Thursday
Today was the day…
We went to swim. As we walked down the road, you could see mist rising off the sea on the Clovelly side. That looked cold. When we arrived, one of the locals merrily announced the water temperature was 11C! No, can’t be, was my response. I donned my cap and off I went. It was cold but didn’t feel unbearable. I swam for 25 minutes. But the sea was more than colder than usual. It was also rough. The tide was super low and still going out (low tide was just after 9am). The underwater drag was noticeable. The water sucked back and then gathered large waves that loomed up and rolled menacingly and powerfully onto the beach. When we first arrived, there were a lot of surfers. By the time I got in, they had gone off to find better surf. I swam through the churning water trying to get over the breakers. Just when I thought I had, a monster of a wave approached. I realised I wasn’t going to get over it, so I dived below it just as it came down on top of me. It grabbed me swung me under the water, swirled me a little so I was facing the beach, kept me under for an extra few seconds until the wrath had passed and I popped up above the surf. It’s not sharks that are the danger of the sea – more like rough waves. And yet, when you look at it from the cat walk or from the beach it looks benign. Flat, unthreatening and safe as a baby pool. But beneath the water lurks a rip tide that can prove dangerous.
So the cold was not my only challenge today. I swam out the barrel where I felt safer.
Tide was so low, I was still in depth quite far out.
I swam for 25 minutes and then sat on the bench and dried off. I was glad I took a jacket. There was much discussion about the low water temperature. It seems winter has come early this year. This time last year, I wasn’t yet in my spring suit. That only came at the end of April, so to need it now is very early. Today I was in my regular summer swimming costume, but I may make the change in the days ahead.
That’s my sea tale for today.
I worked 5 hours, had an outing for Mike, said goodbye to the guest in the Sea View apartment and said hello to guests in the cottage.
One of the highlights of the day was a message from David who is planning a visit and it may coincide with a visit from all the family. It really is something to look forward to. I think April won’t be so busy with the rentals. I’ve blocked the calendar for towards the end of the month as Mike and I are, God willing, going on a 5 night cruise. It’s scheduled to be to Walvis Bay, but we’ll see.
I can’t complain of boredom.
Revelation 1:6
All glory and power to Him forever and ever! Amen!
The best is yet to come – we are only passing through.
Keep the smile going.
God bless you.
In His Grip,
Helga xx 🙂