Is this a new winter swim spot?
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- čas přidán 28. 12. 2020
- With so much rain recently I thought I'd walk to a somewhere I'd spotted on a map that was off the beaten track and looked promising. Come with me on a little adventure as I take a walk in the New Forest to test a new winter swim spot. A fun solo activity when fun has been in short supply recently!
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Here is a link to kit used in this video, via my Amazon page, through which I earn a little bit of commission but which costs you no more - thank you! This helps to fund my channel: www.amazon.co.uk/shop/everyda...
bobble hat
Lomo 60L drybag rucksack
Lomo tri-x gloves
Lomo swim socks
Chilly's bottle
Links to other sites selling the kit I use:
changing robe smocsmoc.co.uk
sailing jacket from Decathlon
boots by Dubarry
Xclear hydrophobic pro repel lens protector stops the drips on my lens: getxclear.com/collections/hyd...
Filmed on a GoPro Hero 9 and 7 black, edited in Lumafusion app on an iPad Pro
Check out some more of my videos:
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outdoor swimming: how long should I stay in? • Outdoor swimming: how ...
dryrobe vs Charlie McLeod vs Red vs smoc smoc • dryrobe vs Charlie McL... smoc smoc vs fourth element vs rapanui: eco changing robe comparison • smoc smoc vs fourth el...
what are waterproof changing robes for under £90 like? • what are waterproof ch...
The Dark Art of Getting Changed in a Changing Robe • the dark art of gettin...
Everyday Athlete is my vlog about getting active in the great outdoors. I make videos about outdoor activities which hopefully encourage other people to get involved. I normally upload videos on a Tuesday. Come along and join me on my adventures / everydayathleterach
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Rachel I am so sorry to hear of Barney’s passing. Our fur babies bring such joy while they are with us. A dear friend said that grief is the other side of love. Thank goodness for nature’s healing. It soothes us as we grieve. Thinking of you.
Thank you Erin, that is a lovely way to think of grief x
This vlog made me smile and giggle a bit, even though we're all mourning the loss of Barney with you. Thank you for showing us your local wild places, inviting us along on your solo adventures, and reminding us that solace can be found in nature no matter the weather.
hanks for joining me Megan it was great to get out and have a solo adventure morning. There's so much to be said about being out and about on your own, I find it allows me to be really present and notice things that I might not have spotted if in company 🏊😄
Thank you for sharing your adventure. I'm so very sorry about Barney. Utterly heartbreaking. X
It is sad, he went downhill so rapidly. It was nice to be out in one of our stomping grounds though 🏊😄
Thank you Rachel for sharing your love of swimming! I am so proud of you for having the courage to carry on when you are grieving your little dog, Barney! I read a brilliant book when I lost my little dog, Tai Chi - to help me through the loss of my best friend... Big Hug, Px
Thank you Philippa. Getting outside and doing things is what keeps me going. The house is empty without Barney, so in these times of having to spend so much time in the house, it is a little bit of respite to be out for a swim. Is that the title of the book you mention? x
A great video. Love the adventurous nature of it. I'm definitely way too much of a scaredy cat to try anything like that. The ponies were amazing! I'm sorry to hear about Barney 💛 I hope you can remember the good times you had and that will bring you a smile
I'm glad ou enjoyed it. You don't have to be brave as a barrel load of monkeys to give it a go, just don't take a wild risk. If it smells odd, there's a strong current or you're just not happy, don't get in 🏊😄
So sorry to hear about Barney. Looks like a good swim, but the walk back in the cold is beyond me, yet. I love my red legs, but white hands from the gloves! Happy new year, keep them coming.
Hi Alison, thanks for watching. I found that at the end of the walk back I was back to usual body temperature and it set me up for the day. A gentle walk afterwards is fine - just wrap up warm 🏊😄
So very sorry to hear about Barney. I’m new to your site so I haven’t seen him, but I do know the love of a good dog and my thoughts are with you. Enjoyed your video too. My swim buddy and I have only been swimming in the sea up to now - we only started wild swimming late this Summer - so your video gave food for thought! Thanks!
Hi Andrea, thank you for your thoughts for Barney, he is my sidekick on a couple of the videos where I'm checking out possible swims as he was not mad into getting wet, which is odd for a spaniel! I justtthought in the spirit of staying local I would check out this little ribbon of blue on the ordanace survey map, give it a go, even if it's just to look at and contemplate the watery possibility..
Hi Rachel, sorry for your loss. We are massive dog fans also. Your channel is lovely to watch. Keep your chin up.
Thanks for watching Adventure Monkey, I'm keeping my chin up and stroking everyone else's dogs 🏊😄
@@EverydayAthleteRach Hi Rach, if we are ever lucky enough to cross paths (or swim) Archie and Oliver (Springer Spaniel and GSD) will be more than glad to meet you too!
How very sad to hear about Barney. What a lovely thought to go to places and remember him there. I hope the outdoors continues to bring comfort 😊
It was great to be out and sloshing about in one of our walking spots. Barney was not much up for swimming so he would have barked his disapproval at my antics!
Hi Rachel, I found your CZcams channel last night and I've been watching your videos non stop! I'm sorry tto hear about Barney. It's heartbreaking.
I'm going for a swim on Sunday and all your tips and info has been great! I don't get to swim very often (young kids) so not at all acclimatised to the cold. I'm fully ready for a lot of hopping about and a 30 second dip.
The exmoor ponies and friendly horses make me super nervous so well done! I have no idea what to do when they come over interested. (close my eyes and hope they ggo away 😂)
Can't wait for the next video. Have a lovely New year. X
Hi Daisy, lovely to have you along for the journey. I hope Sunday's swim goes well. Just go easy on yourself, just getting in and out is enough at this time of year. Maybe aim to get your shoulders under and regulate your breathing, then get out with a smile on your face. Would love to hear how you get on 🏊😄
I know this is an older video Rachel but Ive only just found this one as I continue my journey through your back posts. I just have to comment and say thank you for sharing the New Forest and taking me home for just a few minutes.
You’re most welcome Alison. It was a refreshing dip to say the least!
Rachel, I thoroughly enjoyed you sharing that wonderful little journey of discovery around your area, you really connected with nature. You're brilliant, you embrace life's enjoyment in nature.
So sorry to hear about little Barney but keep in mind the life he shared with you, full of adventure, joy and care I'm sure.
Happy New Year
Thank you so much! I'm pleased you enjoyed the litle adventure, Barney would have loved it (minus getting wet, which he wasn't a great fan of) 🏊😄
Oh, Rachel....I’m so sorry to hear about Barney. Wish I could have met him. On your videos he certainly looked like he had quite the personality. My pup is 13.5 and soon I’ll be where you are. I pray I have as much grace as you’ve shown.
Wow Pat! That’s a great age! I hope yours is in good health and a happy little soul xx
It is always a mystery checking out new spots. I ended up in a bit of river about 6 weeks ago which seemed ok from afar but was quite dirty with silt and mud and god knows what else in it once I was in it. Always worth a go - unless you shake the proverbial tree you don't know what will fall out.
Emma we are on the same wavelength, nothing ventured, nothing gained! I think I might try getting in upstream in a wetsuit next time for a swooshy swim/walk through the trees. 🏊😄
Another great video Rachel, thank you for taking the time to share it all with us - great escapism and lovely to see what fellow winter swimmers / dippers are up to.
Hi Helen, this really was a dip. But it was a rather chilly one. This location has more possibilities but I think I’ll take a wetsuit for exploring. Thanks for watching. I hope you are getting an outdoor fix.
@@EverydayAthleteRach I get to the river or lake at least once a week and for the days I can't I resort to the wheelie bin (bought for this purpose so nice and clean!) but at least gives me the cold water fix in the bottom of the garden! I'm still skin swimming in the lake / river but it has reduced how much time I can spend in there so will up to a neoprene vest and shorts for NYD swim - just so I can stay in a bit longer! All good though - whether a couple of minuets or 30+, at this temperature it's about getting out there and just doing it - feel so brilliant afterwards - makes it all worth while!
How is the wheely-binning going? Have you positioned it near to a bird table so you can get a close-up?
@@EverydayAthleteRach It's certainly helping to provide the quick cold water fix in this lockdown period, foxes, hedgehogs and lots of birds spotted in garden today - not whilst in the wheelie bin though (not in there long enough :) !) hope you are well
@@helenhelliwell738 I’m all good here. Have taken to going for a pre-work walk which is a nice way to start the day. Take care x
Rachel thank you for this piece of quiet beauty. The slow dripping, all the versions of the color brown, so nice. I'm sorry you lost such a great friend.
Hi Maria thank you for joining me. It was soothing for the soul to be out, even if the weather was rather more dreary than I'd hoped for (snow or sleet would have been beautiful) 🏊😄
So sorry to hear about Barney RIP.
Thank you Olive x
Happy New Year, Rachel.....job well done there & it looked a bit damp & chilly.....but I hope it helped take your mind off losing, Barney! I thought you were brave with those horses, I've had one raid my camping spot once many years ago & tuck into my cabbage which I intended my camp stew. 😂😂😂😂 Thanks for all your videos & you are a top banana!
Thank you Rachel, it was a lovely morning's adventure and the poines added a frisson of excitement to the procedings! Happy New Year!
I loved watching this. It made me laugh and cry. My heart goes out to you about Barney, we have said goodbye to two dogs, they are always in my heart, but it doesn't;t take away the grief. And I laughed at your fashion statement !:) I managed to get a swim in our nearly lake before lockdown. The paths were icy and the water very chilly. It felt very special...winter swimming has a certain magic.
Hi Jennifer, thanks for your kind words. It was great to be out in nature and thinking about all the lovely times we'd had there. I hope you are getting an outdoor fix somehow at the moment 🏊😃
Awww Rachel so sorry to hear you lost Barney, that made me sad for you. I loved going on your journey, the dip looked really cold but fun and the horses are lovely.
Hi Jacqui, it really was rather breath-taking in the water, but immersion in nature is always an adventure, whether I get wet or don't 🏊😄
Hi Rachael
Love your channel can’t stop watching them
So sorry to hear the sad news about your dog barnie xx
So pleased you're enjoying the content, it's great to have you along. Thank you for your thoughts about Barney, I really miss him, but we are now healing our broken hearts with a cocker spaniel puppy who will no doubt be on a video soon!
Thank you for the shout out 🥰🙏
No problem 😊 hope you get some more views and subs!
@@EverydayAthleteRach 😊🙏x
Look at those numbers go, super quick channel growth. Great stuff!
@@EverydayAthleteRach I have you to thank for the majority of those, you have some great followers 😊🙏
So sorry for your loss.
Thank you Ruby x
Oh my goodness.... Totally mad finding what looked like a gloomy peat bog in freezing cold weather and going in with a smile and no signs of shivers! My last wild swim was in the Brecon Beacons in 'Waterfalls country' (you'd love it) but that was in July and I was so cold after 10 minutes that I could hardly get changed afterwards, nor feel my hands for the rest of the hike!
Sorry to hear about Barney: they become your family don't they. Such a void when they're gone...and you see them everywhere in your favourite places...
Hi Peter, funny you should mention waterfall country. I used to work in the area many years ago and lead lots of gorge walking groups in and out of the waterfalls. Such an amazing place. Went back on holiday a couple of years ago and it was magic.
Thank you. Happy New Year 🏊
Happy new year!
Rachel, So glad you got out for a swim during this sad time of losing Barney.
Nature can be healing during a time of grief. A beautiful place and the horses...Wow!
You are amazing! "Happy New Year" xox
Thank you for watching Theresa. It's good to get out and immerse in nature. A swim there with the dawn chorus would be amazing.
Hey Rachel,so sorry about your wee dog😔💔 Your videos are fab!! My friend and I watch them all the time!! We swim at portobello beach,Edinburgh!! Love it!!! 🏊♀️💕xoxoxoxo
Thank you and thank you for watching 🏊😄
It’s lovely to be able to follow you on your expedition to swim - such beautiful surroundings and an exhilarating-looking splash. So sorry about Barney, it’s the hardest thing, losing a little doggie shadow... xx
Thank you Auri, it is quiet at home without him, but I'm sure it gets easier. The swim was certainly exhilarating! I'm pleased people have seemed to enjoy coming along for the adventure. 🏊😄
Love the new forest. Love the ponies the cycle routes and Beaulieu motor museum. Also just love riding through it on the train. I don't live in the region but like going to it maybe once every couple of years or so.
I like the walk by the coast down there and the pretty fishing towns.
Btw you reminded me it's Tuesday - totally disoriented at this time of year :D HNY
Hi Dave it is a lovely part of the world. I was hoping to get out and do this all with snow falling as that would have lifted the dreary backdrop, but I think it turned out ok anyway. Have a happy and healthy new year! 🏊😄
@@EverydayAthleteRach it did. Nothing dreary about any of your backdrops or your videos my friend :)
And I managed to somehow miss the bit about Barney. I'm so sorry to hear - big hug to you. Oddly when I watched the video the first time I wondered if he was with you when the ponies were close to you.
Its like losing a child isn't it. It'll become easier in time but he'll always be swimming with you in your heart and mind x
Dogs who grow up walking in the Forest are wierdly uninterested in the ponies, almost not even noticing them. Barney and I had a few sketchy moments when he walked very close behind horses whilst sniffing and enjoying his walk - those were tense moments!
I loved your journey! So sorry to hear about Barney 😢
Hi Anna, thanks for joining me. It was lovely to get out and feel winter on my skin and have some time in nature 🏊😄
Well done for getting the swim in Rachel, sorry to hear about your cocker spaniel, I also have one and I can’t keep him out of the water when I go in! Hope you have a great new year, stay safe
Ash 🏕
Thanks Ash, Barney was not much one for getting in the water for a swim only very occasionally, which is unusual for a cocker spaniel. He would walk around puddles most of the time! Have a happy and healthy new year
Rachel, I'm sorry to hear about your dog. Thx for the nice exploring video.
Thank you so much! It is quiet without him, but was lovely to go for this little wander in my boots.
@@EverydayAthleteRach I already wondered if they are waterproof...
Pleasingly my feet were bone dry, despite getting the boots in quite deep. They have no grip as they are sailing boots, which is probably why I poo-surfed on the cow pat!
Thanks Rachel 👍
It was a lovely walk.
So very sorry that your special guy, Barney, is no longer with you. I lost my sweet best friend, Lulu, 3 months ago. I have treated many a grief hangover with a cold swim the next day - including this very morning. I hope the cold water and the fresh air work their healing on your heart and spirit.
You're so right about cold water and fresh air and their healing properties. The rawness is subsiding, but it just catches you off-guard from nowhere at any time. We will get another furry friend as the house is so quiet, and I miss being met at the door and dog cuddles. Will you be getting another furbaby? x
@@EverydayAthleteRach This is the first time in 30 years I haven't had a furbaby! It may take several more months until we're ready for a new one. I'm wondering if there will be a surge in pets needing to be rehomed due to pandemic fallout (evictions, financial strain, people back at work & school, etc.) so I'm thinking we'll wait a bit. Hope to see pix of a new member of your family soon!
@@melindagreen7911 I too am worried that many people may no longer be in a position to care for their fur baby. We are starting to look now because the house is so quiet without a dog. Good luck in finding a four-legged friend x
Hey Rachel, I am so sorry to hear about Barney... time and memories are the best healers... but it is tough, isn’t it? I enjoyed seeing photos of Barney on your outdoor adventures and also in the power boat with you. This was a lovely little walk and most likely full of memories for you. What an interesting swim spot, so nice that it is local for you and easy to get to during these times. Loved the horses too. Have you or your friend ever heard of Chaga? It is a hard fungus that grows on Birch trees. People here in the PNW region of 🇨🇦 (who are knowledgeable experts) harvest it and make a tea from it. Chaga is known to be rich in anti-oxidants, have cancer fighting and immune boosting properties, and be helpful at managing cholesterol, blood sugar levels, etc. It is very expensive to purchase in a health food store, I have never tried it but many people swear by it. I know you quite often look for mushrooms and fungi when you’re out, and according to Google it does grow in Europe (UK??), so I thought I’d mention it (if nothing else, just for interest sakes). Thanks for sharing this fun and adventurous swim/hike... “lobster tan” (good one!)... I know it well, and I look forward to it when the lakes thaw out in the Spring. Happy New Year to you and yours. 2021 is going to be a better year for us all.
Hi Mary thanks for joining me. I haven't heard of Chaga, but I'm no mushroom/fungus expert, I just like to look at them. I'll look it up though and see if they occur locally. Roll on 2021!
I’m so sorry for the loss of your Barney. Hopefully the swim helped a little, but it must be a tough time at the moment. Thank you for another fab video - I will look this one up on the map and try it out hopefully one day soon!
Ps thank you also for your super tips on the Test swim that you replied to my comment on :) feel much more confident to try thst one now too!
The Test is lovely, if you turn up around high tide there will almost always be another swimmer or two getting in or out 🏊😄
Sad news, they are family, my elder dog is 14 now and i’m dreading that day. Much love to you. Xx
Thank you for the subscription 🙏
Thank you Sarah. It is sad, but we had a lot of fun, it just ended much earlier than we'd expected. He was almost 9. Take lots of photos of your lovely dogs they are a great comfort afterwards in helping remember the fun times x
Same happened here today. Was laying in bed when i saw snowfall..by the time I got up and walked to the window, it stopped.
Sorry to hear about Barney. No better way to ease the grief than dipping in nature. Stepping on poops, maybe not so much. 😁 Lovely quiet place! Good find, not a bad place to get your fix. 👍🏼 Have a happy cozy new year, Rachel! ✨☕️ Mari
Hi Mari, you're right it was super to get out and have an explore. I had the same snow temptation today - hugh sloppy flakes of sleet which disappeared as they hit the ground. It snowed/sleeted for abuot 10 minutes, mesmerising. I hope you are out and about adventuring too.
@@EverydayAthleteRach It has been fairly mild again. Do you remember the last time UK had a white christmas?
I’m enjoying my cozy bed a bit too much these days.. 😁 Enjoy the rest of your day!
There's nothing wrong with enjoying a cozy bed. At this time of year I don't like heating on at night, and I like the window open a bit, but then if you put a second duvet on it is just the most delicious feeling! Makes me excited to get into bed!
Loved this video good to see the horses. Lobster tan made me laugh, not heard that before. Xx
I was amused to note that the lobster tan wend part may up my cheek! 🏊😄
Awww Rachel. So sorry to hear about your baby, Barney
Thank you x
It is one of my fav spot to walk as well. Although, never had swimming in mind. But it sure looks interesting
I was curious to see if it was possible. It was cold, that's for sure!
Great wee vlog Rachel. I might have laughed a bit too hard at the poo surfing part though! That is something I would also do though - too busy admiring the scenery to see where I'm putting my feet!
Looks like a great place for a dook though. In the first lockdown I eyed up the burn that runs close to our house even though there was hardly anything in it. I'm thinking about trying it now though as we've had plenty of rain and more recently some snow.
Sounds like you have a virtually exclusive dook spot there, sounds like the right time to try it now too :)
Hello Rachel! Thank-you for your latest adventure into the chilly river. I am very sorry to hear about your Barney. Oddly my good swimming friend as well as my son, have received bad news regarding the health of their pets; both cats. Very sad indeed. On behalf of my wee pod of fellow cold water swimmers, I send you our collective condolences xo. On a less sad note, I am wondering just how cold this last dip was!! Happy and Healthy New Year to you from Vancouver British Columbia, Canada.
Hi Claire, thank you. The water temp here was around 5 degrees, could have been lower but my watch didn't have much time to settle as I was only in a short time. Happy New Year!
Sorry to hear about Barney . I found Hannah's channel just before yours! Having grown up in Kent I love to watch her videos. Love camping and walking in the area. Yet to do some wild swimming there though! I am in tier 4 but fortunate to have the lake at Beckenham Place park for my swim fix :-)
Thank you, the house is quiet without him as is the passenger seat of my car! I've been to Kent a few times for work, but it looks like a lovely place for the odd dip. We're hoping to have a swim/walk together at some point. Glad to hear you still have a swim possibility at the moment. Hang on in there 🏊😄
Happy New Year Rachel! What an exciting expedition! I was trying to find out exactly where you were but couldn't...
Sorry about your furry friend 💚😕
Hi Val, take a look for water on an OS map starting from Longdown car park :)
Sorry to hear about your dog Barney. We lost our dog Ted in 2017 and then my wife last August so I know how you may feel. Keep up the good work with your inspiring content.
Thank you Graham, and I'm so sorry for your losses. We are most certainly going to get another dog, the house is so quiet and I miss his excited little furry face greeting me when I arrive home, even just from the shop. I hope you are getting an outdoor fix of some ind at the moment x 🏊😃
@@EverydayAthleteRach
I am getting out for a walk or run everyday. All local lakes are closed, our pool is being turned into a vaccination centre. So I have ordered a large pool for the garden 😄
Very Brave well done
Thanks, it was a fun morning adventure 🏊😄
So very sorry to hear about Barney ☹️ but what a lovely way to remember him. I’m doing exactly the same as you at the mo-wandering around the New Forest looking for potential swim spots! I think I know where you were for this one and I agree-thought there’d be more water around.... Happy New Year to you 🌟 (Are you going for a swim on New Year’s Day? I’m thinking of a sunrise one 😍).
This one is an easy find from Longdown carpark. I'll be back there with a wetsuit for further exploring. It would be col to join up for a dip maybe? I've got a few more in mind to try out. On the forest they'd be mostly for immersing in nature, rather than much actual swimming, but a nice eaceful place for a cuppa afterwards too. I'm considering a NY midninght or dawn dip at Lepe.
You're channel looks great, I've just subscribed 🙌
@@EverydayAthleteRach Yes I’m doing more dipping than swimming at the mo too! 🥶 It would be fab to meet up for a dip-what a lovely idea 😍 So much fun sharing the outdoor swims. Let me know when and where works for you. I’m just off out for a bimble around Brockenhurst 👍
@@EverydayAthleteRach Thank you!! Much appreciated-only recently started so finding my feet!
I've dropped you a message on Instagram 🏊😄
or it's horrible news about your barny
we lost our barny 3 years ago German shepherd :(
great vid again :)
happy New year 2 u and stay safe :)
It is hard when you lose a furry friend, I still expect him to greet me at the door when I come in. It was nice to bee out where we walked in the past though 🏊😄
Hi Rachel, So sorry to hear about Barney " crossing the rainbow". Hadn't heard that expression. That's a big deal and best wishes to you about that. a couple of things I would like you to do vlog's on: 1) Neoprene vests, long sleeve tops, little neoprene (or similar material) jackets that kind of thing. I've got gloves and boots which have made a huge difference. Thanks for your recommendations. I don't want a full suit - too much faff for me given how it has to be soooo tight for it to be worth it. Also, I like feeling the cold water on a good proportion of my skin. I'm 55 a bit older than you and similar figure to you. I'm finding that my neck and chest and upper arms are feeling the cold and that makes me get out after 5 or 10 mins at the moment. I would like something to cover that area. I would love you to review a few. 2) review of go pro and similar camera's. what you use and how you have found using them. I"m sure I wouldn't need the absolute latest model but am a bit in the dark. I see you use 2 go pros but that's because you are making vlogs - I just need for personal use. Anyway, if you looking for topics those would be my suggestions and I very much trust your views. A very happy new year, Rachel and thanks for being such an inspiration Xx
Re swim tops etc above. Or would you recommend better getting a shorty-type wetsuit instead of just a top. There are Some cheap ones around...... Realise you aren't just reviewing or plugging products and I love you talking through your experiences more than anything but if you fancied doing something on this I would be very grateful : ))
Hi Kate, I haven't thought about the neoprene tops, but it is a thought. Itend to use the gloves/boots/hat or my full wetsuit. I'll take a look into your suggested topics and see what I can come up with. Thanks for watching and Happy New Year! With low water temperatures, 5-10 minutes sounds fine. Maybe extend the time you hand out at the location afterwards by having a peaceful cuppa and enjoying the moment - I take a bit of foam mat like in yoga or camping mats to sit on which makes it much more comfy!
I love this and it’s my favourite thing exploring for new potential swim spots. I struggle to get in if I’m on my own though. Need a willing partner in crime to urge me on. However, snowed in today and can’t move the car so I’m very tempted to explore a local pond I’ve had my eye on. Very envious that you aren’t only close to the sea but have the wonderful new forest on your doorstep too!
I am in a lovely part of the country with posibilities everywhere. The local pond, maybe with a spotter sounds like an interesting proposition. Let me know if you go for it! I have my eye on a couple, although my preference is for something with a little bit of freshening flow running into or through it. 🏊😄
@@EverydayAthleteRach Thanks for the inspiration. I made it yesterday afternoon. The lake was frozen but managed to break a hole big enough for a quick dip and was rewarded with a beautiful full moon rising and sunset reflecting off the snow!
Wow Sue! What area do you live that you could have such a wonderful experience? Was it easy enough to get out again? 🏊❄😄
@@EverydayAthleteRach North Staffordshire. It hasn’t been that cold here but the snow over the last couple of days made it quite special. Thank you for the little nudge of inspiration I needed.
I’m so sorry to hear about Barney 😰🌸
Thank you he was a dear old thing. So loved 🥰
Oh yes I meant to say, how sad I was to hear about Barney. I know how that feels because I lost all three of my cats within a month of each other due to FIP back in the spring/ summer. Big hug for you. Xx
Hi Gwyn, that must have been awful. I hope you are ok, here's a virtual hugh for you too x
@@EverydayAthleteRach . Yes I'm OK and am managing to deal with the loss by stroking my neighbours cat when he pops round to the garden (in fact he thinks our garden is his patch now) and by talking to & fussing over all the dogs or cats I meet out on my walks. Many thanks for the virtual hug, hugs are what we miss the most these days. The river is a bit too wild for swimming in at the moment so I may just splash about in some puddles instead, off to find my wellies. xx
How do you find going out and doing stuff like this on your own? Solitude is nice sometimes, but I would struggle at times. Sorry to hear about your dog.
I don't mind at all. I quite like not having to worry if I can stay in long enough, or if I'm accidentally encouraging someone else to stay in too long. It's noce to be out and about on my own I find it a little easier to be present in the moment and notice things around me. I do like to swim with one or two friends, but am happy on a mini-explore on my own.
So sad about Barney. How you held it together, I don't know. I am a vet when not swimming and I hope you will consider a rescue dog to fill the gap when ready. There is a Kennel Club Rescue Directory online if you want a specific breed. I am sure Barney would love another dog to have the love that he enjoyed. xxx
We are looking at rehoming a dog, but with the vet bills that we had for Barney over the last 6 months (thankfully paid for by the insurance), I'm nervous about a rescue. Maybe you could tell me, do the vet's notes switch practices when you adopt a dog? I know many insurers won't cover pre-existing conditions.. Sorry to talk shop.
@@EverydayAthleteRach yes, they won't cover pre-existing conditions. Most rescues will let you know if there is an issue and some agree to cover the cost of an ongoing issue. Mongrel insurance and young dog insurance is always cheaper and I use Petplan. I have a v amateur video on my practice channel if you want advice on all kinds of dog stuff incl insurance. It's in 2 parts. 1st part here.
Puppy and dog care 1
czcams.com/video/hj_i4l5mi7c/video.html
So sorry to hear about your dog. A few years back we lost 2 cats one either side of Christmas and it is heart braking. Do you mind if i ask what car park did you use and how far did you have to walk ?
Longdown, look on the map to see where I went, the name of the ford is in the video :) 🏊😄
Very interesting as always and so sad for your dog ! I have a question : do you care about the quality of the water before trying a new spot ?
Hi Nicolas, thank you about Barney. Interesting question, I do consider where the water has come from before I get in. There had been heavy rainfall but this is the source of the river and it is within the New Forest, it doesn't flow though any towns, also, I had been walking along the streams flowing into this water, it is very peaty and I decided it would be a good idea to keep my mouth clear of it. No ill effects today, I'm pleased to say.Except for wanting to visit again with a wetsuit to swodh further!
Hello Rachel, I’m looking to invest in a new waterproof coat, what brand are you wearing please! Keep up the good work x
Hi Mahesh in this video I'm using my smoc smoc, the burgundy one I wear is a Fourth Element storm poncho. They are both cracking bits of kit which compact down well.
Sorry to hear about Barney 😪
Thank you x
It's good to know you don't swim miles or stay in for hours every single time........ That was making me feel pretty inadequate!
Hi Mehitabel, I often dip in the winter, unless I'm in a wetsuit. Never compare yourself to others, just go in for the length of time that is right for you. Having seen a recent cold water swimming webinar by Prof Mike Tipton I have shortened up my winter swimming to around 10 minutes to avoid getting into trouble. I swim distance for fitness in the warmer months, but I notice more about my environment when dipping 🏊😄
@@EverydayAthleteRach That's why I love to wild swim! I'm quite happy just to get in the water, in the warmer months, and lurk on the spot like a seal, nostrils just above the surface, watching the wildlife. (Once had a kingfisher about 8" away, for some 5 mins..) But I can't help feeling this is not really "swimming".... :-/