Sophie Gardiner

Officially the last swim today.  Anna, Pam, Rachel and Sarah  joined me for the finale of my  Daffodil Challenge. The strong westerly wind pushed us around and the theatre of the sky gave me the impression I was in a snow dome. It has been so worthwhile with over $8000.00 raised for further cancer research. Each time I plunged into the freezing water I thought of Charlie Ebsworth and how he bravely faced two years of doctors and hospital visits. His strength and attitude was remarkable. Charlie was an inspiration to everyone who knew him. 

Strong westerly winds created a choppy solo swim this morning and the infinity pool became the North Sea. I am fascinated as the light revealed huge container ships arriving and departing on the horizon. They are a mystery to me but quite intriguing nonetheless as I wonder  about their cargo and where they are going. 

Not many swimmers were out there today. Not surprisingly you might say! There was a blustery northwesterly wind. The seagulls were having a ball -  wheeling around the sky showing off to me and each other. Wispy clouds sat above the impending sunrise and a thick mass sat on the other side of the bay. It all changes so quickly before you like teams on the MCG. 

Wind gusts caught everyone by surprise today. A strong northerly swept across the bay threatening rain. Grey was the order of the day  with thick clouds and low flying airplanes. Few people were about despite the mild temperatures. 

The final swim week and our thoughts are with Louise and Maurice - her beloved dog companion. He has enjoyed so many walks on the beach,  reliably guarded her gear,  kept her towel warm and was loved by everyone who knew him. 

I met fellow Daffodil Day swimmer Geoff  this morning at The Springs. Nobody could miss him in his daffodil cap and matching top.  He is raising money for cancer research in memory of his sister Sarah.  Go Geoff!!What a gorgeous springy day to be out and about making new friends and counting my blessings. 

I swam alone today from The Springs in Point Lonsdale. The tide was high and the current strong. Not my best swimming style as I struggled to return having been taken down the shoreline. Being a Saturday, I swam late morning and enjoyed a deep blue sky and sun. However it was still cold!!

From our position 200m from the shore, we had almost 360 degree views of various  shades of red and pink sky. The water was crystal clear and the air temperature a warm 11 degrees. Spring is around the corner after several warm days this week. We celebrated Louise’s birthday in DSG style - hot tea and a flipper touch .

Today is Daffodil Day and my thoughts are with all who have been close to cancer. My winter swims are a minor discomfort compared to the challenges so many people have to endure. Thank you to everyone who has supported cancer research through my swims. If you have been thinking about doing so you will help me reach my new goal of $5000.00! 

When you think a morning can’t get better, it does. The clarity and visibility today was a standout. Everything was illuminated. As the sun rose, spotlights of pink light were directed into the sky like a child’s drawing. Pam and I agreed we hadn’t seen anything quite like it. A chilly morning with the promise of a beautiful day ahead. 

One of the coldest mornings today with a light ripple across the water. A very clear sky accentuated the bright new moon, Venus and Jupiter. Rachel, Anna and the dogs were there to support the swimming. Surprisingly there were so many walking on the beach. I was aware of the incomprehensible glances my way as I emerged from the water in my speedos, when everyone  else was wearing full winter attire including the dogs! 

Nearly had the whole Dog Swim Gang today - Anna, Pam, Rachel, Sophie H and me. Gordy and Charlie were on active dog patrol. The bay was like a huge infinity pool surrounded by a mass of soft grey clouds. As I was dressing the sun emerged which lit up the docklands which looked quite incredible. My icy fingers struggled to work but I did manage to take a photo. 

Another Point Lonsdale swim with dear local friend Felic Walmsley. We submerged ourselves into the icy water with a double rainbow behind the lighthouse. Seagulls watched us closely from the signpost.  As we emerged from the sea the weak sun tried to warm  us as we dressed as eskimos and headed towards a cafe.  

Swimming in day light today in Point Lonsdale.  Lovely clear soft green water and an endless sky looking towards the National Park on the other side of the bay. A huge container ship went past butting the water at speed  as I watched it head out through The Heads. 

ANOTHER clear still morning. The bay was a mirror reflecting the moon and stars. Jupiter and Mars were beacons in the distance and the red flashing safety lights atop the city skyscrapers joined the festive atmosphere. A thick band of dark cloud sat across the north eastern horizon whilst the remaining sky was absolutely clear. 

After steady rain last night this morning was surprisingly beautiful. Clear sky, still water , melting moon and pale sunrise. So much was happening around me. Hot air balloons, two helicopters flew overhead, Melanie the homeless woman moved closer to avoid the rain last night and a personal trainer was frolicking to music with his clients.  

Stunning stripy horizon at 6.15 with shades of orange and grey sharing the sky with the moon and stars. Only Anna and Rachel swimming with me this morning. I was carried away as the daylight arrived and stayed in the water for nearly an hour. Slowly everything is revealed as pitch black is replaced by emerging light.  The experience is totally captivating - and the cold forgotten. 

A gentle ripple waved across the bay in Middle Park this morning. The visibility was clear -as was the sky. Many stars and a large moon watched over us as we made our way out into the bay. Sarah braved the water after a nine day break. Her cough hasn’t stolen her spirit and Anna, Sophie H and I celebrated her return  with flipper touch in the deep water (imagine a floating human star).Rachel joined us towards the end of the swim. Chilly - yes. Worth the effort - most definitely. 

Another millpond morning, even more so than yesterday. Middle Park was so still and quiet and the water sparkled with an abundance of phosphorescence. The cloudy grey sky was slashed with bright blue on the horizon. Sarah joined us at the beach and took the photos as I swam with Pam and Anna. 

The bay was so still this morning and the sky dull with clouds; not a breath of breeze. The phosphorescence was intense and brought magic to our icy hands as Anna and I paddled out to the first pole.

A light wind was pushing the waves to St Kilda this morning, ruffling the surface so I couldn’t see Pam. Chilly water and mild air temperatures.Swam with Pam and Anna. Gordon the dog was on duty. 

Clear still morning. Calm freezing water. Air temperature was mild and comforting. Much activity around us with dog walkers and Personal Trainers sharing the fresh start to the day. 

Dark morning conversations on the beach. Swam with Anna, Sophie H and Rachel walking Charlie. 

Very chilly clear day. An early fog surrounding the sleepy Sunday morning. Sophie H and Tom arrived from Barwon Heads. Alice and Pom Tom made a special effort to brave the icy water the support the cause too. 

A still Friday morning and a cloudless sky. Stars were twinkling and the city skyline was brilliant against the dark sky. Air temperature was 4 or 5 degrees, colder out than in the water (a balmy 9 or 10 degrees). I swam with Pam and Anna.