Julie Ward

While I dipped into the 17 degree waters of the kiama Rickpool, a migrating humpback whale was delighting the small crowd gathered by flipping joyfully  and then breaching repeatedly for some 20 minutes.  Such joy1

I drove my car to the rock pool today and it was fairly sparkling in the winter sun.  Not for the first time i thought, "what a wonderful day to start the day".  Then I thought, this is not a hard challenge - its actually quite a gift.My thoughts then turned to my friends whose car had turned up to hospitals for chemo and radio treatments, a much tougher arrival than this.  So my 7th dip done.  Tomorrow me and my cap are going to warmer waters which feels like a cheat but I wont count those.  I will however continue to share my dip story as a reminder of how lucky i am and how grateful for the support. 

A stunning Kiama day and though windy at the rockpool, I took the dip and a few laps.  #5 of 10 done.ongoing thanks to all the support along the way.

So from 13.5 to a slightly less cold dip on a weekend away in Noosa. Still winter but feels like a cheat in this stunning location.

Outside its a sunny 17 degrees and the ocean is glistening.

Inside sitting at my desk, I had a few layers on and hesitated in my commitment to take my first plunge.

Arriving at the rock pool,  there were no swimmers but a few spectators who didn't hesitate groaning, seeing my intention.  That spurred me on.

I glanced at the rock where the daily crew mark the temperature in chalk - 13.5 degrees C.  I think my personal best to date has been 16, so here we go.I swapped from my daffodil cap to my The Pool (Icebergs documentary) blue speedo and goggles, just in case I could manage more than an in and out!  And I did.. across and back. Such a small discomfort compared to the thousands who fight cancer each day.. fight for days, months, and lie my friends Eva and James, years.  And to my friends still with us and fighting, my cold plunges are a small acknowledgement of my love and my admiration of  your courage.