Pond life — my funny eye

It started with one swim a week back in September, then eventually two, then four, and from the beginning of January - a daily one. To say that I’m addicted is an understatement. Those few days in the past six weeks when the Kenwood Ladies Pond was shut due to storms completely threw me; a morning without a swim messed my whole routine up, and I didn't feel like I was in my daily groove at all.

From the off I sent a daily picture to my friend Z in Amsterdam, with a temperature update, and some lines about how the swim was, like a little digital postcard. I’m so glad I have, as I now have a visual record of the seasons changing, and also because it’s so dang pretty.

I mean, am I right or am I right?!

The pond you see in all of these pics is not the Ladies Swimming Pond. Like I mentioned in an earlier post, photography is not allowed, but I sneak these of the neighbouring Bird Sanctuary Pond, which kind of looks like painting. The ponds are south facing, so when it’s sunny there are sections of the swims where your face is bathing in sunshine, which feels SO good in the middle of winter.

Now here’s the funny thing... I’m actually not looking forward to spring and summer this year! The water will become warmer and the Pond busier, and having the Pond to myself as I swim (which happens a lot) - will be a distant memory. BUT. What makes me so happy is that I’m now looking forward to next winter, which is kind of brilliant.

My Swedish friend M and I started swimming here after watching The Ponds film at the cinema. We don’t always manage to go together, but we get about two swims in a week. Here she is, drinking hot tea on freezing cold February morning. That hot drink, once you’ve got all your clothes back on, is crucial to get your body temperature back up again. The water temp hasn’t gone below +4 degrees celsius (38F) this winter, which apparently is warmer than usual. I’m so curious to feel the difference between +4 and +1. Maybe next winter?

In my favourite changing spot. As it’s cold, and these days quite wet in this little corner, I usually get it to myself, which I love. I used to get changed in the changing rooms, but as it’s quite small and can get very busy, I try and keep to myself as much as possible and just enjoy that last moment of quiet and nature, before rejoining modern life again. This spot reminds me so much of my childhood in Sweden; the being outside in nature, whatever the weather or season, is the one thing I miss, and I can’t believe how lucky I am to live so close to this magical place. I’m forever pinching myself.