Loch Ryan

Sunday 14th September
We had a wonderful break in Cornwall where very little swimming took place due somewhat to oppressive life guarding techniques, but also because I enjoyed walking and jogging on the cliff paths for a change.
It has been difficult to get going after the holiday, especially as work has been tricky on my return. My pal who lost his foot is doing really well and will be back at work next week which is a testimony to his courage and attitude. Unfortunately there are other problems now which means a few extra responsibilities which is stimulating but busy. So I struggled back to the pool last week and found sessions with the Stingrays very difficult.
However I worked through my usual doubts and connected with Harry again. He is away for a few days and encouraged me to try Loch Ryan in his absence. After some tooing and froing I contacted my buddy Scott who has a boat at Loch Ryan and after looking at conditions and tides we decided to swim from the Stranraer Marina to the boat slip at Kirkcolm. I wasn't sure at all as I had felt so unfit in the pool.
Ian decided to swim a short way with me, so we set off at 8.15am. We had the lovely Dawn on board who volunteered to be the lifeguard for the day, so our Risk Assessment was complete
I managed just under 4 miles in just over 2 hours. Scott was awesome and I trusted him implicitly. I loved the swim and I felt really strong. In fact, I have just spoken to Scott and I think we should have swum back again. I think I am up to it and we'll see if we can fit that in. The temperature was fine and I did not feel at all shivery. I wore my aqua skin because of the treat of jelly fish and guess what....yup, they sting through it. I only have one small sting though so I think it protects me a bit.
I'm thinking of my channel swimmer pals who I have been visiting on blogs, and it has been the worst season for 28 years. Maggie was defeated by appalling conditions and some never even got to start! Also the Windermere BLDSA event was aborted after only 20 minutes or so for the first time ever. I was hoping Maggie was going to join me yesterday but she couldn't make it. We will swim together in the next couple of weeks. The channel is awesome but we are surrounded by the most wonderful Scottish and Irish seas and yesterday I was reminded about how awesome it is to be out there in the beautiful ocean. There are adventures to be had! It was also the Great North Swim yesterday and it sounds like a magnificant event. Our great nephew Ryan Bishop swam it, and came first in his age group and 15th overall. He is only 15! Watch this one, he's good! Also Maggie told me that a woman from Dundee swam the Irish channel on Friday. Lookout guys, it's all happening.
Plans now are to have a meeting for fundraising soon, and at least two more sea swims if we can before we are defeated by cold.......