Unusual Love Affair in London

The Frost Is Back

2012-01-31T11:43:00.020Z

Coming out my front door this morning there was no escaping the cold ... the frost had been back over night .. albeit not too heavily - car windscreens and roofs had a thin layer of ice. Ice also featured on the grass on the common. The paddle pool was frozen.

The pool itself was (fortunately) ice free - but the water temperature would have definitely been affected by the cold night. Michael was walking up the long side of the pool and when we crossed one another he simply said, almost filled with joy : "this is more like real winter now!"

As I reached the shallow end of the pool, Alex was tumble turning ...

and gasping for air ... he swam 6 lengths again today ... when most "hardies" cut down to 4 or even "only" 2 lengths (count me in for 2 lengths!)!

next Tricky appeared ... I just missed his post sauna plunge

(but heard it while I was changing!)

I never got round to asking Tricky how many lengths he swam this morning ..

but judging by his exuberant reaction ... not only at seeing me ...

he must have swam quite a few!

Vince as ever, in trance!

As I finished my second length, Pip was approaching the steps and asked me: "can I do 2 lengths?" Of course you can ... to which I got a half hearted smile ... :) "yes, Pip, you can!"

I crawled out, grabbed my camera ... hands rather frozen, and watched which way Pip would turn, up (to do lengths)? or sideways (to do widths)?

up!! well done Pip! ... over to you, I'm off to the sauna ... can't feel my hands at all .. no, I can actually : they HURT!

this is when the "odd couple" recruited another ("mad man") and became "The Three Musketeers"

Pip leading the way followed by Ian (on the left) and Nando (on the right)

yes, Nando... you want to do what..?

ahhh, I see, a Bbbbbbb...

.... bbbBOMB!!!

next .... : 2 dives ?! ok then ..

ready steady ... ggggg .. noooo

Pip lost his balance and only had one way to go while Ian was still getting ready!

the they both swam a width - not sure why Ian is waving?!

Nando is looking on ... rather bemused

Nick didn't want to know (his "play pal", Jonathan, wasn't here ... )

so he went off to have his shower

David on his way to take the water temperature -

he made it just .. but only just, over 3C,

that's cold!

The Three (lido) Musketeers - reunited -

after their separate show pieces

For some January stats go the Alex's blog dated Jan 31st

Dive Everybody

2012-01-30T12:24:00.014Z

A day for all to dive!

still rather dark when I arrived .. hence Stephanie's beautiful dive is (sadly) a bit blurred

even though I had set the camera at 800 ASA!

"some days I really look forward to my dive (after sauna) and some days I don't ... as much"

.. and yet Stephanie too is a creature of habit!

Stephanie swam 6 lengths before her stint in the sauna

who did I spot strolling in .. casually? no other than Mr. Bubbles!

... who after 2 weeks holiday in Tunisia was (probably) in for a bit of a shock... :)

... and yet he performed his usual "dive" from a sitting position

after my 2 lengths I jumped back in when I saw Alex approaching ... not sure why I did that?! it was soooo cold today .. not only the water but there was a definite nip in the air too!

well, I do know why .. really :) because I just had to get another shot of Alex under water ... (absence makes the camera grow fonder ?!)

in this shot Alex has just completed his tumble turn and is pushing off the wall -

he swam 6 lengths in all

oh yessss, I too enjoy a dive

... followed by a couple of widths after the sauna :)

Ian took the photos

As I was leaving, Mark was about to enter the pool ..

"I'm not really looking forward to this, it's hard today!"

and yet ... of course Mark went in, albeit gingerly, in his own time, following his personal routine, he swam 4 lengths.

Proud Medallists

2012-01-28T17:34:00.017Z

After my swim, more members started to trickle in ... in particular some of the SLSC members/medallists from the Cold Water Swimming Championships who competed in Latvia last weekend!

This is the spontaneous reaction I got from Katherine when I congratulated her for winning a silver medal at the Cold WAter World Championships in Latvia (which

took last weekend)

Spider women Mandy (coming back from a stint in the sauna after her morning swim)won 2 medals too ...

As did Sue ... who had also already been for her morning swim

ok then .. get get together for a photo .. all smile ..!

Ann also came back with a medal (gold for Ann -

she even defended her title from 2 years ago!

Well done Ann !

here she is in action - she only take a breath on the right ...

so I couldn't catch her on her "breathing side !"

which would have made for a nicer photo!

Angus full of patriotism (spot the union jack cap!) swimming for england ..

yes .. you can laugh Ian ...

Mandy, showing off her leggings ... shame I had already decided to take a tight shot of her face .. if only I had known she was so proud of her leggings I would have obliged!

OK, time to see this medals - silver for Katherine

let's take a better look at it ...

by the way, Katherine is swimming the channel in a relay this summer

and Sue's bronze (she won her medal in the same race as Katherine)

Amazing how long the ribbon is :)

A delighted Sue!

These medals are truly lovely -

here a closer look at Katherine's silver medal!

Odd Couple

2012-01-27T16:01:00.012Z

This morning I met up with seriously dedicated cyclist and cold water swimmers, Andy and Ken. Andy has been coming to the Lido for many many years. Ken was introduced to the Lido by his ex neighbour Andy one summer when the water temperature was (much) warmer than in winter " but still much colder than in an indoor pool". He loved it and was soon hooked too! Come rain or sunshine these friends make their journey from Bromley to the Lido (and back!)

Today, the water temperature fell back down a smidgeon from yesterday - 2 lengths was enough for me ... and after the sauna I enjoyed diving back in for another 2 widths - this seemed to have been my January routine so far ... apart from when it was above 5C, when I add another 2 widths to my pre sauna swim ... The forecast for next week, however is that we are apparently in for "a colder spell" ... so, you never know, February may turn out to be a colder month than January?

Before I left the pool, I'm happy to say, "The Odd Couple", no, not Walther Matthau and Tony Curtis but Ian and Pip where back too!

Andy (from Bromley!)

enjoying his well deserved cup of hot chocolate ...

... which (Andy's friend) Ken (also from Bromley!)

brings to the pool every morning ...

Ken didn't swim this morning, mind you, because he has a bit of a sore throat and simply came along for the bike ride (there and back!) and to share a good cup of chocolate!

Andy in full attire now, almost ready for their cycle ride back

(to Bromley!) These guys are seriously fit ... cause there are quite a few hills to tackle between the Tooting Bec Lido and Bromley!

looks relaxing , backstroke in 4 C water ... up and down with a smile

Both Clare and Sue (independently from one another)

asked me whether this multicoloured cap was mine?!

No .. but whose is it?? the 3 items have been sitting there for a few days now...!

the odd couple (Pip and Ian) were back again this morning...

Ian all ready, while Pip is still getting in ...

and they are off ...

with (quite) a bit of a splish ... Pip leading the way ...

not for too long, Ian was steadily catching up and edging ahead

I followed them for the first lengths and by the end of it,

Ian was definitely ahead.

Pip has great endurance though and I'm sure that overall (depending on how many lengths they ended up swimming, Pip would "pip" Ian ! :)

Love Naturally

2012-01-26T13:00:00.014Z

A new day, a new cap. and newly found Love!

Fazlar, armed with his "new" yellow cap - he finally got rid of the green one which was growing strange looking black dots all over it :) making his way gingerly down the steps

and he's off

Ian putting his flash goggles on

ohh hang on a minute, he's taken them off again ...

now literally beaming from ear to ear when I commented on his cool looking wetsuit -

Spot the slipstream rubber grooves running down the front of his (wetsuit) chest!

Now that Pip is getting ready too ...

... will we finally get some action ..?!

Not before Ian asked: "Are you going to sit there bathing your feet for long, Pip?

Come on, get in, I'm ready!"

ahh that's better : It is, of course, love they share!

... as well as the pleasure of swimming together!

Water Tantrums

2012-01-25T16:22:00.012Z

The water was "much" warmer today ... up to 5C and a bit! still a bit grey and dull but, hey ... it is still January after all ... one thing at a time ... the days are slowly getting longer and soon the 7am swimmers will be able to actually see where they are swimming :)

Not quite sure what Pip is praying for ..?

maybe she's longing for different shoes ..?? she certainly seems to be eying up her neighbour's shoes ... which happen to be Margy's ... naaaa they would be small for you Pip!

Barbara gently pushing off the bottom step

Margy opting for widths while Pip is heading for 2 lengths

Pip's famous routine for getting in ... walking first ...

now, I couldn't do that.. I've just got to get in fast, without engaging the mind!

Latvia behind him, Ian full of pride showing (off!) his wetsuit

" THis is it, I am back to wearing my wetsuit!"

Nick and Jonathan had all (good) intentions of swimming a (full) lengths of the pool...

but never made really quite made it ... :)

always full of mischief and playfulness ...

they have names for their personal water exercises ...

... this is nick performing : tantrums!

Boys will be boys ... for as long as they can .. and why not!

but all good things must end (for today at least) and it was time to get out

before something could go radically wrong!

Tribute

2012-01-24T11:37:00.015Z

Did I promise you spring yesterday? ohh how foolish ... the weather was rather ghastly this morning .. rain (well, it was more like pelting it down, to be precise!), dark and let's face it a bit miserable ..! but then again, it's not so bad after all, nature thrives on rain too (not only sun!) and with regards to getting into the water, it makes no real difference .. if anything it feels rather lovely to have drops of rain keeping one company!

Sadly I have to also report that Dr. Andy passed away yesterday ... It was only in Oct 2011 that Dr. Andy celebrated his 90th birthday in style at the Lido ... one consolation may be that he died in Dulwich Park while walking ... he sadly fell and passed away from injuries to his head ... What an inspiration he was/ is / always be to all who knew him ... when Vince heard (in the sauna) he said: I barely knew Dr. Andy and I yet am really sad ..."

Just proves that connection between SLSC members runs very deep, indeed!

Here a pictorial tribute to Dr. Andy - thank you for being such an inspiration!

Jack helping Dr. Andy to warm his feet after a frosty swim!

Jack had stripped off to accompany Dr Andy into the water

as the rails and steps were still frozen!

Dr. Andy, always keen to get in!

Dr. Andy making the most of his swim on a lovely sunny december's day - 2011

I know that when I first started swimming through the winter Dr. Andy made a HUGE impression on me! His wonderful outlook on life, his bravery, his sense of enjoyment, his humour and his unquenchable desire for a kiss (!) live on! Especially the latter ... as Pip volunteered to continue that part of Dr. Andy's routine at the Lido :)

You'll have to show more bravery then, Pip and you may be in with a chance!

I caught up with, Susanne, one of our gold medal winners from Latvia

in fact Susanne won 2 medals one gold and one silver

not sure which way round but one in breaststroke ...

and the other medal in freestyle .. which ever way around, Susanne swims in beautiful style what ever the stroke!

yes cold hands ..

and yet, she pushes off for another couple of widths

Michael swimming down from the deep end ....

joined Susanne for a couple of widths freestyle.

Could It Be Time

2012-01-23T11:16:00.009Z

Cycling to the Lido on January 23rd I caught sight of the first signs of "Spring" ?! I'm not kidding ... It's around the lovely tree as you approach the winter entrance to the pool who plays host to a bunch of Daffodils .... today I spotted some pushing through - what joy!

Don't take my word for it ... see for yourself - not only by looking at the photo below but next time you walk up the path leading to the Lido, you may very well see what I have seen!

Daffodils responding to their call and pushing through the soil

in need of some fresh air, possibly rain and most definitely a bit of sun too!

gentle waves, pink sunlight and some lovely reflections

Nuala on her 2nd length back from the deep end towards the shallow.

Almost there ...

cold claws ..:)

I caught up with Nuala in the sauna - this is her first winter - she's only just back from 3 years abroad, working as an english teacher in South Korea ... despite South Korean women not being much into sports and she didn't get much swimming done while in South Korea she still "had a great time and it was a great experience."

Now she lives in Furzedown, just across the road from the Lido - perfect for her morning fix before work.

Getting Over It

2012-01-22T16:40:00.014Z

No post yesterday .. but therefore one today! the strangest thing happened yesterday ... Already fully dressed, I put hands and camera in the water to take underwater photos - and I took (great) shots of Mrs Ape ... however when I got home and put the card into the card reader, NOTHING .. shock, horror! where are the shots?? Nowhere, was the answer! and I still can't figure out what happened? I did have a card in the camera ... but for some reason the photos didn't get transferred onto the card ... strange, annoying, puzzling ... lost forever! Only one way of getting over it! To take more pictures today!

So, here they are. And I'm glad to report : nice ones of Mrs Ape (again!)

Ally, Batch and Martin debating how many lengths they will swim .. After having spent the last 4 weeks in South Africa, Ally made the wise choice and stuck to swimming widths today, and 4 at that, her first day back at the lido!

Batch swam 2 lengths and Martin decided to do 1 KM!

The water felt warmer than yesterday -

I stuck at 2 lengths and then stayed in the pool for what seems (too) long ...

to the take under water shots

Martin's daughter, Natalia waited for the races before getting in

Will - not sure how many lengths he swam .. surely lots!

Mrs. Ape .. otherwise also known as Mrs Cake ... I mean Kate ...

She gracefully and politely refused Martin's suggestions of swimming 1 KM with him ..

yet, Kate still swam an impressive 6 lengths - besides she already did her Kilometer in January

so nothing more "to prove"!

heading for the wall, clocking up her lengths on her "poolboy" watch

.... and pushing off again for lap no. 5 ..

by which time I had enough of being in the water ..

... oh no, wait there comes Martin ... quick let me grab another shot ..

I had already taken off my goggles and couldn't submerge -

later a very cold Martin joined us in the sauna ... shivering!

Deserted Lido

2012-01-20T12:10:00.006Z

There was a bit of a deserted feeling about the Lido this morning .... most of the familiar 8-9am swimmers were missing ... representing "us" at the Cold Water Championships in Latvia - exciting as they have their first day's competition today .. I wonder how many medals they will already have secured ?! :) No pressure guys ... just do your best and have fun!

I shared the pool with Simon this morning - a colder morning than yesterday - the air temperature has dropped again and the water also felt colder than yesterday ... On my way out fully dressed and ready for my breakfast, I actually made a point of having a look at the thermometer that's in the deep end of the pool - it showed 4C exactly. I was with my 2 lengths and 2 widths - Simon swam 4 lengths so did Vince ...

Sue being in Latvia, Batch had to go on his pre swim run around Tooting Bec Common

all alone this morning - by the time he was ready for his swim he also had the pool to himself

2 lengths for Batch ...

... followed by a quick sprint to the sauna

Jonathan and Nick enjoying their favourite game - eyes on the ball -

what concentration Nick!

and a stretch .. that must be good for keeping fit and agile!

Jonathan is ready in anticipation of his turn

Thankless Job ?!

2012-01-19T12:08:00.006Z

Not the most welcoming morning this morning ... dark and very very wet! The water was even warmer than yesterday, mind you! Must have reached 4 C again .. no one here to check with ... David is on holiday somewhere "hot" - he did tell me .. but ... ohhh my memory is definitely not what it used to be ..! and Stephanie (with a fully functioning thermometer again) wasn't here either ... Anyway, I hope that our Latvia swimmers will encounter better, albeit much much colder, weather for the Cold Water Championships!

By the way, where is Mr Bubbles ??! Anybody know? No new posts on his blog since friday 13th ... hope that date wasn't a bad omen for him ..! Come back, Alex ... the temperature is moving up again!

Sue and lifeguard Sarah having a lifeguard to lifeguard chat -

For those who don't know, Sue has successfully passed her lifeguard exam!

We are now in even safer hands!

Sarah holding and using(!) a tool of the trade!

yes it's long ... this is the other end of it!

a seemingly thankless job ... specially in the poring rain ...

I did, however, thank our "new" lifeguard who normally works down at the Balham Leisure Centre and is with us for a 6 months period - I really must ask her for her name (and remember it!)

... offering a smile!

Ladies, have you noticed how much cleaner out changing/shower areas has become?!

specially around the wash basins ... positively sparkling!

For Club And Country

2012-01-18T15:16:00.019Z

Last day of training for Latvia bound SLSC members - the frost kept away ... so did the sun unfortunately ... In fact it was rather miserable this morning ... Never mind ... it is what happens in our hearts (and possibly to our hearts) when braving the elements that matters! Where am I going with that? Well, the heart stays warm although feet, hands and for some other parts of the body don't!

Catherine heading off determinedly - 2 lengths - well done. you just "need to" remove these gloves now! :)

I did "A Steph" on Pip this morning encouraging her to swim 2 lengths by saying "you can do it!" I didn't feel too bad saying it as Pip swam 4 widths yesterday and hey, the water was "up" today - 3.5C according to Stephanie ... then again (male) Pip claims to have seen the mercury stopping at 2.5 C on the thermometer at the deep end of the pool ?! ...

I think it's safe to just agree that it's still b..... cold!

Beaming Pip!

After suggesting she should swim 2 lengths, I felt responsible for Pip's wellbeing and

made sure she was feeling OK (or even GREAT!) after (or because of) her heroic 2 lengths!

I did swim 2 lengths too which I'm sure must have played a part in Pip's decision to do it too!

Peter taking a deep breath on his way up the length of pool ...

2 lengths for Peter too - Well done!

Lucy on her final few strokes

Ian in full Latvia training ... diving in after his (baking) time in the sauna

Ian normally prefers using his wetsuit and "threatened" that this was the last time we would catch him during the winter months without his wetsuit !

Sue (Brearley) presented Sue (Rentoul) with a lovely hand made "Good Luck for Latvia" card which will, I'm sure, spur on the entire SLSC contingency to have fun and give their very best for Club and Country!

can't wait to hear all the stories and welcome swimmers back with medals round their necks!

After my swim I was off to Wendy's for another Marmalade making lesson!

I definitely needed a refresher after last year's production.

This year I prepared the fruit at home (in my pressure cooker) and brought the cooked fruit and the water they pressure cooked in over to Wendy's for all other stages.

Cutting up the rind is easy ...

pushing the meat of then fruit (pulp) through the sieve needs a bit of elbow grease!

adding water to make up for the desired water amount while sieving helps!

once that is done, sugar gets added and off we go : time to turn up the heat!

all the sugar is dissolved, scum is building up, the water evaporates slowly and the entire mixture reduces down

using a thermometer helps keep an eye on the proceedings ...

it will reach over 100C

Over the year I collected loads of empty jars ...

.... which came in very handy - Voila!

Madness & Sheer Delight

2012-01-17T12:05:00.021Z

Another frosty night and yes, you have guessed right, the water temperature dropped another notch! Stephanie told me that when she arrived well before 8am (!) there was ice in the sallow end of the pool :" We had to break the ice .. and when I put my thermometer in, it broke! I think the water temperature must be 2.8C!" Upps and I had in mind to stick to my 2 lengths of the previous days ... "Yes Elizabeth you can do it!" according to Steph(!) Well OK then ... I'll think of you while in there .. specially on my length back from the deep end and sauna bound!" which is exactly what I did ... as I saw Steph from the corner of my eye (fully dressed by now!) cheering me on ... Thanx Steph, it was worth the pain (which was only in my hands, thanx God!) Nothing that the sauna can't remedy after a few minutes, though ...

I think that this must have been my PB! I can't remember swimming 2 lengths in under 3C last year ... 3 cheers for my body and all the other bodies who have endured (possibly) more pain (as well as exhilaration) than mine! Vince swam 3 lengths, Pip 6, Nando 2 and a width sprint as part of his Latvia training! Sue 2 lengths and 2 widths and so the tale of our SLSC heros goes on ...

Nando and Tricky revving up for their cooling jump

upps where has Nando gone?

ahh, there he is!

he has resurfaced, beaming with sheer delight and ready to go again!

Sue after her "solo" plunge & game for a group plunge

here we go - all together now : Sue, Nando and Tricky

Nigel setting off on a total of 8 lengths - madness?!

one could say so ... but then again, Nigel is in training!

Just a quick reminder that it is cold -

air as well as water temperature !

Nando trying to show how cold the air temperature really is -

sadly the camera didn't pick up the steam coming off his body nor the steam from his breath...

.... which Sue finds just tooooo amusing!

Nigel after his 8th and last length - quite an achievement -

the water was below 3C

quick step in direction of the sauna was in order!

Clare and Mandy jumping for joy after their stint in the sauna

And racing off ...

Mandy taking the lead ...

Clare finishing her width in style

while Mandy tumble turned and pushed off for a width of backstroke

Merging TWO Days Into ONE

2012-01-16T14:59:00.024Z

I rarely swim on a sunday let alone take my camera with me on "the day of rest" :) But with glorious light and minus degrees it would have been foolish not to ... A quick 2 lengths and 2 widths in the ever decreasing water temperature did, however, set me up for the day! I couldn't stay to check results of the sunday race but did grab a few atmospheric race related shots.

Monday morning was just as glorious - another frosty night meant that the water had dropped from 4C on sunday to 3C (which I only got confirmation for after I had done my 2 lengths). They felt really cold - but once committed and seeing a length in front of me I know I'm also ready to swim the full length back - 2 it was!

It was all fine .. for only my fingers were truly feeling the pain ... the rest of my body felt rather exhilarated - Vince swam 4! Not sure how, as he bears even less "insulating substance" ( ie. flesh and fat!) than I do! Also, we were told that swimming in cold water apparently makes the body produce "brown fat" which insulates more ... not sure what all that is about ...?! Mr Ape, was it you who came up with that theory?!

An interesting sight first thing in the morning

when arriving at the Lido on a sunday

Kate and Sangeeta getting their swim in

before the sunday rush

Yvonne looking out for Cyril and other race contenders

who were starting to get ready on the railway side of the pool

Egg

Dylan fast asleep, oblivious of ...

the 1 width race which had just started

Cyril reaching for "glory"?!

Lucy checking out who had come in before and after her

Cyril checking with Yvonne if he had made it?! It certainly looked like it .. from where we were standing ... but I'm not sure...

happy Nando

exhilarated Pip

revealing Kate ... well that's as far as she dared to go ... which is far less (revealing) than the photo she took of Batch, Tricky and Egg - check it out ... if you haven't already seen it!?!

more hard Latvia practice for Lucy

(who decided to travel to Latvia by train - can't wait to hear all about her adventure!)

Pip getting more cold water training in too

Margy doing her fair share of (Latvia) acclimatising

Another day (today,monday) and Pip is at it again ... only difference,

the water temperature has dropped to 3C!

Sue's preparation for Latvia , Canadian Snow boots -

surely a good move!

Winter attire

"Another" Sue ...

John after what he refers to as "fresh fry" or is it "flesh fry" or even "flash fry"?!

not sure ... all I know is that he didn't stay in for more than a few seconds ! :) and put it down to a lack of time as opposed to the testing water temperature!

frosty table soaking up some rays

Brave Simon

2012-01-14T17:26:00.002Z

Simon braved the elements all on his own today .. well, until I got in and joined him in 4.5 C ... I took this photo out of my cubicle - while getting changed - stripping dow layer by layer I felt the cold air reaching more and more parts of my body ... The over night frost was still very apparent and I didn't want to hang around too much ... Simon had a head start and by the time I got in, he was already on his third length up towards the deep end of the pool ... Without hesitation I got in and felt the amazing blood rush the cold water gives one. I was very conscious of it ... it felt glorious! As I had the deep end of the pool firmly in sight, Simon pushed off for his forth length ... I wondered whether I could catch him... his mighty breast stroke leg kick propelled him forward at a remarkable pace ... and, as much as I tried, I couldn't quite catch him on 100 yards ... still, it helped me focus and get back to the shallow end with more purpose .. namely to get out and make a bee line for the sauna!

Feeling Left Out

2012-01-12T18:53:00.006Z

Quack Quack is geting a lot of (blog) attention! Check out Alex's take on the most photographed (non human) SLSC member!

Quack Quack is getting a lot of attention lately

however today he felt rather left out (of the pool) unless his master (Nando) was on his way to the Lido or a belated swim?!

David and Fred checking, discussing and finally agreeing

on the water temperature : 5.5 C

Duck Story

2012-01-10T11:43:00.018Z

This morning, everybody was saying how "warm" the water was ... hang on a minute, since when is 6 celsius "warm"?? Well it's all relative, I guess ... for those SLSC swimmer who are Latvia bound, 6 C is warm! In two weeks time they will be competing at the Cold Water World Championships where the water will probably be hovering around 0C!

Hoping to acclimatise for the drop in temperature they will be faced with, they are of course praying for a cold snap before heading off.

There is hope ... according to David's reading and he is the official temperature recorder, it was all of 5.5 this morning! Lovely!

new year, new swimming trunks, familiar style ...

if not in orange

side lined ... and waiting patiently for an outing

a break in the clouds made for a beautiful beam of light

hitting the surface of the water

Brockwell Park swimmer who

"defected" to the Lido for the winter season

enjoying her leisurely swim

face down and praying (for more sun or colder water?)

busy crossing

Fernando submerging himself before...

his rescue operation

dry and safe now

time to get back in ...

ahhh ... that's better

Job done, Fernando is off

while Ducky .. is trying to keep up ...

in vain ... Fernando is simply too fast and on his way to Latvia ... but surely not without "Ducky" ?!

who knows?!

Spearhead

2012-01-09T19:23:00.008Z

Quite a miserable morning in South West London ... dark, grey, relatively mild and yet ... if it wasn't for the prospect of getting into cold water, I think I would have quite happily stayed at home!

But swimming I went and, as soon as my body was totally submerged, I felt like being in another world .. which of course one is when swimming in 5 C water! Dead leaves graced the surface of the water and my body rejoiced for thanx to the cold water it feels alive .. very alive!

there were not many "bodies" around this morning .. in fact Jonathan's was the only one I spotted from my cubicle ... before ...

.... Peter came along and Jonathan ...!

spearheaded off!

Weather Beaten

2012-01-07T15:23:00.012Z

The sun lay low in the sky this morning around 9am which made for some beautifully lit images and after a few windy days the pool, specially the deep end and anything that happened to be around the pool, was full of (yet more) leaves ...

weather beaten

beautiful soft morning light

The yellow monster gobbling up the leaves at the bottom of the pool

lovely how the the colourful reflection of the doors

gets broken up by the arm movement

sharing the pool with "the yellow monster"

pushing through a pool of leaves

this must simply be THE ultimate swimming winter cap!

January Sky

2012-01-06T21:40:00.010Z

The sky at 7.45am outside my front door on January 4th ... taken on my way to the Lido

Happy New Year - 2012 is of course well on its way ... and yes I have been back at the Lido too but due tom lack of time I haven't been able to post ... sorry! However, Alex and Mr & Mrs Ape have been keeping you informed !

Here some pics I have taken since my return from Austria - somewhat "outdated.."

Sue Rentoul's private cubicle

David "caught" using it!

his and hers cubicles - ( no other than Sue and Gus' ...)

Winter morning at the Lido

winter sky over the Lido

Michael swimming in the red sea

beautiful reflection of an amazing winter sky

Merry Xmas

2011-12-22T10:50:00.004Z

I managed to get a quick swim in before heading back home for breakfast ... and a great coffee (of course!) followed by racing off to Heathrow - to catch a flight bound for Vienna, Austria

which leaves me just enough time to wish you all:

Mixed Message

2011-12-21T11:07:00.009Z

No Mr Bubbles this morning ... in fact when I arrived around 8am there was not a soul to be seen... it was dark, misty and in need of some human injection .. maybe Alex had "another" Xmas party to go to last night?! or is he still hung over from Xmas party no 3?!

After strolling around taking little shots here, there and everywhere ... the usual morning swimmers started trickling in ... Mr & Mrs Ape, Sue, Vince, Nicky (who must have bee hiding in the sauna!) Gail & Wendy, Chris ... Stephanie and Claire also appeared from somewhere .. ahhh yes, the sauna ... which incidentally, got a thorough clean this morning : thank you Simon! - he even cleaned it in his swimming trunks - door firmly shut, without asking for it to be turned off which meant that all the heat was retained!

dark and misty Lido this morning ... someone please turn the lighst on!

keeping each other warm ..

mind you the air temperature was much milder today!

someone even thought of leaving his/her woolly hat behind ...

abandoned or/and redundant ?!

ahhhh, finally signs of a swimmer

Stephanie's friend and SLSC member Claire now lives in Cardiff where

she doesn't get much opportunity to swim ..

well, not in a pool as fantastic (nor as chilly!) as the Lido ...!

She is spending a few days "down south" and simply had to remind herself (and her body!) of what cold water swimming is all about!

Mixed message!

only 4 days to go and Vince decorated "His cubicle"

and yet ... it was warm enough for an ice cream :)

Xmas Is Upon Us

2011-12-20T10:59:00.012Z

After nurturing my cold all day yesterday, and feeling a bit better today, I simply had to be back at the Lido this morning - no frost, no parts of the Lido iced over, no dramatic sun rise.... but a rising sun all the same and what a welcomed treat that is!

Xmas theme was dotted around the pool - a sure sign that it's not long now before Xmas is truly upon us - only 5 more days to go .... hard to believe!

With my cold having moved from the throat to the nose and forehead I did the wise thing (or should I say the "less fooling" thing) and swam a couple of widths rather than sticking to lengths for the first time this season ... concentrating on not putting my head too deep in the water was strenuous and took away from the usual pleasure of swimming ... but swim I did!

same door as last year

same snowman as last year!

more Xmas decoration in the caf

keeping warm is the name of the game

Fred hesitating ever so slightly!

he hadn't been to the Lido since last thursday and was feeling the sharp drop

in temperature!

While Alex, brave as ever swam 4 lengths which, so he says,

helped him get over a slight hang over ...

Xmas party no 3 for Alex and "this one was the best one!"

Martin and his daughter Natalija arriving,

watched by Chris

Sue leisurely swimming a width head up breaststroke (flip flop in her hands)

after her post sauna plunge -

Chris and Sue swam 4 lengths before finding refuge in the sauna

Martin's daughter Natalija hurrying across the width of the pool ...

... and back - well done Natalija!

No Show

2011-12-19T12:01:00.005Z

Sorry to have missed the first ice on the water this morning ... must have been great! Water down to 2.5C according to Carl - check out his post. A sore throat meant that I chose to do some inhaling rather than coming to the pool ... hopefully a wise choice that will speed up the process and allow me back tomorrow morning ...!

I still got up early and captured the wonderful winter sky ...

... out of my office window

I waited all day to see whether Alex will post a blog entry today - he finally did - great shots - well worth the wait!

Thanx To Stephanie

2011-12-17T12:50:00.028Z

For fear of "having" to repeat myself, I simply have to proclaim: "What an amazing morning!"

Not only because of the irresistible beauty that surrounds the Lido: frost, sun, gorgeous light and magical atmosphere ... it was amazing (to me) thanks to Stephanie's encouraging words which challenged me to keep my swim at 2 lengths in 38F which is 3.3C! Probably a PB (personal best) for me in that water temperature.

Batch setting off with an inspired goal

of swimming 4 lengths

Gail getting warm after her swim

2 Birthdays are coming up ...

happy Birthday Sangeeta and Nicky!

Lifeguard, Fin with the right idea...

... Hot drinks and biscuits!

From one attire to another

Batch cut his intention short ...

... and got out after 2 lengths ....

but he did get in a few more times after stints in the sauna!

ice was forming as swimmers were coming our of the pool...

and leaving an ice trail

at around 9am the sun was catching the metal

flags of the "summer entrance"

more traces of frost

lonesome, abandoned and forgotten neoprene boot ...

which begs the question, why did the owner use them in the first place ..?! :)

high as a kite

Alison and Stephanie having a leisurely chat ... Alison hadn't been in yet .. whereas Stephanie had already swam 4 lengths and was coming out of the sauna ...

Alison, gingerly, making her way into the water

amidst a thin layer of ice on the handlebars and top step

and off on 2 lengths ...

I love the thickness of the water in this shot -

looks like Alison really has to push hard to get the water in front

of her over the black line ...

Stephanie, steaming hot after the sauna

was ready perform a beautiful dive !

no cap ...! but she re surfaced feeling a whole lot better for it!

bearing the biggest smile (ever!) she said:

"I feel like a three year old whenever I come to the Lido."

under water mission

Alison on her way back .... and out

unusual for her to "only" swim 2 lengths ....!

which I interpreted as a measure of caution for myself !

How many was I going to swim, if Alison swims 2, Stephanie 4 and Batch 2?

Stephanie showered and dressed (and still bearing a big smile!) said, without a trace of any after thoughts :

"You can do 2 Elizabeth!"

Ohhhh, can I? ok then ... 2 it was!

Does anybody recognise the Lido Geisha?!

Perfect Day

2011-12-16T11:46:00.012Z

Rain, sleet, snow, a punctured front (bicycle) tire, water temperature of 39F/ 3.8 C, 2 lengths of the Lido, 20 minutes in the sauna ... a dive and a width, a shower = the day couldn't have started any better!

And it continued in the same vein: a neighbour popped by for a bit of TLC and I was able to offer him an espresso, made from freshly ground "Organic Monmouth Espresso blend" beans! I kept him company with another shot which I made into a delicious latte!

It was so dark at the Lido this morning when I arrived

that I quickly put on the flash to catch Stephanie jumping back in after her sauna

Once she resurfaced she quickly ran to get her towel.

"The air temperature (1C) was colder than the water this morning!", she told me

Vince was sheltering in his cubicle,

deciding when to launch his attack (on the water)

still no movement, and all smiles

this one's a bit fuzzy ..

but I like the mischievous look on Vince's face!

he had just asked me: "are we racing this morning?"

"noooooo, I'll try and relax..!"

speaking of racing ...

still in my cubicle, I caught Alex speeding off at the speed of light!

and ploughing through thick water after his tumble turn.

I think he took some photos too after his swim .. better check out his blog later

After his and my 2 lengths,

Vince added on another 3 widths

one can almost "see and feel" the cold water in this photo!?!

or is it just my memory of this morning's experience flooding back into my bones (and eyes)

David checked the water temperature as he always does -

Although one can't really see the mercury in this shot ... he told me that it showed 39F...

who am I to argue with "Mr Thermometer" himself!

Absence Makes The Heart Grow Fonder

2011-12-15T12:16:00.008Z

Having missed going for my splish yesterday, I was back bright (or not so brights ..!) and early this morning. My first move was to pull out the thermometer which is resting in the deep end of the pool. 40F which is 4.4 C - definitely brrrrrrr .....! before deciding whether to stick to 2 lengths, I thought of checking whether the sauna was indeed on and pumping out the heat we need!?!

There was no soul to be seen in the water nor in the cubicles ... Stephanie and Simon were however, in sauna after having swam. Stephanie was still on 6 lengths whereas Simon stuck to widths. OK, 2 lengths it will have to be for me!

chilling awakening : 40F = 4.4C

break of the day

proof (yet again) that the winter nights in december

are pretty long - 8am and the (waning) moon is still watching "the activities" at the Lido

not a sole in sight - I had the calm pool all to myself

another short december day - 9am and the sun

is doing her very best to climb upwards

Not long before the lifeguard on duty

will benefit from those few vital rays the sun will offer.

The Moon And The Sun

2011-12-13T17:06:00.020Z

Both the moon and the Sun came out to play again this morning. A welcome scene after the stormy night we had.

after a very rainy and windy night ...

clouds gave way to a beautiful sky.

the moon was still out ...

... while the sun was trying hard to appear ...

some remaining clouds made for a dramatic sky line

which beautifully reflected in the water

I was mesmerised by the reflections

they almost looked like paintings

Jonathan admiring the setting

before getting in for a quick 2 widths

Alex put his camera under water to try

to get Jonathan swimming back

let's see if he managed?

now I'm beginning to feel sorry

for the abandoned goggles...

after my 2 lengths I was (almost) ready to get out ...

but all these swimmers were making their way towards the shallow end

so I just "had to" stay in to grab a few authentic action shot - Mr Bubbles swam 8 lengths

Carl (alias Mr Ape) swam 10 lengths

Vince and I swam 2 lengths together and

while I was taking some shots he swam another 3 widths

Kate (alias Mrs Ape) stayed

in for what seemed an eternity ...

8 lengths in total, she told us lot

who were getting warm in the sauna (when she finally joined us) ... we did wonder

where she might be and started to "worry" .... ahhhhh ... yes, we do care!!

Ian was motoring up and down in his wetsuit ... and additional neoprene socks

which he tried out for the first time today ...

all he needs now are gloves ... you can't be serious, Ian !?!

sadly, I won't be able to come swimming tomorrow wednesday ...

so I am banking on you, Alex and Mr & Mrs Ape, to keep me in the loop of what's happening at the Lido!!

No Frost But Just As Cold

2011-12-12T18:07:00.014Z

Although the frost had stayed away (today, anyway ..) the water temperature remained just as cold! if not colder?! Stephanie measured it to be 4.9C on her digital thermometer ... whereas David proclaimed it to be 4.5C - I know SLSC members are finely tunes and can (usually) spot the difference in a degree ... 0.4 degrees, however ... I'm not so sure ... :) but you'll agree, specially those of you who swam today, that is was REALLY cold!

Alex came down to 6 lengths - Sue down to 4 - Stephanie swam 6, Vince kept it at 4 (and thought 3 really would have been a better choice!) I kept my distance at 2 lengths ... Overall, I felt ok, if (only) it hadn't been for the finger tips of my right hand ... I would have felt great! They were pretty frozen by the time I got out ... We are promises much colder temperatures for the coming days ... so, who know what this will do to the water temperature?!

Jonathan on his way to the sauna

A crystal clear sky made for beautiful light

Jane making her way into the pool,

armed with gloves and booties

I love the light in this photo of Jane,

the waves seems to be gentle and heavy -

the dead leaf suspended on the crest of an "oil like" wave.

gentle ripple effect

Suzanne all smiles after her stint in the sauna

and on her way to getting dressed for work

tools for all occasions

when I got out of the water I saw the moon

with partly frozen fingers I managed to capture

her - surely on her way out while making room for the sun!

David on his way to get dressed and

ready to lower his thermometer into the water

sign of Margy being at the Lido

Ode To The Frost

2011-12-10T10:03:00.013Z

The first thing I saw this morning just before 8am when opening my front door was ice on the windscreen of the cars in my street. The question attached to what I saw was whether the frost was fierce enough cover some of the pool?

More signs of frost on the common ... the water itself had, however, been spared.

But make no mistake swimming in water temperature of 4.5 C (which is what it said on the board by the entrance of the pool) is COLD! I had to check myself, pulled the thermometer which is in the deep end of the pool, out of the water : Yep : just under 5C! I was in two minds whether to stick to two lengths or whether to move down a gear and only swim 1 length?

Swimming one means too much hassle of organising flip flops for when coming out of the pool... besides I asked Wendy how many she had swam : "2" was her answer! Wow, Ok ... and then Catherine got in the shallow end and started swimming up towards the deep end .. past the first set of steps and the second to the end of the pool .. and back .. Ok my mind was set. Two for me too! Good choice. It was (as always) amazing ... as long as you can gage and trust your ability and have a healthy sense of how much of a challenge you want to put your mind and body through.

frozen leaves and grass on the common

outside the gate entrance to the lido and

more evidense of what was to come ... inside

water temperature has dropped to just below 5C

singled out leave ....

and another one attacked by this night's frost for not quite having made it

as far as landing in the water

a few frozen foot steps trailed alongside the pool-

a sign of how cold the floor is

ice trapped leaves in the paddling pool

Nicky, armed with her woolly hat, swimming widths

brave catherine, swimming 2 lengths

(not the catherine who is part of a relay team swimming the channel in set. 2012)

Although one can't see Catherine's face very well

I love the reflection of her face in the water and the soft backlight.

At 8.15am the sun is not nearly high enough to creep over the tree line

almost made it!

Catherine's two lengths breast stroke definitely

inspired me to swim 2 lengths (freestyle) too!

Thanx Catherine!

Leaves For Breakfast

2011-12-09T10:28:00.014Z

Lido swimmers were greeted by a glorious sunny day again ... well, those who arrived just after 8am that is, as they could figure out that the sun was on her way up, up, up and over the tree line of the railway side of the pool ... the early birds (who swim at 7am) could only judge by the crisp air and arrival of dawn with a cloudless sky that the day would turn out to be just fab! As for those swimmers who turn up from 9.30am onwards, well they had no doubt at all ... but all to soak up.

Simon jumped in after his time in the sauna

a bit shellshocked by the looks of it!

Annie swimming through the leaves

and having some for breakfast ... it seems

I was glad to get to the end of my second length ...

but simply had to stay in

to take some under water shots of the beautiful leaves

the sun came out too and made it all look so magical

engrossed in seeing the world from below the water

I spotted Vince pushing off through a (rare) leaf free zone

thick and heavy water

Margy poking out her head while

getting dressed after her swim and shower .. no sauna ..

I wonder why?!

Jonathan waving to the sun

Sue catching some rays before her swim

David's system of taking the temperature -

thermometer attached to his foot -

"around 5C was the verdict."

Jumping For Joy

2011-12-08T11:59:00.009Z

It felt like a much darker start to the day this morning. The sun was missing, the air temperature was a touch milder, mind you ... and the water temperature remained at 6C.

Angus jumping to the challenge of diving in ...

... for England (see his cap)

and his own enjoyment(?) :)

remains of ...

... yesterday's activities of collecting dead leaves

Clare gently putting water over her arms to (better) acclimatise

her body to the 6C water temperature before embarking on her 2 lengths

Fishing For Leaves

2011-12-07T12:13:00.015Z

This morning after the strong (and icy) winds we have had over the past two days ad nights, the the surface of the water was full of dead leaves - NOt for long though once the sun was high enough in the sky and the lifeguards had warmed up a tad, they were soon putting their recharged muscles into gear!

The water felt as cold, heavy and amazing as yesterday - no surprises there - it (only) reached 5.9C according to Stephanie's digital thermometer.

No Kate, no cake ... but plenty of leaves!

When I arrived the sun was still too low to warm up the brave on duty lifeguards (Anthony and Fin) who have been at the Lido (even) before the crack of dawn

and frozen to their bones ...

Anthony made sure that they both got a warm drink down them.

Making my way down the lengths of the pool,

all I could hear was soft verbal moaning coming out of Bernie ...

next "thing" I saw running past

(while chatting to Ian and Vince) was this super fit body in see through attire making a dash for the mens changing rooms

Rest assure he didn't only make my head turn!

but I was first to react and capture the moment (for ever!)

Jane stepping out of the cold water

while Fred was stepping in ...

... making sure his caps and goggles were all in place

before swimming 6 lengths

The lifeguards had the (fishing) leaves net

out for the first time this season

lovely how it catches leaves (as well as the sun!)

Mark almost swimming straight into the net ...

that would have been a great catch!

all in the net ... leaving the pool's surface looking immaculate

Thank you guys!

December Morning Treat

2011-12-06T10:39:00.031Z

Coming swimming on a cold december morning at the Tooting Bec Lido offers more benefits than (first) meets the eye!

Yes, there is the lovely crisp air.

There is the beautifully vast expanse of the pool.

There is a superb quality of light... and the appearance of the sun

There the challenge of swimming in water temperature of 6 C .

There is frost on leaves, twigs, the cubicle roof ....

There is the sauna... the laughs, the camaraderie ...

AND, today, to top it all there was a beautifully and lovingly created cake made by cake chef, Kate!

Thank you so much Kate!

Mr Bubbles was already in the pool

leaves and twigs covered in crystals

lovely view across the roof of the cubicles

Kate is in smiling .. before

.... psyching herself up

definitely abandoned ...

the water looks much thicker and felt much heavier

Hilary pushing through the tickness

when orange turns to pink :

Mr Bubbles at the end of his (12 lengths) swim

I wonder whether he tool some under water shots while he was swimming?

we will have to go on to his blog and check!

Kate was having problems with her googles ...

after a quick re-adjustment she was off again

the sun was still making her mind up

whether to fully appear

Sue's morning ritual - each to their own

Hilary making a fist to try and get

a bit of feeling back into her hands...

before (lido) crawling to the steps

Claire arriving full of anticipation

while Jane has already been in the pool,

to the sauna and showered

frozen leaves everywhere

Nick has had enough ...

... he's off the the sauna ... where ...

... today's topic was all about extra-ordinary breakfasts

Kate treated us morning swimmers (who didn't have to immediately rush off)

to a truly extra ordinary feast

No wonder there wasn't much left of her superb

"North American Pecan Cake" creation ...

Fortunately there was a delicious slice left more me!

I simply had to get in for a second (short 2 widths) stint after the sauna.

Sue made her way over to "the cake" and asked whether I was going to dive in ..

yes sure!?!

Nip In The Air

2011-12-05T11:20:00.026Z

South London Swimmer Club (SLSC) members woke up to a definite nip in the air followed by a definite nip in the butttt (as soon as ones body made it into the water) ... could winter finally have arrived? Well, the sun was out .. but that's no real indication is it..? What defines the real arrival of "winter" can surely only be down to the water temperature! The questions however remains: what does the thermometer have to show to qualify?

The (only) topic in the sauna today could therefore only have been about ... yes, you guessed it : verbal groans and views on how cold the water was (and felt) this morning! Was it 7C , was it just below 7C ? or was it just "bloody cold"! ?!

Some "hardies" (we all know who you are by now!) still swam double figures! My hat, or more appropriately, my caps ( 2 of them!) definitely goes off to, cake maker par excellence, Kate for sticking to 10 lengths in (according to David) just under 7C!

Come summer or winter,

Fazlar always starts his time at the pool with invigorating exercises

waiting for the sun (to make it over the tree line)

the man in orange and

well known double figure swimmer!

Wonder what he has posted on his blog today?

not sure if Sue pushed for double figures?

my guess is yes!

John reaching the last of his laps

Fazlar's other ritual of taking off his cap and

dunking his entire body under before getting out

Marianne arriving well prepared

Claire - pushing hard

Kate kept going and ...

... and going .. up and down -

she told me that when the water is as cold as it is now

she can only breath to one side as opposed to breathing bilaterally

Marianne's (cold water swimming) secret is wearing 2 costumes!

whereas Eddy's more familiar option is wearing 2 caps!

Dr. Andy enjoying his swim -

2 widths, quite remarkable for a gentleman of 90!

another lady who I haven't "officially" met ...

hence and, I hope only for today, "the lady with no name"

not even sure whether she knows about the blog?

next in ...

... Sally and ....

.... her husband Peter

Ian after his workout, sauna and shower

Sisters Suzanne and Helen

Kate positively beaming after her swim and sauna -

I still have to persuade her to get back in after the sauna ..! but then again, I don't swim 10 lengths before the sauna ... (but only 4!) ~ The best bit (for me) is definitely the dive in followed by the 2 widths I swim after having "baked" in the sauna for at least 15 min!

peter was still swimming ... although he swims very gently breaststroke

he stayed in an impressive 20+ minutes

Setting Up Shop

2011-12-03T14:55:00.020Z

Saturday Dec. 3rd, time for the traditional (first saturday of the month) breakfast at the Tooting Bec Lido. It's always well attended and gives people (specially the "early morning brigade" of swimmers who swim at 7am during the week a chance to get together and catch up on things. Today was no exception.

Everybody brought something along for the occasion. Seeing that I'm well into setting up an independent coffee shop with my business partner Danny, I thought of bringing my home espresso machine, grinder, freshly roasted beans and other (coffee related) paraphernalia to the Lido. Before my swim I set up shop at the (lido) caf, switched on "Miss Silvia" (the espresso machine is really called "Rancilio Silvia"!). She needs to warm up (at least 20 -25 minutes) before producing her magic which gave me and the breakfast candidates time for a swim.

Around 9am I assumed position behind the counter and took on my role as "head barista"(!). I was soon taking (coffee) orders, pulling one shot after another, frothing milk and improvising with my latte art!

No time to take shots ... just pulling shots!

I think people enjoyed the occasion : a great swim (sauna for some) lovely food, a good natter and a great cup of coffee.

What better way to start the weekend!

Arriving at the Lido this morning

we were greeted by a dramatic looking sky

the view from my cubicle as I was getting ready for my (1st) swim @ 8am.

I don't know the name of this lovely lady ... although she did come and say hello after her swim when breakfast (and me pulling shots of coffee) was in full swing!

I hope I'll meet her again so we can have a longer chat and I can ask her for her name!

Catherine on her eleventh lengths -

she is training for her relay channel crossing in Sept 2012

the improvised coffee bar at the Lido -

I brought my home expresso machine and grinder and some beautiful freshly roasted beans

If you ever feel inclined to get your own home espresso machine, look no further but:

thecoffeemachinelondon

After having taken all the (coffee) equipment back to the car I saw Michael, Suzanne and Helen getting ready to dive in ... Michael didn't hang about - he was first in and I missed asking the trio to dive in together...

Fortunately Suzanne and her sister Helen waited for me to get into position.

They even re-surfaced!

all I could hear was Suzanne telling her sister to "just swim, it'll get better!"

They are both very good swimmers - I caught up with them in the sauna when they told me that their father is a keen swimmer who had them swimming by age 4 and1/2!

Michael (who benefitted from a head start)

checking whether the two ladies were coming

interesting style - head up freestyle

at noon I decided to go for a second (more relaxing) swim, sauna and re-swim

Carl already fully dressed again put his hands in the water to (blindly) catch that shot - he took other shots - check out his blog!

Mile Or No Mile

2011-12-02T12:15:00.020Z

A beautifully crisp and sunny morning ... but where where all the "milers +"??

No, Mr. Bubbles, no Carl, no Fernando ..! but there was (lonesome) Pip swimming up and down on his own ... ahhhh ... God only knows how many lengths (and miles) he's clocked up this morning ...! I bet it was at least a mile .. or two .. or ... when he (finally) came out the only words he muttered were : "you really can feel the 1/2 degree drop!"

Really? surely half a degree wouldn't make much difference to bionic Pip!

the sun was just about reaching over the top of the trees (railway side)

lost or forgotten?

Vince drenched in "mytubo's coffee filter" !

here comes the sun ...

two mummies

Ian starting off (on his own)

the sun was high enough now

to catch the trees next to the men's changing area ...

... and the top of the summer entrance

Ian was still in (blowing bubbles!) when I swam again in after the sauna

Pip's arm and watch - apparently he stayed in an hour yesterday ?!

you gotta love the sparkle!

Mark heading off into the cold

you simply gotta love this picture (too)!

John and Nick deep in conversation - putting the world right ...

but at the Lido (especially on a day like today) Life can only be BLISS!

Pip heading off on another length

spot the steam coming off the roof - one can just about see it-

it looked more spectacular to the eye ... as they say: "you just had to be there"

beautiful how the sun catches Pip's arm and face - no wonder he's smiling

December Mile Man

2011-12-01T12:01:00.014Z

December 1st and we are waking up to a rather grey, dull yet quite mild december morning - Alex had set himself the goal to swim a december mile - so today was the day - wold he change his mind ? or would he stick to his guns and accomplish the challenge he had set (himself)? He has been swimming a mile each day for the entire month of november ... so no one was really doubting whether he could overcome his (self inflicted) pain barrier of swimming 18 lengths in water temperature that hovered around 8C!

big day for Alex (alias Mr Bubbles)

december 1st and the challenge is on!

I had just finished my stint (of 4 lengths) when Alex came up behind me -

all engines running

quick tumble

and full steam ahead

David coming out of the sauna - even before taking the temperature he assured me that the water was around 8C ... possibly just 8C

Alfonso arrived a bit later ... checking his watch before ...

leaping in and swimming off

Batch was full of euphoria after his 6 lengths and good warm up period in the sauna -

now it was time to cool down again!

Alex afer his swim, sauna and shower .. did he make the mile?

of course he did - Batch is trying to show the no 18

an elated Alex! "that's it now - I won't swim again" he threatened

but we all know that he'll be back for more - maybe even another mile tomorrow?!

Back Below 8C

2011-11-30T11:10:00.013Z

I played around with another photo application I got for the HTC - it's called Mytubo and has fun filters .. the one I like best is called ... "coffee"! well, no surprises there then ...! I also had to take my Ixus under ater though ... must be careful not to suddenly take the HTC (phone) under water!

Angus in mytubo look - (coffee filter applied ...what else!?!)

Jonathan getting out after a quick 2 widths

jane getting in ...

and taking off into the glorious sun

still mytubo application on the HTC - no filter

Batch stretching after his run with Sue ...

Afonso and Alex on their (coffee filter) tumble turns

Alex went on to do his 18 lengths again - Alfonso got our sooner!

One more day to go for Alex before he can swim "his mile in december".

if the water temp. stays the same, he is bound to do it!

back to taking pictures with my beloved IXUS which ..

.. I can take under water!

Fernando just starting on his 3rd length

more magic leaves

Hilary should like this (action) photo better

than the one I took of her coming up the steps yesterday :)

Fernando deciding on his next move ... Today he placed his super dooooper underwater camera in the deep end of the pool - will be so interesting to see how that camera captures the lido activities!

Back (UP) To 8C

2011-11-29T11:53:00.021Z

trying out the "retro camera" app on my HTC .... quite lovely!

It was good to see David back in the water - he must have recovered very quickly as his voice was still very coarse yesterday - he told me that he was feeling better and would be feeling even better if he hadn't been woken by his neighbours cats (fighting) early this morning ...! But the "real" good news of the morning must surely be that the water temperature was back up to 8C!

Sangeeta fully stretched

Mr Bubbles was already in the pool bright (orange) and early too

2 abandoned souls waiting for their masters...

big pile of dead leaves "better out than in"

thanx to the tireless lifeguards

Jonathan on his 2 widths - the sun just tried to break through

(sadly for only about a nano second ..)

Ian about to get in

and pushing off - amazing how buoyant the wetsuit makes Ian

Alex deciding whether to swim another ... how many?!

you and me and possible Alex himself will be happy to know that he's at the end of his 18th length and is calling it a day!

while Sue and Ian are still in full flow

Jonathan on his way out of the sauna

after 4 lengths and a good stint in the sauna, it was time to get back in for 2 widths - Carl still fully dressed put his hand in the water to take that shot - thanx Carl

now it was time for Carl and Kate to make a move ...

get changed .. blow the nose (of course) ...

... and enjoy a great swim!

Angus performing his heroic entry

and energetic get away!

while James is taking it al in and a bit easier!

strolling down to the shallow end in retro style

choosing my cubicle "in retro theme"

Definite Nip In The Air

2011-11-28T13:35:00.017Z

David came into the sauna dry, this morning. A stinking cold, sadly kept him from getting in the water ... still, he came, saw and took the water temperature but without conquering (the water)! 46 F - 7.7 C the outcome...

It felt more like 7 C to me ... all that standing around (chatting and taking photos) in the cold air temperature (without gloves) before getting in, chilled me just that little bit too much - specially my hands took the beating this morning.

I took this photo of Vince with my HTC mobile phone -I quite like it as it shows Vince's lovely shoulder and elbow action ...

A quick dip and out for Jonathan this morning

Alex, still swimming a mile (18 lengths) -

he is aiming to swim a mile in december - not many more days to go, Alex - Let's hope the water temperature doesn't drop too much by thursday!

Pip making his entrance with steamed up glasses

(from his cycle ride)

I like the angle - Vince showing another high elbow action

Vince swam 6 lengths this morning

Fernando's first words after jumping is : "bloody hell it's cold!" and it was!

and yet .. he was on his merry way up the pool

and back ... 6 lengths in total

that's 4 more lengths than I did ..! but I stayed in long enough, specially while taking under water photos after my swim - besides I stood around for far too long chatting before getting in ... not the best of strategies for today's air temperature!

the swim, sauna and re-swim sorted me out ... nicely!

the leaves were plentiful this morning - great to swim through and fantastic to see

Nick getting tips from Alex?!

or was it the other way round?

After a few lengths, Hilary is making her way towards the steps ...

out ... shower ... sauna is Hilary's usual routine -

Eddy is warming up in the background

The Ever Popular Lido Crawl

2011-11-26T18:41:00.040Z

Last weekend in November and a year on. This can only mean: Lido Crawl! YEAHHHH!

Every Year more SLSC members join in - some of us cycle between the 4 water holes we swim in, others prefer to drive.

I feel that cycling is so part of the fun and I can assure all those who decided to drive that cycling gets the blood back into the parts that may have been deprived of it (during the splishes)

7.30 am - Fernando with his very desirable toy!

which he placed under water far enough away to catch us all jumping in - can't wait to see the results of Fernando's shoot

next stop: Serps in Hyde Park and after our swim we besieged ...

the Lido cafe for a well deserved breakfast

before heading further north to Parliament Hill -

Ian capturing me taking a photo of him taking a photo of ... yes me ...

full of anticipation

Sue (rentoul) stood at the edge of the pool "for ages" - I overheard her saying that she can't dive very well ... Don't know about you? but this dive looks pretty good to me!

Vince

Ian and Vince

Stewart

Ann

Batch's impersonation of a seal?!

Ian

not sure who that is .. but I like it! I think it's Doro in the background

Batch at his best

One simply has to love the colour of the water in this Lido -

all thanks to the silver lining which is just sublime

The Parliament Hill Lido Cafe - if only we could also have a cafe like that at the Tooting Bec Lido ...!

Suzanne took a shot of me

Michael

Tricky

This (poor) regular Parliament Hill Lido swimmer is

desperately trying to get out and away from us

Ben

Pip (and Ben in the background)

Pip

Pip stayed in forever .. well, so did I - I got very cold indeed! But nothing that a brisk, teeth chattering walk to the men's pond couldn't fix!

Fernando arriving at Parliament Hill

after a short walk across Hampstead Heath

we arrived at the 4th and last water hole

The men's pond!

Shhhh.... don't tell anybody - ladies were allowed in too

here Fernando's daughter, Olivia is jumping for joy!

I gave Pip (who was in the water) my camera for shots from a different angle -

not a bad dive (of me ... even if I say so myself ..:)

great splash

I love that shot : well done Pip!

Pip in action

Olivia couldn't get enough

this may very well be Pip .. again .. not sure who was playing with my camera,

while I got dressed?

Along the Regents Canal : one of my favourite bits of the cycle ride home

Blessed By The Rays

2011-11-25T12:14:00.022Z

Today, there was no escaping the beautiful rays the sun blessed us with at the Lido. I had to drop off my car (for a Peugeot recall) this morning which meant that I (only) made it to the pool for 8.50am - perfect light for some inspiration.

In case you wondered how the offer on the premises we want for our coffee shop went ... ? We are confident in saying that "Dark Habits" could soon make its mark in Fulham ... we are not quite there yet ... our verbal offer, which the agent seemed happy to put forward to the owner, needs to be backed up in writing and with our business plan ... which all sounds promising ...

Time to say thank you with a few "shots" ... as in photos - for all the encouraging comments I have been receiving from SLSC members!

"shots of coffee" will come at a later stage!

"contre jour Carl" on his way to the sauna after a "cool 2 km swim"

I'm just about to get in ... proof that Ian is already in!

truly glorious moments in the pool this morning

while taking in the atmosphere this swimmer came along ...

we hadn't met before but we caught up in the sauna after our swims ...

where I found out that his name is Giles -

we had a lovely talk -

I'm always amazed by the "pool of people" one quite naturally gets to tap into at the Lido ...

Another lovely shots of Giles amongst the leaves in the shallow end -

not sure how many lengths Giles swam ... we spoke about coffee ... and the offer my business partner and I have put in yesterday -

Giles is a chattered surveyor and has a property business in Earlsfield - he kindly offered his help if we needed someone to look over our lease in return for a great cup of Dark Habits coffee! Thank Giles!

more playing around under water before ...

... heading over to the sauna.

the sun is so low in winter that my shadow made it into the bottom right hand corner of the frame!

proof of popularity

as I walked back to the pool for another 2 lengths,

Mark was just leaving on his bike

more action at the deep end of the pool ...

Stephen catching some rays ...

Liz swimming into the sun

Eamon catching his breath

Liz relaxing into a length of back stroke

still life while patiently waiting for more action ...

Stephen ready to weigh up his options...

... before performing his beautifully executed ritual

... leaving behind all but his trade mark

finally time for me to find my bike and head home

Missed Another Day

2011-11-24T12:00:00.008Z

Due to my trip to Brighton yesterday - to meet a micro coffee roaster - I couldn't make it to the Lido for my swim ... I hear it was amazing at the lido yesterday ... seeing all the fog in the morning when I left, I could very well imagine how atmospheric it must have been here ... today wasn't "bad" either though!

And my day in Brighton was beautiful too - My business partner, Danny and I are planning on opening an independent coffee shop, selling amazing specialist coffee and beautiful artisan food... where I hear you ask? just up the road, in Fulham. I will keep you coffee lovers posted ... in fact today is sort of a big day... as soon as I will have finished this blog entry, I'm off to meet danny at our potential premises, to view it (again) this time with an interior designer and to put an offer in ... exciting stuff! I'll keep you posted

view from in the water after my glorious swim ...

the sun just thinking about coming out - I wonder whether people in the aeroplane can see the Lido ?

As I was gathering my things (in the cubicle) I saw this happy looking man (who I have not met before) enjoying his swim - when I commented on how happy he looked, he replied: " well, that's because I know what's next!" No doubt he was referring to his trip to the sauna!

I was almost ready to head back home when I saw Nick (who I only just met today) performing this beautiful stretch - He quickly said it's like summer in the sun - "I could just go home after my stretch and no one would know whether I've been in the water :)!"

Oh no, I replied I'm sure you will go in - it's amazing in!

but did he?! I didn't stay on to witness it...

and to the left .. or is it right?!

proof that we are not in the hight of the summer -

dead leaves fished out from the bottom of the pool