At last a dip on Dartmoor.

15 and a half and still enjoying Dartmoor

What a wonderful way to spend our day off. At last the sun shone and we were able to picnic on Dartmoor. We had the river to ourselves and the dogs splashed in the river. I dipped in the river (not deep enough to swim) and The Curate paddled in the shallows (and slept!). We sat by the river and shared cheese pasties and dog biscuits.No sky larks, no sheep or ponies- just the burbling  of the river making its way towards the sea. We have missed spending time together on the moor this year because of the weather but this was a perfect afternoon.

So...that was summer!

Our third wild swim was in a beautiful spot on Dartmoor.

As my long summer holiday came to a close, we were blessed with two days of wonderful weather and it was almost possible to forget the many wet, windy and cold days that had gone before. The Curate and I made good use of these days and, instead of rushing back to the sea, we continued our quest for inland swimming. We wanted fast running water, with reasonably easy access. The river boulders can be very slippery and make the river bed very uneven to walk on - so you just have to get in quickly! We looked for safe pools that were just deep enough to swim in but not too deep.

This last spot was idyllic and we spent the last afternoon there with The Collie. The buzzards were flying high overhead, a heron flew in to land for a bit of fishing but on seeing us took flight again - lazily flapping its great outstretched wings above our heads. The grazing sheep watched curiously from a distance - as did a group of walkers who were following the footpath higher up the valley.

 We swam and picnicked until the wind began to get a slight chill in it. A perfect end to the summer holiday.

 The Curate and I have had these last two weeks together. We have worked on our house on the south coast and caught up on gardening jobs around our present house. It almost feels like home now that I have moved in all my things from the other house.

We both feel refreshed and ready to return to work to tackle new challenges - whatever they might be. This time together has given us a chance to reflect on where we are at the moment and consider what the future might hold.

Double Dipping

The start of September brought sunshine and warm winds so today was the day to try out the second swimming spot. Much to my surprise The Curate was keen to join me so we went for a double dip in the late afternoon (after any walkers might have gone home).

It's a bit of a walk.

Inspecting the site.

The Curate being given tips on doggy paddle by The Collie

A contented Curate's wife

 It was glorious - the water was clear and refreshing.  You should try it.

Is this my second wild swimming spot?

 

This looks promising for my next dip - if only the weather would improve. 

We managed to complete this Dartmoor walk this time - previously we had turned back because the path had proved too rocky for our old Lakeland terrier. The weather was not kind on Friday and the path ahead was shrouded in cloud but we decided to press on.

 

The path was not clearly marked and we were glad of the guide book and the map. We met two walkers who had turned back because the path had become very rocky and difficult to pass. The river was running fast after all the rain and the continuous noise reminded us of the power of the water. We seemed to be walking very close to the river bank and the rocks were very slippery. This river is claimed to be the fastest flowing river in England and I could believe it as it rushed past just below where we walked.

 

 It was just after this point that I jokingly said I would take the lead to prevent Younger Sister from falling into the bogs. Seconds after uttering this, my leg disappeared into a crevasse (unseen because of the boggy terrain). For a moment - I wondered what had happened and it crossed my mind that I might be following my boot into middle earth. I couldn't feel the bottom and Younger Sister rescued the top of my boot before it was totally submerged with my leg in it and pulled it out. Between the fits of laughter as I lay prostrate on the boggy ground, we did realise how carefully we had to be. This crevasse was completely concealed by the boggy terrain.

It was now time to head up out of the gorge - but finding the path was difficult. We had to head up into the cloud and the ground was running with water so it was difficult to work out where the tracks were. The visibility was not wonderful and it reminded us how you must always be prepared when you go out - a compass is essential. We were glad we had set off in the morning so there was plenty of day light.

Fortunately for us, it was not cold - just damp - very damp!

 

 You can see how wet the ground is in this photo.

But when the weather lifted the views were spectacular.

So.....all I need now is a little warm weather and the river to be flowing steadily and I will be back to test the waters!

A Dip on Dartmoor

This is not the Tropics. This is not the Caribbean. This is Devon. This is Dartmoor. This is cold! 

My first wild swim and I am smiling.

Searching for that wild swim.

 

We have been searching Dartmoor for swimming spots because I am a bit of a water rat and when (if ) the weather warms up, I will need to be near water. Living next to the sea and being able to go for a quick surf or swim was fantastic for the last two years. Now we are by the moor I am setting myself the challenge to find some of the wild swimming places.

The other day we followed this river until we came to a beautiful pool. We didn't swim but it looked inviting. It is very, very cold at the moment - a few minutes paddling and I couldn't feel my toes! I guess I'm going to have to harden up!