Poolside Percy

Chesham Moor Pool I'm on the way back from a gliding lesson in Bicester with GF. I'm still buzzing from Saturday and Sunday's swim, I'm as high as a kite. I've done enough flying. It's time to dip my toes in the finest tropical waters that Buckinghamshire has to offer. My Sweet Lord, I love this place. Pool to ourselves. Swam a delicious mile. We dined on halloumi and salad in the park afterwards then flew back to London for other duties.

Water temp: 12 degrees Sunday morning. Slight to medium sized hangover. GF has gone off to do yoga in a room heated to 40 degrees. I'm about to freeze my nuts off at the Lido. Says it all really. I suggested Finnish style ice swimming followed by a sauna. 'I'll see you in the sauna'. Water is verrrrry cold. Much, much colder than the Men's Pond which is supposed to be 9 degrees. If The Lido is warmer than the Men's Pond then my name is Terry (s'not). Waded and swam till I started feeling warm. Managed 10 lengths, almost enjoyable. There are a few bedouin tents set up outside the cafe, apparently there is a wedding reception here today.

Water temp:  9/48 degrees Saturday morning post-parkrun* pond-dip with the ever-popular GB Allstars. As I finished parkrun first this morning it was decreed that I get in the water first, straight in, head first off the diving board. I have no problem with that pal. Water is cold, almost took my breath away, Suarez like (with a bit of a bite), felt amazing, I laughed and laughed, mostly at GB's dive. Really felt like we were chasing the buzz. No towel so I dried off in the spring sunshine. Exhilarating stuff. Cycled home to have breakfast with my sleepy son. Happy daze. *just got texted my time, personal best so I'm buzzing even more.

Highgate Men's Pond Water temperature: 9 degrees Thursday afternoon shenanigans. The temperature has risen a notch but there's no way I'm diving in. The sun warms up the top layer of the water, it's cooler the further down you go. Beautiful day in London, I'm making the most of the sunshine, it won't last, it never does. I swim two laps today. A middle-aged dude is about to leave the compound, he asks me how it is. 'Beautiful, haven't you been in?' He turns away, unpacks his bag, gets changed and heads off to the jetty. He returns a minute or two later, hair still dry but smiling. I cycle home meeting my son on the way. We dine on smoked haddock and cheer on Chelsea against Basle.

Highgate Men's Pond Water temp: 8/46 degrees Late afternoon pond-dip after collecting my Vespa from the garage. Still entering the water via the steps, I'm not brave enough for the springboard yet.  As I swim past the old diving platform I notice Jonathan Livingston Seagull sitting on a concrete post, keeping a beady eye on me. He chuckles: 'Caaaaawwww, you're brave mate'. I manage a whole lap, the water is much warmer on the southern side. I execute an incredibly rubbish dive, I can hear JLS laughing at me. I'm considering another lap but that may be gilding the lily, or freezing my knackers off. I scooter off home for Caroline's Pasta.

Water temp: 8 degrees, felt warmer/not as cold Pond is now open till 7:30 every evening. Managed a whole lap, even did a 'dive' off the springboard. Spring is finally with us.

Water temp: 11 degrees I thought I'd have a go with the wetsuit. Ten with, 10 without. Great to be back. Won't bother with the wetsuit next time. There will be a next time. This is good and this is mine.

Water temp: 8 degrees Post-Parkrun swim with the GB All-Stars. Stayed in for a few minutes, even managed a jump off the springboard. I Love Saturday mornings. Heavenly.

Down in sunny Dorset for second week of Easter holidays. Wake up sleepy head, rub your eyes, get out of bed, it's a beautiful Friday. Lazy old sun is making an unscheduled appearance. Somehow I know the walk over the cliff tops from Lulworth Cove will end up with me in the sea. As I cross the pebbly beach bare foot I hear a voice inside me exclaim/protest, 'Why do I do this?' Very cold, short but exhilarating swim, even managed to get my head under the water. 'What compels me to do this?' I ask GF. 'I even asked myself why I do this as I got in the sea'. My companion looks at me resignedly and replies, 'I heard you ask yourself.' Obviously the voice inside me is getting louder. A stunning part of the world. This is mine and this is good. What an absolute ding dong.