Drive

An awful lot of today was spent on the road. Firstly from Hay on Wye - Merthyr, where we met Becca's octogenarian aunt, who told us stories of learning to swim in the river years before wild swimming was invented. From here we headed up to the library to research some pictures of old Merthyr, to try and visualise the old iron works cooling pools utilised by the public as swimming holes. Nothing as yet, but a friendly man called Andy is on the case for us!

Next we headed towards Tenby to meet up with some more swimmers, who found the project through the Wild Swim facebook. After half an hour of standing on a road bridge, waiting for Becca's Dad to appear along the A465 with the walking boots she had left by the sofa 40 minutes earlier, we were late. Or at least no longer on time, which I think is slightly better?!



Not to worry, Carl and Kate were staying seconds from the beach, and by the time we arrived Tenby was flooded with glorious sunshine, and we were straight in the water. Having spent the last few weeks thinking constantly about swimming, but without the possibility of getting any, this was a total joy. The water was...amazing. Amazing. Probably a touch too warm for the more hardened outdoor swimmers, but perfect for a bob around and a chat. And did I mention it was amazing?

Afterwards we were treated to a shower, tea, and cake, and an hours chat on all things swimming. Both Carl and Kate have a huge amount of experience, and it was great to talk to people so passionate about outdoor swimming. They swim regularly at Tooting Bec, and if you join the club you might also get to sample some of Kate's culinary skills (sponge with fresh cream and cherry filling, delicious!). Or you will find them in the water in and around Tenby for the next week and a half. Go and say hi, they are generous with their time and their stories.

So on to Manorbier to find our caravan for the night. We headed to the local pub in the hope of harassing some people into talking swimming with us, but ended up drinking three pints of cider and rolling in to bed with six hours sleep ahead of us before our next swim. Manorbier bay at 7.30am, really looking forward to this one!

Clare