WASTWATER MELUSINE

WASTWATER MELUSINE

(http://faeriesight.wordpress.com/2010/08/15/nixie-melusine/)

Its a long way to go for a short swim..but what a short swim, in the most incredible surroundings in the beautifully glacial waters of Wastwater. I have swam there several times this year but not in the winter. My friend Vanessa and I are training for a winter swim event and fancied somewhere different to train and so on a damp, wet and slightly windy day we set off.

The scenery changes throughout our travels, the greenery of the lake district transforming to an almost moon landscape view as the lay of land changes as each mile passes. A few hours later ( which seemed to fly by in the beauty of Vanessa's vehicle with its heated seats...how lovely!) And there in front of us in the blink of an eye was the hostel and also the 3 mile expanse of water, enshrouded by fog which glowed almost luminescent in its appearance. This all set in the back drop of the screes  which loomed far beyond the cloud covering it, but all the while displaying its glorious winter coat of bronze, red, brown and grey.

Chatting to the hostel manager, he was apologetic but today of all days we could not make use of the facilities, there was a gentlemen's only weekend occurring and no female may enter the premises...not even to pee! However he was happy for us to park and swim. Dam i really wanted Vanessa to see the splendor of the building and was rather relishing the prospect of sitting on the plump chesterfield sofas next to the roaring open fires! No loss, it just means we will have to return!

Walking briskly to find a bush...any bush to pee behind, we walked along the shoreline, the water appeared (and indeed was) clearer than when we swam there in the summer. The cloudy skies not diminishing the waters clarity, the myriad of coloured stones or the depth waiting us. Having been there before its splendor is not lost on my however watching Ness's reaction was great, the look on her face said it all, we were swimming regardless.  This was a woman who was a peace, her contentment evident even to the observers eye, had we not been there to swim i suspect that she would have be content to just sit with her thoughts and watch her surroundings change with the minutes of the day in front of her. Walkers attempting to get past the worst of the screed area appeared like tiny coloured dots in the distance, thankfully as we fumbled with the many layers we had on to release our bursting bladders, lets hope none of them had binoculars!. Toiletries done it was time to head back to the car to get our kit and find our entry point to the water.

Stripped of the warmth of our clothing it was photo time, Ness clearly looking every inch the water nymph!

Although it does not look it we were behind a rather large rhododendron bush, however, i am not sure that it gave us the cloak of invisibility that we desired. But giggling we inched ourselves closer to the waters edge before removing the last vestibule of warm and dipping our feet into the frigid waters. Instantly numb! Did we really have to submerge the rest of ourselves..well we would have looked daft standing ankle deep in water completely naked with just hats and goggles on!!!

Wow that is icy, Ness in first with me following....did you know that if you pee and you dont have a wetsuit on.....there is no warmth to be had! I found that out just as the water hit the belly button! Right go for it, breath out and plunge in, holy smoly that is cold, the coldest so far sans suit, no tingling, no pain, just a slight breathlessness which dissipated rapidly and complete numbness.

Me trialing the new goggles for winter swimming...sexy....maybe not with Ness next to me looking as if she is in the Bahamas! But i will say the goggles did not fog as i had found with the smaller ones i had been using all year so jobs a good one as they say, note to self larger goggles for winter swimming!

Swimming where ever we felt, it was hard to know where to look.....and no not because we were naked but because of the stunning view under the water and the outstanding scenery whenever we raised our head. Cold water swimming in wastwater, what can beat it!

Oh if only the sun was shining, but the fog lent its own brand of enigma to the swim.

You can see from this picture how low the cloud was in places!!!

Swimming along, simply just enjoying the pleasure of swimming and even more the pleasure of swimming unhindered by any form or material, bliss.

We turned at the same time....oh no, the walkers we had seen the other side of the lake...had arrived and were clearly astonished at the sight before them. Swimmers...how unusual...but these were naked and pretty soon their friendly chat of 'wow is it chilly' became looks of shock as Ness stated the waters clarity...they looked the eyes bulged and female of the party tugged her partner rapidly away from us!! I wonder why! Had they never seen water sirens before, did she feel we would woo him to the depths of a watery oblivion!!  

The bodies chilled to the point where the core was getting cold it was time to get out, now getting out should be easy......but we had completely numb bodies and even worse feel, it was like trying to stand on marbles, but we managed it giggling the whole time. Dignity completely thrown to the wind, the gentlemen's meetings be cast aside, we needed to get dressed and fast. Superman could not have completed said task faster! Rushing up the hill to the car to deposit our kit, it was a quick drink then start walking, the cold was seeping in fast, we could literally feel it making its journey around our bodies.

If you have not experienced it, it can feel VERY strange, you can not replicate it out of normal cold water swimming conditions, the blood travels round as normal but the cold is mixing with the warm, we felt it initially at the back of the arms, travelling to the sides of our bodies and into our backs, then down to the kidneys into the chest then stomach.....very strange  but we kept moving and before long this lessened and the warmth of the million layers we had on started to work their magic.....and a sign that things are returning back to normal....the bladder...it needed emptying. Toiletries done, it was time for warm drinks and a few nuts and raisins then more warming to prevent secondary chills setting in. Before long we were toasty warm.

Walking round a totally silent lake (the other walkers long since disappeared into the fog) it was an astonishing sight to behold.....and we had just swam in it...not dipped....swam! We stood in awe grinning and who wouldn't, we were both reluctant to leave, it was magical...we will return.

It truly was an amazing experience, loved every minute of it and it will definitely happen again so if you happen to be in the area and chance across two giggling woman, excuse us if we do not shake your hands, and if we just giggle as we see your reaction, and if you happen to see a bit of flesh!!! We wont be sorry, we loved it!!!! Will we try to tempt you in....you bet, what else would the Nixies of the water world do! (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neck_(water_spirit))

An amazing swim with a like minded swimmer, thank you so much x

TEMPERATURES DROPPING!!!!!

TEMPERATURES DROPPING!!!!!

The training continues, does it get any easier, i will say yes, you learn what to expect, how your body reacts and how to cope with it. Its amazing to swim sans suit (an believe me i love my suit and look at it longingly!), to swim in temperatures where your body numbs, your feet appear to disappear, your hands claw and when you exit the water and are dried and dressed you can actively feel the cold travelling around your body. Its slightly disconcerting and you can seriously scare yourself if you look up said symptoms on the internet, that being said this is extreme swimming and the signs are not to be taken lightly. This cold water is dangerous and although it is fantastic to experience it, what we are doing is not an undertaking done in full jest, we are asking a lot of questions, getting advice AND we are taking it, its a new experience for all of us!

Are there others like us i wonder...well organise and event and see....and so the swim in Windermere on one of the busiest shopping days of the year (last weekend before Christmas) came about. 21st December, arrive at the Langdale Chase Hotel with the view of swimming around 2pm, the weather, raining, overcast, dull, the water temperature between 5 and 6 degrees......and would you believe it people actually turned up!!! Lots of them!!!!! Thomas G Noblett aka the gladiator generously and very kindly permitted us the use of his jetty to swim from, a room to get changed in (carpeted and warm, what a luxury) and the treat of hot scones, tea and coffee in the conservatory afterwards!!! Even if no-one had turned up i would have relished this swim!! 

What a change from changing in a car park or exposing ones nether regions to the passing public as you rapidly get changed by the side of a lake...and why do said people never appear while you are swimming, only at times when you are damp and attempting to put on multiple layers, whilst bouncing on one foot!!! Oh and why do they insist on chatting to you while you do your demented flamingo act on sharp stones!!!! But to get to Windermere even in winter involved getting through the traffic, not normally an issue (well bearable on occasion) but given that i have invited people, organised the swim.....why did i have to be stuck behind the learner driver who was looking for the Beatrix potter museum!!!! Finally arriving at the hotel and just about on time, it was fantastic to see a sign showing where the SWIMMERS CAR PARK was....you see there was a wedding on at the same venue (amazing setting i might add if you are looking for that special place - http://www.langdalechase.co.uk/). Parking up and heading towards our designated changing area, we come across Andrew Tighe, a stanch Newcastle supporter as well as an avid open water swimmer himself, looking rather splendid in his refinery. We felt like we were being welcomed in style, what a brilliant treat!

The grounds and setting are amazing, breath taking and make you want to wander at leisure in crinolines with hound dogs at your ankles! It is a peaceful setting, idyllically placed by the lake, who could want of more. The gladiators play ground was ours for the taking for a few hours, brilliant! 

Getting into the changing area...there are lots of swimmers in various states of undress, the life of the open water swimmer is seldom but this carpeted room was an added bonus, bliss! Introductions made, no person forced or otherwise to enter the water sans suit however, if so inclined you could not want for better company in which to give it a go and indeed some did, others kept the suits on, and i must admit i was hard not to feel a tad envious of their added warmth!

 One and all arrived and all ready to swim, Colin Hill came to  say hello, he is the organiser of the Chill swim (http://www.chillswim.com/the-swim/) and the reason why so many of us were putting ourselves through this unusual form of training, but it was great to see him, his lovely wife and the cutest children ever with us, it was comforting for those who had never swam open water before to be able to get some first hand advice prior to entering the water. 

Clearly some were looking forward to the swim, it was a amazing that swimmers had traveled to be with us on such a date so close to Christmas and its great that they were able to bring so many, Brian Kinsella, Paul Dobson, Ella Dunn, Paul Woodward, Louise Maguire, Hazel Killingbeck  and Ursula Richards-Cains to name a few, it was amazing to meet so many new faces and brilliant that people had traveled to be with us. 

Apparently hugging your nipples will keep you warmer..although i suspect not it might be the strange head attire that makes this picture look odd!!!! The swimmers were getting in, sounding not dissimilar to howler monkeys with their cries as the cold hit areas never previously been exposed to such  temperatures, the laughter was as loud as the shouts! Getting in, the water dropping from the sky considerably warmer than that in which my feet were immersed, it was a strange sensation but not wholly unwanted. One step, two steps three then four breath, no seriously breath, one trick i have learned is to get the breathing out correctly is important, in extreme temperatures you have to force yourself to exhale! Oh the water rises with each step, now do i carry on with my minuscule steps or just go for it...just go for it, the other option to chilly to contemplate! 

Once the bite of the chill had settled the grins were huge, it really is an unusual experience, however one that you get used to after several sans suit swims!

For some the allure of the jump once they had got used to the cold was too much!! But it was great to see people enjoying the water, pictures being taken, the water flat only distorted by the weight of the raindrops and our ripples. Some choosing to splash and dip, others testing their distance, people like Vanessa Christie and myself who reaching the point we had headed for .....heading off for pastures further afar. The setting was magical, the scenery truly stunning, an amazing building offset but the mountains and hill surrounding it what could make the day better....oh yes folks it could get better!!!

We had the promise of a warm conservatory and freshly baked scones.....who could resist, it had to happen at some point although we all appear reluctant to get out of the water, driven out by the chill it was a dash to the carpeted area (did i tell you we felt spoilt!) to get into our multiple layers. Leaving our kit in said room we headed to the warmed of the glass filled room, complete with Christmas tree, warm scones and tea and coffee, the water below not even echoing a ripple of our efforts. 

Everyone dried and dressed we were like a procession of ants heading for the sweet smelling goodies that awaited us, and oh it was worth the swim (after all isn't that why we swim!!) oh the scones went down a treat. Each swimmer loving the feeling of being spoilt rotten after a marvelous dip, it was truly a wonderful experience to be made so welcome at such a busy time of the year and with a wedding to plan for as well!! The staff never missed a beat, remarkable and i do recommend a stay! 

If you have the chance to stay, do so the main Christmas tree, in a majestic room complete with open fire is a dream to behold! Snuggling in our warm clothing with great food it really was hard to leave such a wonderful building, the pennies are being saved so i can spend a night there (swim both days you understand...there is method in my madness!!), just so i can experience its warmth again. 

Swims are made in several ways, the location (tick), the company (tick), the food(tick)....a successful day!!!

Here's to the next one...mid January i hope 2013...can you think of a better way to start the new year!

CHILLY SWIMMING

CHILLY SWIMMING

So what do you do for your next challenge....hum....lets do what people don't expect me to do....winter swimming...yes i know i do that....but WITHOUT A WETSUIT!!!

Yes before you ask i was sober when i made this decision....was i nuts, am i nuts, well that is still to be decided! Yes many people swim sans suit but i am stick thin, skinny, lean, and every other concatenation that you can think of. I have heard them all but i have been this size since i was 18 ish and its never changed! Do i suffer in the cold....more than, i can shiver after a summers swim so what on earth was i getting myself into. A winter swim sans suit! Mentally i am more than strong enough but physically can i do it, i will let you know on the day but in the meantime here are the the tales of the training!!!

What am i training for....http://www.chillswim.com/the-swim/, as the title says its a chilly swim, in lake Windermere at the beginning of February  Am i nuts....i think i might be what what a hoot if i manage to do it! It will be a challenge that although the mind is more than willing the body might let me down! Better get training!

But firstly i can hear you saying WHY, Its a question i am getting asked alot lately, i will attempt to tell you. You have seen the pictures i have posted over various blogs, i am not the biggest, i am getting older (not one comment please!!!....oh go on then one or two!) nor do i appear to be getting wiser. I have always loved a challenge. So many people ask me why dont i do it....because i can shiver in an heatwave!!! Mentally yes i can do it but physically i am not so sure, its not like a speed race or distance where i can hold my own, this is a swim where the body can literally say NO! So there you go the challenge is there, push the body, let the mind do its thing. And secondly inspire others to reach new heights after all if i can do it so can you!

The first swim, December 9th, well how bad can it be i thought, no worse than an ice-cream headache surely!!! Oh please, the picture above shows me smiling....the parts of my body under the water were rapidly going numb, the sensation on my legs as if someone was rolling stinging nettles over them....and this was meant to be fun! Could i be in any more pain (yes but that was to come in later swims). I was deliberately staying put, i could not feel my feet at all, my skin was on fire, the pulse was off the richter scale, the breathing....no where near under control. Seriously do i have to do this, i have peed, its all gone and i do not feel one jot warmer! The looks on other swimmers faces showed i was not alone.  We had some in the neoprene but we were wearing everything else we thought we could get away with from running tights to rash vests!!!.Others made it look easy as they got in but even some with wetsuits on felt the bite of the cold as it seeped through the suits!

But we were in that was the main thing, now to persuade the brain to get the body to enter deeper water. For myself being so 'lean' or 'in need of pies' as some tell me, it was interesting and a little scary to see how the body reacted to the cold waters. From the sensation of numbness then the intense fiery stinging to tingling that was on a scale that can not be describe, you have to experience it to understand the transformation your body goes through as it fights to acclimatise itself to the new experience you're subjecting it to. And aside from the collective tourettes that we suddenly developed we were all still grinning.

Getting out the sun despite the cold air temperature felt warm almost hot on our skin but none of us hung around to feel its affects, a mad dash to the changing rooms to get changed was in order, we where like a gaggle of geese in the noise level we created as we verbally celebrated our success. The first hurdle done, divers who watched actually applauded us!

The next swim would be harder, we knew what to expect, oh boy was i really cut out for this, i and several other shook so badly last time, surly it would be easier this time...please let it be.

The next swim would be mid week, Tony and I meeting up, the night had been more than cold well into the minuses, enough to make me put extra layers in the car, i always have a wetsuit in there and thankfully on this occasion i did, arriving at the lake air temperature -2, the lake was frozen solid! Hum, wet suits definitely on, not because of the water temperatures but because we did not relish the prospect of being cut by the ice. And yes there was lots of ice!!!

BUT we were determined to get in, and in we got and yes it was cold, very cold but we hardly felt that as we fought our way to the designated buoy  and it was hard work. Swimming and breaking the ice as we went, the ice got thicker!!!! The work got harder the grins larger!

It was a magical swim, the sun just about making an appearance through the mist, casting a wonderful glow across the ice, the ducks and other feathers friends standing watching us i am sure they utter the words we have heard so many times before...nutters!

What in theory should have been a painfully cold swim but it was hardly that, the body numb but working hard, it simply was one of the best, the trail of destruction behind us, ice bouncing back up to hit us as we broke it (Tony got a cracking bruise) it was like swimming in a giant slush puppy (a cold drink for those that do not know).

The swim back was easier but how strange to be pushing aside large clumps of ice to enable us to progress, the poor woman on the side looked beside herself with worry but not to worry we were fine, more than fine, it was the greatest of swims! Dashing to the changing rooms to warm up, it was quite strange to see steam coming off of my body as i stripped of the beloved neoprene! Oh where is the coffee and cake!!! We did not stop grinning even as we defrosted, and even as i type this a huge grin on my face!!! It even made the papers!

These things have to be done, they are worth it!!!

The training is going great, the gasps are lessening, the shakes increasing, the grins are beyond huge, come along and watch us if you need a giggle.....! Watch this space for more updates!!

My Limit is 9 degrees!!! - NOT

Breaking the Ice for a Swim.....are we normal!

So how do you celebrate the 12th day of the 12th month 2012....well you go for a swim at 12 noon of course. Well that was the plan, Tony Robson and I agree to meet for a swim. The temperatures the previous evening had been sub 4 degrees, now for some reason that did not compute in my brain about what will happen to the water!!!!

Yes you have guessed it...frozen solid. Should we swim or not, those of you who know my blogs will know that there really is only one answer...its a YES. Of course we will get in. The non wetsuit option went out of the window, we did not want to get cut to bits by the ice, so neoprene it was. And i was glad we did, the bits that bumped and sliced against and around me meant that if we had not i would have been cut and bruised to bits!

Breaking a bit of ice so i could put the watch in (it has a temperature gauge  so we could get a rough idea of what we were getting into, not that it would have stopped us but its interesting to know. 

water temp in the shallows

air temp and this was at 11.15 am!!!

But not swimming was never an option, Tony only started open water swimming later this year but already he is going great guns, had already competed and done some social swims, today however would be a nice challenge for him. This is a man who at every swim with ever decreasing temperatures tells me that 9 degrees is his limit, hes not swimming past that!!!

Even at this time of the day with the sun shining there was not enough warmth to melt the hard frost we had had!

Right decision made it was time to get changed, oh for heated changing rooms!!! I have never got into a wetsuit so fast in my life! Heading towards the jetty the heartbeat started to raise, i love this type of challenge to see if i can do it, to see how the body could cope. I had researched the effects of cold water immersion in sub 0 temperatures and yes we could die. Even with 2 swim hats on i still kept my woolly hat on, i had the feeling we would need as much heat retention as possible!

The caretaker of the lake who clearly thought we were nuts came to watch, so i gave her my camera so she could get some of the pictures of us swimming. Her mouth hanging open as we literally had to punch and pummel the ice to get through it.

Getting in was not the issue it was the breaking of the ice, it started off thin then thickened with every stroke we tried to take.

We were both working really hard to try to make progress through the ice, who thought you could work up a sweat in -.5 degrees of water!!! Watching it all from the bank was Lynn who looks after the lake in the owners absence. I think she was a bit flabbergasted that we had even got in let alone that we were actually going too swim too!.

Having  reached our goal it was time to turn back to the jetty, wow, its quite a strange feeling to have solid (and yes they do hurt!) bits of ice floating around in the water with you, for anyone who does not like 'things touching' you in the water, this was not the swim for it! It was like swimming in a slush puppy! Lynn on the jetty looking rather toasty obligingly taking photos for us, whilst shaking her heads! Time to get out....ah...new lesson to be learned, walking on completely numb feet, now when i say completely numb i mean it, no sensation what so ever! 

A quick change (possibly the fastest i have done in a long time!) and it was flasks out and warm drinks to be drunk. Tony literally grinning from ear to ear. So for a man who says 9 degrees is his limit....breaking the ice sure must top the lot...nope the following week, ice melted...he gets in to join us for a 3.1 degree NON wetsuit swim....where is this mans limit!!!! Watch this space!