Today's swim went brilliantly. The conditions were perfect: a chilly start, but as soon as the sun was up, it got really warm.
Patty and me
Mum has titled herself Chief Worrier. She makes a mean Vegemite sandwich (crusts cut off, in quarters), is being incredibly patient, and is getting the low down on the other participants by chatting to their support crews. Good work, Jen.
Water seemed to be around 20c, with occasional cooler patches. At times, one arm seemed to be pulling through 20c water, and the other through 16c water.
The scenery was staggering. At times I was within metres of the canyon walls, cacti towering above me.
Credit: Patty Hermann
Credit: Patty Hermann
I think I'm waving at the camera - not my normal stroke.
Patty stuck a Texan and Australian flag to the front of the kayak. Every time I saw it I started singing what was meant to be Waltzing Matilda to myself, but it ended up being a Les Miserables song. How unpatriotic of me.
Credit: Patty Hermann
Patty is such a pro at this. Navigation, motivation, feeds - everything was a breeze. Couldn't ask for anything more.
The course was shorter than I expected. I'm guessing somewhere between 12 and 13km, done in 3hrs 40.
At the end of the swim there were delicious sandwiches and snacks, but also an hour's drive home. We got home at 4, and got straight onto washing the drink bottles, prepping feeds, laundry, packing etc, all ready for Canyon Lake tomorrow. Approx the same distance. I'll try to update again tomorrow, but I'm moving to the Rat Motel, so I'm not holding high hopes for connectivity.