper water - I estimate about 10 feet deep.  I felt good, there was no tiredness or cramping or anything, and I knew the water well and there were people around, so I decided to do it.  I swam with my eyes closed for a lot of it, just focusing on breathing, clean strokes through the water, the sound of waves and birds.  One of my favourite things about swimming in open water is how your face is right at water level and you see and experience a whole different world.

I made it back feeling so good and vibrant and energetic I probably should have tried for a farther swim, but I'm perfectly happy with my 300 or so metres.

Afterwards, while eating an ice cream sandwich and examining the caterpillars in my friend's garden, I could feel the weakness and shakiness of muscles well used.  It was wonderful.  I can't wait to get in again.