River swimming on a beautiful summer's day!

We had never really been river swimming before, but we received an invite from three other families and we had a marvelous time! We drove up to Otaki Forks where there is a beautiful open meadow for a bring and share picnic under the trees, and some football and french cricket on the grass.
I had thought the river would be cold, but on this hot summers day with not a cloud in the sky the river was perfect. Cool but never cold! It was so clean and crystal clear and the strong current was fun floating down on. A nice alternative to sand everywhere and salt drying on your skin.
This has opened up a new option - river swimming in the Waikanae River, right on our doorstep!