ICE MILE SWIM - TREETON DYKE

 

ICE MILE SWIM - TREETON DYKE

Well the colder months are upon us and the water temperatures are falling, most triathletes have returned to the pool to start winter training, bears are hibernating the leaves are off of the trees and the frost keeps paying us a visit, some places in the UK have even seen snow.

For us all year round open water swimmers, new adventures open up to us during the winter months. Most of the other lake users have long since packed up and returned to the depths of warmth that they are accustomed to in the pool. For those of us that are left we have watch the heat dissipate, the weeds return to the bottom and the waters become clearer. Cold water swimming is not for everyone but it is increasing in popularity with many trying to stay in the open water for as long as their bodies can tolerate the sting of the cold on the skin.

For some its an exhilarating experience, the first time in, the water feels at best like you have rolled in stinging nettles, the breathing sharpens and becomes rapid, but once you get used to this and learn to deal with it, the experience is addictive. There is a growing awareness of how much the human body can tolerate and there are some that want to experience this thrill.

Three intrepid swimmers have been training for an ICE MILE, yes you read that right, an ice mile. Following the rules as laid out by the International Ice Swimming Association ( http://www.internationaliceswimming.com/) they have been permitted to wear one pair of brief shorts, one set of goggles and one swim cap...for many the mere thought of swimming without neoprene sends them shivering for more layers but for these swimmers its part of the challenge. As the temperatures have dropped the amount of noise made when entering the water has risen, its not for the faint hearted. But they have risen to the challenge, slowing immersing themselves, getting their breathing under control and then swimming, increasing the distance and the time spent in the water each time.

Until one cold but sunny mid morning on the 30th November 2013, the three gathered by the side of Treeton Dyke, having set out the equipment as needed, and with a team ready to witness and to support them, they took the first tentative steps towards the water. The ice mile attempt was due to start. The water temperature had been measured using 4 different devises, the coldest temperature read 3.8, it was enough to make you shiver just looking at it. But the atmosphere despite the seriousness of the attempt was jovial, the two kayaker's Jessica Zeun and Joe Davis, were in the water ready and waiting and on the swimmers signal the attempt would start. Now as much as you would think that having three swimmers in the water the logical thing to do would be to try to race each other and so in turn you would keep yourself warm, in fact this tends to sap your energy leaving you nothing in reserve for when you need it in the swim. However, there can be comfort knowing that you are not alone in the water, that there are others that know how you are feeling and what you are going through.

The swimmers knew the route, the kayaker's were ready to support, witnesses and first aiders were dotted along the shore ready to view and help if necessary. Cameras were ready to record the attempt and binoculars were in use by those at the start/ finish line. A deep breath by Alistair Beattie and he was in and off, James Brown and Leon Fryer soon following suit, even from the shore line the water did not look warm, but for those of us used to cold water swimming it did look inviting.  The urge to get in and have a dip was immense but we were there to observe and record and once the swimmers exited the waters ensure their safe warming.

The swimmers being guided by the kayakers weaved their way across the dyke, their skin which once appeared as everyone else's, was now taking on a rather pink glow, the stroke after stroke they took heading towards the other side, Alison Darley the second official observer waiting to witness, observe and report via the walkie talkie to Pauline Squire, Coach, Lead Observer and Safety officer, so should any swimmer get into difficulty then the swim would be halted and all swimmers removed from the water. Conditions were good and what little warmth the sun afforded was welcomed.

However the swimmers in the water had no time to enjoy the rays, the continued envelopment in the cold water was sapping them fast of their body heat, there was little time for pausing to look around and enjoy the setting or the many wildfowl on the lake who appeared rather bemused the sudden additions to their aquatic setting. The distance had previously been gps'ed and one of the swimmers had a Garmin 910tx on to record the distance (and his swim), a mile ....its not that far is it....well in these temperature one mile can seem like a thousand.

Having coached the swimmers knew their form and we were now counting the stoke rate over a measured time to see for slowing down, there was little or no current to interfere with their swim, but the biting icy wind was no fun for spectator or swimmer

 

The first lap appeared to be done with ease, but then the turning point, the cheers of the supporter and witnesses appeared to go unheard as each swimmer headed towards the start line and turned, the distance ahead of them unfathomable as with cold leaden arms they started out again. For any of you who have completed laps in a race you will know how much mental strength is required to start the second lap, to not drop your stroke rate, to resist the urge to get out, for these 3 swimmers the urge must have be almost overwhelming. Their skin was now screaming as the blood required to protect their core was being pulled from all areas, lines where veins should have been visual now appeared white as if drained by the lake.

The breathing now laboured as they headed again towards the furthest point of their journey, it was time to ensure the camp was ready for their exit. The fire pit lit, and the warm it offered much welcome. Flasks of warm drinks placed by each swimmers chair with spares ready just in case, hot water bottles, heat pads were in their boxes ready for use and clothing laid out in order it would be put on. Blankets, towels, sleeping bags and foil wraps ready to be used, all we needed now were our swimmers.

The walkie talkie flared into life to let us know that Alistair had made his final turn and was heading back, his pace now slowing. James and Leon hot (or not so hot as the temperature told us) on his heels. Goggles fogging, but hands which now felt too thick and spongy to adjust them, legs that burned but were useless and thus just dangles and created drag. All the swimmers were tiring, it was painful to see, they were on the homeward straight but still had yet to make land.




With all three heading to the finish us observers and witnesses stood waiting, now was the dangerous part of the swim, the body tiring, the brain barely registering the route required, the mouth so frozen that words could not be formulated. Limbs now feeling like dead weights, it was a painful process to cover the last 500 meters. All three stopping several times, Alistair stated afterwards that he became so cold that he failed to turn to inhale and only became aware of it when he tried to do so under the water, the shock of which spurred him to the finish. Arms moving slower and ever slower, but glowing the most violent red colour, they made their way to the finish.

Alistair approaching first, again oblivious to our shouts and encouragement, he made his way to shallower waters, the first attempt to stand revealed legs that refused to obey, staggering to land, the rules had to be followed, he had to exit the water unaided. Yes he's done it, although I fear he did not hear our cheers, quickly he was grabbed and wrapped in towels and a Dryrobe and virtually dragged to the allotted chair. The crew set about warming him up, drying, rubbing, removing wet shorts, wrapping and bounding him in as many layers as possible, while he complied with our ministrations virtually mute through the effects of the cold.

No time to waste the other two were heading in, Leon first then slightly behind him James. Leon standing and laughing, seemingly unaware that he needed to get out of the water, again this he managed on his own only to be grabbed once upright, wrapped and bustled towards sleeping bags and warmth.

James, next, standing then wrapped and pushed towards the awaiting crew.

 

Once all three where seated it was clear that other than the occasional groan their silence spoke of the condition they were in, never has a team worked so cohesively to ensure the safety of their swimmers, to protect their core and start the slow process of warming them up. A minimum of 3 people with each swimmer at any time, whilst one was drying another was dressing, and the third giving much needed warm drinks...it did however take almost a whole flask for Alistair to come round enough to query what was being fed to him, a quick sniff of the flasks contents revealed it to be Bovril....a rather confused looking Alistair then declared 'but I don't like Bovril', later he explained to his head he thought he had been drinking hot chocolate and that there must have been too much in the mixture. It goes to show how the cold can affect all the senses, with each swimmer obeying commands to ' lift a leg, give me a foot, for drying; put your arm in here as we manhandled clothing on them in what can only be described as, not the gentlest of ways. However our need to get them dry and warm far out weighed the need to treat them with kid gloves. Aaron acting as runner, refilling supplies and bringing food.



Dressed and shivering badly the swimmers gradually became aware of their surroundings, it was time to feed them and get them moving around, the chatter that they had been unaware of before they started joining in, the banter between the swimmers continued just as it had been before they entered the water. The skin returning slowly to its regular colour, heart beats stabilising to a nice calm thump. The smiles, which a short while before had been unobtainable such were depth of cold in the lips, were now starting to form, and wow did they stretch...did we do it they asked....YES, YES, YES. Hand shakes and congratulations all round as each swimmer acknowledged the feat they had just performed.

Later that evening the data was collated. And within 48 hours it was on its way to Ram Barkai to moderate. Now the anxious wait, would the swim be accepted by the association. With another 48 hours it was confirmed, these three swimmers were now on the ice mile wall of fame, numbers 63 (James), 64 (Leon) and 65 (Alistair).  There have been more successful attempts at Everest than have managed the ice mile swim. The full record of their achievement can be seen at http://www.internationaliceswimming.com/.  To witness it was incredible, history in the making, to have taken part was a feat in human endurance and immense mental strength. Would they do it again....well there is a whisper they may!!!! So if you see three swimmers turning up to a lake near you wearing red jacket, yes its them...they earned them and will wear them with pride, UK ICE MILE SWIMMERS were created that day!!!

 

CONGRATULATIONS ICE MILE SWIMMERS!!!!!

Who was there, well we can't leave them out without them it would not have been the same so here is the list, in no particular order:

Arron Fryer, Gemma Sherman, Jessica Zaun, Ian Pinchbeck, Pauline Squire, Alison Darley, David Brown, Jane Crosby, Becky Crosby, Shelby Donoghue, Sarah Gatland, Joe Davis, Jay Stocks, Jonny Ingall. Thank you to you all, without you it would not have been possible

THE GILLS ARE DRYING OUT - A THANK YOU!

THE GILLS ARE DRYING OUT

How do you say thank you to so many  people for all their support and kind words, individually it would take me forever and so i turn to my blog to tell you all how much i appreciate it.

Unexpected events on the 31st Ocober 2013 have temporarily put this fish out of the water (its definitely not through choice!).  A car accident totalled my car and injured myself and my passenger Larissa. It was not how we saw our day panning out, one minute driving along quite happily then next surrounded by the emergency services and in dire need of their help.

Cut out of the car (it doesn't look good as a soft top!) and air lifted to James Cooke hospital, and the super fast treatment and subsequent after-care mean that i and Larissa are here to tell the tale (not that we plan to tell any tales) but also to say thank you to you all for the amazing messages on Facebook, text and inbox and email that have been sent.

At times they were coming in faster than i could read them (the drugs did not help the eyesight either). The humour made me giggle and really lifted my spirits and helped me retain my humour and for that i am eternally grateful. The kindness of the words are truly felt and show just how completely amazing my family, friends and the world of swimming (be it in a pool, lake, river or ocean) are. You are all amazing people and i can not express fully or in its entirety how much your support and messages have meant to me.

Apparently part of my recovery is swimming....even the doctors are fab on that point, so expect to see me back in the water as soon as i can get to it. The fish will wet her gills as soon as she can xx

YOU ARE ALL AMAZING AND I THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART

THANK YOU!!!!!!

BASKING SHARK SWIM DAY 2

The next day after and evening of merriment and a couple of glasses of the red stuff it was time to get ready and head out onto the boat. New adventures awaited us today but what would they be!

The weather was cooler to start off with, cloudy and although there appeared not to be much wind, what wind there was, was playing with the water...time to test the sea legs i think. Lets hope it would calm down fast!! Again Cameron with that knowing smile stated that it would and that yes my sea legs would find themselves again....after the previous nights activities (stickley poetry reading and light refreshments...or was that lobster and red wine...!!) i was more worried about the sea belly. Time would tell!

Heading out of the safety of the harbour the waters appeared to increase in its rocking and rolling. all our eyes scanning the waters constantly for the big black fin that we had been promised...would the shark reveal itself to us today. The waves hitting the boat at times felt like they would break it, but Cameron had everything under control in that department, the swell of the water against the horizon played with the eyes, ears and brain and soon a few were looking a little green around the gills. Would we really be able to spot anything in the water as it was! We had learned our lessons from the day before and all of us were kitted up and ready to go...was it a premonition of what was to come? 

 

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D7P_nIQYFuUI%26feature%3Dyoutu.be&h=TAQFGE4wY

 

Learning to stay steady on a boat that is rocking is similar to patting your head and rubbing your belly (yep you are all having a go now aren't you!), the motion of the boat, the swell of the waves, the visual impact of the shoreline and waves....oh yes the stomach was doing flips!!!! Thankfully i was not the only one and slowly we all took on a green hue.

Picture taken by Jamie Openshaw

Cameron's shouts from the front of the boat soon distracted us, a pod of around 50 common dolphins were heading straight for the boat. These amazing creatures had the whole of the ocean to play in but they were choosing to come to us and show us their acrobatics. It was stunning to watch, this time we had time to grab the cameras and our wits and start snapping...and videoing. I think you can hear by our squeals how amazing it was. Like a wave they parted and surrounded the boat as the passed, literally within touching distance. Their speed and agility is awesome, pure power in the water as will be able to see from the link - 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8o1lw0J8-9s&feature=em-upload_owner

These aquatic creatures, came and went in the blink of an eye, they were intent on their own play and boy were they playing, if only i could swim like them...even just for an hour, complete heaven. Then all of a sudden it was in the distance...a fin...the burbling s of the previous day were gone...the sightings of birds, seals etc that had us thinking they were sharks and which left us spluttering words had left us, this time the words came straight out...SHARK...oh yes it definitely was a large black fin, slowly moving through the waves. Wow, all breath suddenly left my body, a huge adrenalin spike kicked in and sliced through every part of me, these magnificent creatures where here in the water, and now all there was for us to do was join them! Whilst we were hastily getting the remainder of our kit on Shane kept an eye on where this magnificent creature was heading. It was a juvenile, but still a stunning size and appeared to be happily feeding on the plankton in the water. 

The first group enter the water, us in the second group stood in anticipation of the forthcoming event. For such large creatures they are very sensitive, the rules to not touch are firm, the creatures themselves, despite their size are very sensitive to what is happening in the water around or near them, this was proved as they headed towards the first group of swimmers, making a direct path through the waves, then at the last minute and with a flick of the tail heading off in a different direction. The speed that they can obtain with one tail movement is incredible and the flexibility in such a large body is stunning to see, and they make it all look effortless in the process. 

The shark seemingly not bothered by us and our adventures and will a few swishes of its tail soon out swam us, the heart by this point was pounding, what an amazing experience. The fins on the surface look large but the creature beneath the surface expels all thoughts that may enter your head. And all of this of our own coastal waters and available now for us to go and see. 

With shark gone from view (and quite how they can do that is a mystery, we tracked its passage for what seemed an eternity for it to dive and not return), the boat and it grinning passengers headed off to the other side of Coll and to calmer waters. The bays around Scotland are quite incredible with large impending boulders created with the most stunning colours but most impressive are the inlets with incredible white sands and crystal clear waters, a swimmers (and divers) dream. 

Time to head back home, what an amazing trip and well worth the travelling for. Never had i thought that i would see and experience so  much in two days. A quick trip into Tobermory for fish and chips (well it would be rude not to! The famous Tobermory cat welcoming us in with a flick of his tail before wandering off when he realised that we weren't sharing.

Food consumed and a wander round the shops and it was back on the boat, i am not sure what the locals thought of several of us who were still dressed in our wetsuits and had only thrown a coat over the top, there seemed little point in getting changed when i had planned to take Shane up on his promise of a last swim. And look at the waters he provided, breathtakingly beautiful and too good a spot for me to miss out on a last dip before heading home. Even Gemma could not resist getting in, a mum and daughter moment as the other chose to remain on the boat.

Dried and dressed with hot drinks in hand it was a slow meander back to Oban, sea eagle on rock watching our tail wave and the skies behind us closing in on what had been a glorious two days.

I was very lucky in that Shane managed to get some video footage of my trip and the link is here for you all too see - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTc9F73DeBk&feature=youtu.

Do i plan to go again.....YES. 2014 the trips will be made and more places explored and swam in. How do you book, well contact them via facebook - Basking Shark Scotland or their web page - http://baskingsharkscotland.co.uk/

ONE VERY HAPPY SWIMMER - 

GUEST BLOG - SPORTS DIRECT author Chelsea Potter

What to wear to open water swimming events and how to get warm quickly after

As the cold water season approaches, I thought now would be as good a time as ever to go through the proper attire for open water swimming events and perhaps more important, how to get warm quickly after.

Firstly lets talk about wetsuits. Many people avoid these as they believe they constrict their movements. However this couldn’t be further from the truth. Wetsuits help to keep you warm which is extremely useful for open water swimming events, as  they help you float better and reduce drag so you can swim faster. When choosing your wetsuit, ensure it is snug but not too tight. You need it to fit well so it doesn’t let water in but you don’t want it restricting you. Ensure you test it out in the water before any big event to avoid limitations.

People struggle with open water events mainly due to the cold. There are numerous ways around this and wetsuits are only one option. You can buy boots, socks and gloves and these are really useful. If you think about your hands and feet being in and out of the water constantly, inevitably it can be a shock to the body but gloves and boots help reduce this and provide extra warmth. If these are something you may be interested in, look out for neoprene materials as this has been tried and tested to prove it's the best.

Other accessories that may be of benefit this season include hats, goggles and ear plugs. Ensure hats and plugs are made out of silicone as this again is best suited for its purpose. Ear plugs are great preventing ear infections. When looking to purchase goggles, make sure they fit your face properly and are comfortable. You can buy tinted goggles for sunny days but at this time of year, opt for clear or yellow glasses.

All this is good while in you’re in the water but when you get out, how do you get warm quickly? One of the most common tips that people focus their attention on is foil blankets. These are great to throw on as soon as you leave the water. At this point it is also vital to have something to eat, albeit a sports bar or a sandwich. Food will create more energy and in turn keep you warm so eating soon after an event is important. Hot drinks are also great for keeping your hands warm and maintaining core body temperatures.

It can take up to ten minutes for your body to adjust to the conditions so the sooner you can get dry and put on comfortable layers, the better for you. After you are dry and have on your tracksuit, grab some hand warmers. The gel hand warmers are small and easy to carry but they warm up so quickly to suit your needs. They are great for swimming events.

One tip that is not as recognised but is equally as great is as soon as you leave the water, go for a run. It is a great way to generate some heat while adapting to the dry conditions and also acts as a cool down.

All these tips are great and are tried and tested to work but try them all and see what works best for you. For more tips and everything you could need for swimming events, take a look at http://www.sportsdirect.com/pages/swimming?utm_source=blog+post&utm_medium=seo&utm_campaign=swimming+attire+and+warmth

SHARKS AND SWIMMING Day 1

Have you ever won anything...me neither...until this year, first i win an Orca bag...which is wonderful (and ensured that i bought more goodies to fill it with!!) and then i won a trip to Scotland...and not just any trip, a trip to swim with the wildlife that is currently migrating through its wonderful waters.

Basking Shark Scotland (http://baskingsharkscotland.co.uk/) selected my name out of the hat and with a bit of juggling of my schedule i was able to accept. Like a child at christmas i was bouncing at the mere thought of swimming with basking sharks. I am sure i drove everyone i know and all of my students mad with my chatter about how much i was looking forward to the trip.

me swimming in the secret cove!!

Staying with my friend Chris Sifleet on the Thursday night meant that the journey was relatively pain free to Oban the following day. Arriving at the waters edge a rushed auburn headed female came rushing out of her car. Were we on the same trip, were we parked in the right place, was that our boat she could see....a volley of questions shot ourway, i could  not help but giggle. Walking down the the semi-inflatable boat we were met by the grinning Shane and his boat skipper Cameron. Yes we were in the right place, we rushed to get our kit (we bought FAR too much), then to park the cars in a long stay car park. After this a chance to meet our fellow travellers, Jamie Openshaw, Achim and his wonderful wife Danielle, myself and my daughter Gemma. A nice sized group.

Availing ourselves of the lush seats, Cameron started the engine and we were off, the waters relatively choppy to start off with (so glad i had not eaten breakfast!), the skies...well if we could have seen them through the mist i would have told you what they looked like. Shane, every positive informed us that the mist would clear shortly and commended his safety brief and had us intrepid travellers complete the relevant paperwork. That done we were free to move about the boat at will...seriously...i did not know if i had sea legs and if i did at that point they did not belong to me.

Bouncing out of the harbour, Cameron, reassured me that the stomach acrobats that i was experiencing would lesson and disappear as i got used to the motion of the boat - he was right, and thankfully it did. We had not long alighted the harbour area and the sea suddenly calmed at little, the boat no longer seemed to slam against each wave and instead appeared to slice its way through the green waters.  All of us alert to 'what we might see', although we were hoping to see basking sharks, we were informed that there was all manner of wildlife that we 'might' be able to see. The skies cleared to what was to turn out to be a wonderfully sunny day!

And so the waiting commenced - but not for long, slowing the boat in a wonderful little bay, all eyes were on the water looking for the elusive fin of the basking shark....now in a picture they look easy to spot...on a boat with moving water....that is not so easy. Seals curious to our presence bobbed up left, right and centre, confused no doubt by our groans at their appearance, anxious to spot the first fin in the water. And then there it was Achim had spotted it, a fin breaking the water, the fin of a minke whale, in fact we saw 4 of them moving at speed to the left of the boat. For all that the fin appears small (not sure what size i thought it would be) in comparison to the body the body is large. As fast as they arrived they drifted on in their journey of the waters. And breath....the fish were in the water....we had seen them!

Moving on the boat steadied at the helm (nautical terminology probably not being used correctly, i am sure that Cameron will correct me!), we headed on to the 'secret bay', oh and long may it remain a secret, it would have be such a shame to have turned up to find it full of people! Stunning white sand, crystal clear water, wow, it was breathtaking. I had my swimming costume on...it had to be done, adding a vest over the top to take the bite of the 9 degree water away, goggles on hat on, and there was no stopping me. Shane bless him had swam out in his dry suit to get some pics of the boat in the water, and i was lucky enough that he managed to get a snap of me swimming (see first pic). My daughter Gemma, remained on the boat as did the others while i swam so i literally had the waters to myself - heaven.

The crisp bite of the water had for the time being satisfied the urge to swim. Danielle was astounded that i had got in, touching my skin which was warm to the touch, she claimed me 'not human' and proceeded to look at me with her mouth open for a few minutes as she donned her many layers ready to put on her dry suit. We ended up laughing at her mass of clothing and my lack of!

Our overnight destination was the Isle of Coll which is 4 miles north of the Isle of Mull, housing around 200 people, its a small island 14 miles long and 4 miles wide....a jewel in the water so to speak. Heading around to one side of the island we were met enroute by a large pod of porpoises, graceful in their actions but totally focused on the task in hand, barely registering our presence. But none the less wonderful to see.

With Cameron at the helm (another nautical word....gosh i must be getting good at this) spotting for wildlife, Shane dishing out copious amounts of hot drinks and homemade goodies created by his wife (Nikki)....a very fine baker i will add...the fudge is not to be missed! I 'stole' / borrowed Shanes seat at the front of the boat, a great place for creature spotting. The other travellers having grown accustomed to the swell of the water were enjoying the views from either their seats or the back of the boat, the atmosphere relaxed and very friendly. The chatter flowing as we got to know one and other. It was a great group to be a part of.

Pretty soon the shout went out again...were we really this lucky...dolphins. Five of them off in the distance and heading the same direction as us. 3 of them broke off and headed to the boat, at a guess we could have said mum, dad and youngster. Wow, they were getting closer..and closer and then the parents appeared to hang back, the little one came within touching distance raised his head and clattered at us. A boat full of adults instantly forgot to hit the video button, we simply and collectively said wow.... for what seemed eternity but was probably only seconds he chatted away to us as if inviting us in to play, we stood spell bound at such an amazing encounter with the wildlife so close up and personal. It was truly magical and makes my heart swell just recalling the memory.

 With a final dip of his head, he made a graceful turn and returned to his parents. You could have heard a pin drop on the boat, we were simply stunned into silence. Then the grins started, the day was simply turning out to be amazing!

Watching the dolphins ride off into the depths of the water one has to marvel how in that great vast body of water they managed to find us it really is difficult to fathom. It really is the ultimate feeling to see such creatures in their natural environment and for them to 'want' to interact with you, my only regret was not getting in the water with them but it was such an overpowering experience for them to come to us that it never crossed my mind at the time. 

Fingals cave (swimmable!!!!)

Still on the hunt for basking sharks we follow the landscape round, much of it having been exposed by the weather and water displaying the most wonderful of colours, shapes and sizes.  The beaches could have been set in some of the most tropical places in the world, pure white sands and crystal clear waters, its a swimmers heaven. Shanes policy of 'if you see somewhere you want to swim let me know' is a master stroke in the open water swim world! His second policy is that if you are in the water so is he, brilliant for those less confidence in the sea to have someone so experienced along side them, of course he has his camera with him at all times...taking pictures of you taking pictures with your camera. (Jamie too managed to get one of me as i clicked away fascinated by the tentacled movements of the lions mane jellyfish!)

The seals were very curious, dancing around us, getting closer and closer, one pup did seem very happy to get within a couple of feet of us before bouncing out of view under the water without so much of a ripple in the water, as we looked into the depths, said seal would then hover in the water inviting us to play...the invite i can tell you was taken up and he did leave us a merry dance under the water, making us look like mere amateurs! 

Staying over night in Coll was wonderful too, the building a new build of timber frame design, very modern and peaceful and more then adequate for our requirements, boys in one room, girls in another, a fantastically large kitchen/dining area with a great sized lounging space too. 

We ate at the local Coll Hotel offering lobster at the best prices that i could not resist having one! And before you ask....no i did not share it!

Day two...of what an adventure...read it soon...its being written as you are reading this....the first day of such an amazing trip...words simply can not explain how magical and totally breathtaking it is to see the wildlife in front of you, interacting with you. Its not just a once in a lifetime experience with this company you can experience it year after year!!