Poolside Percy

Wow, outdoor pool heated to 30 degrees, tropical times in Somerset. Beautiful art deco frontage. Score:   ۞ ۞ ۞ ۞ ۞ You lucky, lucky people.

Roasting hot day in London, about 31 degrees. I'm on my Vespa burning down the A303 towards Somerset. Thanks to the Outdoor Swimming Society I've found myself an outddor swimming hole to cool off in. Apparently 'Figheldean Mill Pond is first mentioned in the Domesday Book, and there was a mill here right up until the late 1950s when it was demolished.' Sounds perfect. Anyway, after driving round in circles for a bit I found the sacred spot. Amazing, sun was setting behind the trees. I swam out in to the cold pond, it's much cooler than the men's pond. The flow of the river pushed me back, I didn't fight against it. Splashed about and ducked my head in a few times. I heard my veggie sausages rolls calling me from the bank, washed them down with some Irn Bru, I felt rejuvenated. Rolled on through Wiltshire towards Somerset.

Water temp: 21 degrees After work swim. Beautiful evening but still felt a bit gloomy after yesterday's events at The Lido. Decided to see if I could swim a lap around the perimeter rope, front crawl, non-stop. Swam anti-clockwise, not sure if there's wrong way or a right way, maybe someone could let me know, I seemed to be in a small minority, Midnight Express? Job done, lap completed, duathlon not looking so daunting. Left my wash bag and goggles behind.* Found a good blog about the ponds * Went back next day, bag was where I left it. Nice. Photo: cold pond water

Bad, bad day at The Lido: Camden New Journal Very tense. Knife and fist fights. Escorted my son home then went and found sanctuary in The Men's Pond.

Water temp: 19 degrees Oh yes. Monday morning, The Lido is looking great, not a cloud in the sky. Swam 10 lengths, I wish I had the day off. Never mind, summer holiday looms... Handed in duathlon application form.

Water temp: 19 degrees Summer in the city. School's out. Sunday swim. Finally got GF over The Lido. We had a lovely time swimming, chatting and lazing about at the deep end. Went home to watch more Games on Thrones. Realise that Tywin Lannister is played by Charles Dance who often swims at the Lido, thought he was just a regular regular.

Quick trip, quick dip. In town seeing my very pregnant sister. Earlier this year Pells Pool asked if they could use my photo for their summer leaflet, in return I would get a free swim. Happily cashed in my swim free. Lovely, lovely afternoon in Lewes, shame I felt so shabby. Pool looked inviting but scary, too many Jaegermaisters last night Jaigermaister. The worst dive ever later, I swam in the laned off bit, bloody freezing that side of the pool, that's where the fresh water comes in, much warmer in the middle. Really didn't have my swimming arms, legs or head on today, didn't even bother with a hat, think I managed about seven lengths before heading off to my sister's.