7th November 9am Burton Bradstock

Guest Blogger Extraordinaire; RL ("you wear socks too!")

Am cold, in the car, with all my clothes on. Dull and cloudy at Burton Bradstock although the majestic cliffs impress in any weather. There's been a frost overnight and the beach is deserted, except for solitary woman who stares in disbelief as we remove our clothes and reveal beach wear more suited to July. We reminisce fondly about our last summer swim together whilst I eye the sea with distrust, although I point out that 'at least the beach is quiet' (I think your words were...."it's not exactly August is it?" Ed) MG is kind and agrees fervently that this is definitely a good sign. Decide to go in with least amount of prevarication, partly because pebbles are like chips of ice! MG unwillingly remains on beach to procure photographic evidence.

(I like this as it is unclear what you are doing or why you are doing it! Ed)

Fortunately beach at Burton shelves steeply so once in up to one's knees, full immersion is almost inevitable progression from the shore. We swim. Feels very, very cold initially, but soon warms up (!!!). Am defeated before MG who's acclimatisation to temperature is admirable. SW would be proud. Retire to beach to change and both rediscover that tights on the beach are not conducive to ease of beach changing. Tea back in the car warms us considerably and we head to The Bull for bacon sandwiches.

I am sufficiently bold to broach a re swim. But think I may give into wetsuit next time.

Note from MG: extremley nice to have the company of RL who was quite astonishingly brave and savoured her blue fingers with the relish usually reserved for SW. Also, she brings the most delicious tea known to man. I'd like it if she and her sense of humour would move to Dorset forever. As long as she doesn't get a wetsuit. And in other news, not going to do this every time, but check out last year's amazing 7th November (especially you JJ!) 7th Nov 2010