Round two - night swim

What an odd way to spend an evening. Pitching up to the river at 9:30pm to go for a swim in the dark? That's odd. Bringing a support team with torches while we strap glow-sticks to ourselves? That's weird. Actually enjoying it, that's unexpected, but a good thing.

Top pic - L-R Pete (purple) Chris (red) Heath (blue) Me (orange)

Second pic - Getting capped up - Pete in yellow hat, Chris in white hat back left, Heath in orange hat and me in white hat front right.

Third pic - Pete getting acclimatised! nice pic Lisa by the way!

Bottom pic- Me and Heath, picking our way gingerly through the rotted wooden posts of by-gone jetties.

Yep, our second session today saw us enjoy the Marlow reach of the Thames under a starlit sky which by itself was probably more beautiful than a blue-sky morning, only on account of it being so unexpected.

All in all, we were pretty comfy swimming in the dark. Orange or red glowsticks seemed to work best for us in the water to see, the purple one was too dark and the blue one didn't really make an impact. Tied to the backs of our swimmers with the sticks bobbing along the water didn't work. You just can't see them. So half way we switched to having them tucked into the band of our goggles and this worked heaps better. it's like having your own tail-lights! The support team confirmed this was definitely the best way to spot us. We still have green to try I believe. Have heard it is the most aesthetically pleasing colour, like you'd care when you've got it strapped to the back of your head.

Thanks to Jacqui Newell, Pam & Richard Newell and my Lady, Lisa, for their help last night. Notably keeping us out of the path of a boat.

Twice.

So, the week's run in. Pete's off to the Scilly Isles for a week, going to be in contact with the Captain on a daily basis from Tuesday 26 August. Chris is off to Paris for a long weekend, back Tuesday I believe. Heath & I will be in the river, tapering this week and watching what we eat and drink (maybe!). Keep an eye on the weather in the channel. Low winds are good. High winds are bad. Looks like we may be going some time over the weekend if the long range forecast holds true.

Happy trails!