Bath bathe

Even at 08.00 early dippers had started to arrive so getting there at 09.00 with some of the Keep Fit group meant the car park was filling up quickly with visitors. Warm sun and warm water is a state of affairs unusual in Crummock.

Getting in did not entail the deliberate deep exhalation and considered un-tensing of muscle just prior to immersion, that is so much a part of becoming attuned to chilly water. Instead, the wade in was caressing, soft on the skin, early morning sunlight already starting to seep heat into bones. The first strokes were languorous – no need to get the blood pumping with exertion. Muscles had the luxury of a conversation with the lake rather than a work-out, the difference between sitting chatting with an old friend drinking coffee or playing a set of doubles with them against relentless opponents. Both have their merits but the quieter option is rare. Still, as G said as we wandered back out,
 ‘Beautiful, but there isn’t the zing and sharp feeling of well -being that winter swims provide.’
However, with a nasty summer cough unexpectedly starting to hatch I felt a few more weeks of zingless balmy waters would be fine by me.