Benderloch and swimming

When we went to Oban, we actually stayed 30 mins drive outside Oban in a tiny place called Benderlock. We were in a little cottage, 5 mins walk from an amazing beach where I convinced dad to go for a couple of swims. And I think he might be a convert to cold water swimming. Thought in a settling like this it is not hard.

 

Birthday Swim

This was in February. I took the day off on my birthday and went for a swim. 

Wild water swimming

Over the summer I started wild water swimming (or sometimes called cold water swimming because it really is). So far I have carried it on and hope to continue though I didn't go in the snow so not sure how I will manage that one.

But I did go in the fog. That was interesting.

There is sea there. Somewhere

And I have also been when it was really cold in December. It doesn't look like it as the weather looks lovely but it was super cold. And the water was really rough and mucky so not too pleasant. We were all freezing and filthy when we got out. I don't like it when it is too rough; I like to have some control how quickly I get cold!

I enjoy it though not so much at the time. I have a new dry robe for Christmas (this one was my dads) so I should be ready for the rest of the winter!
 

Nairn

A few weeks ago, I went with mom and dad on another Scottish road-trip. This time we went up to Nairn, near Inverness, then to Aviemore, and finally down to Tummel Bridge near Pitchory.  

We had to slightly change our plans due to the Queen's funeral, which we all wanted to watch so set off late on the Monday. The funeral was so sad but glad I watched it.

We took the scenic route up up instead of the main roads. It took longer but was well worth it. The route was straight through the Cairngorm mountains. It was only when we got to the top of the pass we realised how fair we had climbed (though it is called the snow pass so that should have been a clue). So stopped to a snack to admire the view.

We were staying in Nairn, outside Inverness. It is a lovely little place with the most amazing beach. On our first day there, we just had a wondered around town and dinner at the harbor. The weather was still warm enough at this point to eat outside. 

I have recently started wild water swimming so while away I convinced Dad to try it. I have gloves and socks/boots but am holding out with just a swimsuit otherwise. (I didn't realise Dad's top was fleece lined which is a little unfair.)

The water was cold but not too bad. I am hoping to continue this through the winter but I am making no promises. 

Nairn's tropical beach

We're in!

Cold but having fun.

We managed this a couple of times in the north sea while we were away. I think dad is a convert. :) We were hoping to get a loch in as well but didn't manage it. Next time. 

Boat trip

On the last day of our trip, we went on a boat trip on a catamaran up the coast in the afternoon. In the morning, we headed to the beach (Caroline joined me) for a swim and another sneaky Pain au Chocolate. Totally the way to spend a morning. The weather was amazing on our last day. (I didn't check the temperature until the evening but at 5pm it was 28C.)

We got picked up a noon (by a very rude driver) and dropped off in Cambrils to catch the boat.

Heading out

We stopped near the lighthouse at Salou and dropped anchor. There was time for a swim (clear but nothing to see) and some food and drinks before heading back. It was free drinks up trips but surprisingly no one got (obviously) drunk.

On the way back we moved to the nets at the front of the boat. It was a much better view.

I really didn't want to leave the sea so when we got dropped back off at our hotel, I headed to beach while Caroline went to the apartment to relax. The beach was again empty so I had no problems getting some sun beds (Caroline joined me later). I meant to use my water-proof camera on the boat but forgot so took it for a swim later.

And then spent time lying in the sun. It was so nice and warm. (I am missing the warmth already.)

On our last evening, we went straight to dinner form the beach (we got kicked off the sun beds). 

The trip back was full of people coughing and sneezing. Which is why it has taken me so long to up date the blog. I hate colds! But it was worth it. Can't wait until next years.

Centre Parcs - day 1

Last weekend I went to Centre Parcs in Milton Keynes to meet up with Matt, El and Clare for the weekend. On the Friday this involved a 10 hr trip, including 4 trains to get there. The others had spent all day at work so Friday night we eat and crashed. Well, El had had coffee so we had to go for a walk first to calm El down a bit.

The weather was good again and we hired a pedillo on the lake as Clare and El had always wanted to go on one. Matt and Clare decided to pedal - El and I didn't protest.

On the lake.

Enjoying the exercise.

Enjoying the ride.

El and I directed and we spent some time chasing ducks. And there were baby ducks!

Ducks ahoy!

Ignoring us.

Baby!

Having a nice bath

The lake and beach

All on the beach

In the afternoon we went to the pool - I forgot to pack my waterproof camera. I was not a fan of one of the rides though. The others went on again a few times but I decided to chill out in the wave pool and lazy river - much more my speed. I did really like  rapids, though I did feel bad about wiping out 4 small children and an older couple. Oops! I had no control over my direction. 

We brought logs for the fire place. Matt may have set more on fire than needed - we ended up with a lot of smoke. We also brought dipping chocolate, strawberries and marshmallows for desert! 

Fire!

Desert

And I did my first french braid in Clare's hair. I was very proud of my first effort.

First french braid.