Medals Galore

A year gone by. Our second British Championship Fin Swimming Gala. 
Despite some last minute race time changes and frantic fin-searching amongst the other clubs (we were a size 10 fin short), it was a great evening for the club, particularly the relay at the end as us blokes went 8 seconds better off as last year we had a retired professional with us! The girls perform admirably and it was refreshing to see all the other clubs doing so well too, further promoting the sport. Tuttle Jnr beat me in a couple of races and broke most of his PB's. One by almost 15 seconds!  I got a mention, but nowt to brag about especially as I miss-counted my 200m Bi-Fin race: I stopped at 6 lengths cos another swimmer did also..... Doh. Must practice my counting next time! I took a series of medal collecting shots, which was halted due to a laptop/software error/issue and the organiser's son was determined to get to the root of the problem as seen here on Flickr. Priceless.

The pool is situated right next to the Grenfell Tower, which made our entrance somewhat strangely sombre. It was touching to see all the yellow ribbons and there was a constant, subtle reminder in the air as the cindered scent is still present in the breeze. I took a couple of pics with my mobile. Not sure why I did, as I didn't feel right doing so. I felt for the younger swimmers as we all walked past the flowers and cards on the railings.

On the lighter side, shortly after we arrived at the Premier Inn before the others, Tuttle Jnr and myself went for a nice walk along the Thames which was a stone throw away, near the Fullers brewery. We hoped to find a cafe/restraunt along the river, but only found series of house boats, some rather pricey houses and a nice park instead. Lovely to see the Autumn leaves in all it's glory still. So we had a pub lunch near the Fullers brewery to charge our fin swimming batteries! Yum.