Barnswimming

My long-term swimming mate organised an adventure for us today.

I was the chauffeuse, on strict instructions from Mr Q not to show off. We drove to Abberton reservoir, the sky becoming progressively brighter. As we strolled along the causeway it was positively balmy. We went to investigate what people were looking at through 'scopes by the dam. It was a Merlin. Neither I nor my mate had seen one before. Shame it was too far away for a decent photograph. We were then told that a barn owl had been seen sitting on a post a little way up the road. It was still there, very close and in perfect light. As we were getting our gear out a car drew up with hazards flashing and scared it off.

We met our old swimming friend Sandra, who had come from her Suffolk barge home, in a quaint retro tea shop. We were able to park right outside. We had a lovely chat.

From there to the pool which is on a farm in a black weather-boarded barn-style building, probably on the site of an old barn. It's operated a bit like a time-share. We had the pool to ourselves for an hour. No lifeguard, no staff, a shared changing room and my mate in his very abbreviated, bright blue budgie smugglers. What larks! :)

Had trouble with my camera misting. Will try and get swimmers in the pool next time.