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Writer's pictureCathie Rooyen

Spring swims in

Friday 1st September 2023


Waking up to Spring day messages from South Africa, made me have a pang of missing the newness of the dry dusty bursts of everything. Blossoms, smells, birds chirping... it's a particularly happy feeling for me. So I was imagining all of this when my sister in law asked if I wanted to join her while she goes cold water swimming in the Clyde. What a perfect solution for the first day of the season.


When I was at school, the public swimming pools in South Africa would close for the winter and officially open today. The weather could be either artic or heatwave but we'd be there with our coins to pay to get in and the bravest of braves would be the first to jump in the water. Let me emphasise, that it wasn't me, haha. Although we'd all be in the chilly water soon enough and be ready to spend the summer in our 'cozzies'.


My sister in law, Pauline, has been cold water swimming since last year and I truly admire her courage. I do breakdancing in the shower when the cold water spraying me accidently so I'm a long way away from being a Wim Hoff disciple, haha.


The drive to the sandy beach in Lunderston Bay was rather long but scenic. By the time got there the sun was shining it was simply gorgeous. The ladies readied themselves and got in and I watched some happy dogs play fetch and soaked in the Vitamin D.


After their 15 minutes in the water, we sat in the sun and had peppermint tea and cakes. Just as the last cuppa was poured the thick cloud blocked out the rays. Perfect timing.

Perfect 1st Spring/Autumn day.




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