After, MG's tantalising, if not taunting text to tell me she had been at the Hampstead Ladies' Ponds whilst i was stuck in a stuffy office, i couldn't wait to get to have my own invigorating cold-water high and persuaded her to come back with me that weekend.
Sunday morning dawned bright and sunny but sadly this soon faded away and we were left with drizzly rain as we arrived at the Heath. I was soon regretting not wearing warmer clothes, but very relieved i had my wellies on as we found ourselves slipping and sliding through the muddy quagmire. Once we arrived, MG, JJ and I found ourselves changing with a couple of regulars who proudly told us they had been swimming in the ponds daily for 37 years - i was both impressed and inspired to follow their lead! Another lycra-clad lady, hot from her run was in and out before i had even got my jeans off!
It was with a fool-hardy confidence that i approached the tranquil waters, having braved the English sea the week before. With strict instructions from MG still ringing in my ears, of "no screaming", i maintained a dignified silence as i slowly lowered myself into the inky, icy water; warmth leaching from my feet in seconds. Clearly not as used to this winter swimming lark as MG or JJ, i took a few sharp intakes of breath as i struck out towards the first ring - which had seemed ridiculously close from dry ground, but now was alarmingly far away!
With an earthy taste in my mouth and numb feet i was nevertheless feeling invigorated and spurred on to fully plunge under the water for the complete experience...yes, it was brain-freezingly cold, but incredible as well! All too soon it seemed i was back at the steps and climbing out. I may have only been in the water for a few minutes, but it was well worth the hours journey there across London!
The longed-for lunch at Kenwood ended before it even began as the fire alarm blared out just as we helped ourselves to warming soup and cake...now that is what you call the Law of Sod! Hungrily we re-naviagated our way across the maze of paths to Hampstead and couldn't get to Gail's quick enough to enjoy their delicious treats, happy in the knowledge that we well and truly deserved it!
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