In the absence of any strong campaign for other locations, I'd say it's Sonning! 6pm at the French Horn, no faffing with cars, walk back along Thames Path. Nice and simple. And the weather forecast still looks good! That's Linsdsay and myself so far - who else is coming? For coordination purposes, I'll give my mob number again: 0753 699 5330
cheers, Helen
On 2 Sep 2010, at 21:39, Lindsay Nutbrown wrote:
Good evening 'OSS RATS'
I'd be up for the Sonning to St. Patricks stream swim again - hopefully this time in fine weather (I'm not complaining at all about the last swim - it was lovely - in it's own adventurous, teeming-down-with-rain sort of way - but seeing that stretch in fine weather would be rather splendid as well!)
If it is any help, I have 2 spare pairs of wetsuit socks available for loan for anyone wishing to join in but who doesn't have water- suitable footwear to allow for walking back. Loaned a pair to Debbie last time which proved that they can fit as small as a size 7 without being ridiculous! Equally, the larger pair is just about OK up to a mens size 11.
Another alternative location would be Pangbourne meadows (or the spot near Mapledurham lock that you checked out recently Helen, if parking in the Purley housing estate) but either of those would take me quite a bit longer to get to from Binfield, so I wouldn't be there for such a prompt start. The 'Thames Beach' location on that stretch isn't an option because it takes too long to walk there from the nearest parking (at least from the nearest parking I know of!)
Whichever way, looking forward to another river swim.
Went for a lovely swim at the Tri20 lake at Copthorne Hotel this evening, glow of the setting sun on the water, water nearly 19 deg so OK for shorty wetsuit (and no wetsuit I noticed for hardy types !) so really lovely. Not long I expect before that lake (being so shallow) will be starting to get quite chilly...
Regards
Lindsay
----- Original Message ----- From: helen@theskyisblue.net To: "Rachel Long" rachel@long29.freeserve.co.uk; ossrats@earth.li Sent: Thursday, September 02, 2010 7:24 PM Subject: Re: [OSS RATS] Saturday 4th Sept
I'd need a few more details... where? when? parking nearby? etc.
Well, that's what we have to discuss! I didn't choose a location. I've done the Sonning to St.Patrick's stream swim twice now, and it is lovely, so I wouldn't object to doing it again - but would be equally happy if someone has another idea. Given that 6pm is a fairly late start, since it's getting dark by about 8pm, a shorter swim with easy parking points might be an idea. There's a bit of faffing to get a car at both ends of the Sonning swim, though it would equally be possible to walk back along the Thames path to the start point, if everyone has shoes - which would allow for a much prompter start.
Any other suggestions? cheers Helen
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OSS RATS mailing list OSSRATS@earth.li http://www.earth.li/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/ossrats
Please note that OSS RATS exists to put swimmers in touch with other swimmers, not to organise swim events or in any way suggest that outdoor swimming is a safe activity or that you should go swimming. If you choose to swim you do so entirely at your own risk and on your own initiative, and any plans you make are your own responsibility.