It's a nightmare here ... No straighteners; they're all strewers; and not a latte in sight ...
Kidding of course. 5 20 in the morning; Dover is receding; I'm sat here dressed as a Gary Glitter slug (whole lot of aluminium human being (cadaver ??) bag thing going on. I have no idea what this giant Bacofoil wrap is, or even why it is, but my lower limbs are undoubtedly pretty toasty); Dan is watching which way the wind blows for optimal over- the-side puking (the git won't even play cards with us ...); the strangest radio station in the world is playing Huey Lewis and The News (Google 'em Young People) back to back with Katy Perry via Shalamar so, of course it's AMAZIN' ...
Can't accurately describe the sensation of getting into a large expanse of water in almost total blackness, apart from a light shining on the shore. Well darlings, once a spotlight had appeared then there was no stopping us ...
The swim was stunning, water temp not too bad and minimal swell. The sub optimal element was my crap spatial awareness - so 'close to the boat' for me is 60m away ... Not ideal when the main hazards are the plethora of other Channel swimming teams. I nearly took out the solo swimmer but fortunately the screams carried on the wind caused me to look up. Quite a shock seeing yet another boat right I front of your freestyle, I can tell you.
Unfortunately, one of the other relay teams (the one with eleven members) has had to pull out already - rumour has it (don't you love my Channel gossip ..??) that one of the support team broke down / comatose due to being so dehydrated because of his sea sickness. How absolutely gutting that must be for the team.
But for us, fortunately, things are going really well so far. We're around 7 and a half miles from Dover and Tom, the last in the sequence, has been in the water for around 15 mins. Dawn is breaking, have had 3 very pleasant Rombouts one cup R&G coffees and a lot of pasta. Haven't even started on the Pot Noodles yet but think the Bittermints are providing all the fortification required. (Natch.) Boat is really pitching and Dan hasn't been indoors for 4 hours but we're all totally fab and loving it, loving it. Well, most of it ...
Must dash, got to get the gaffer tape out again - nearly time to get ready for my second leg ...
Finally, no. There have been no sightings of dolphins (or swimming with them for that matter) but I was trilling Spandau Ballet's 'Gold' on the top deck to such an extent that a little teeny tiny wren came and rested on my shoulder ... Well it flew over my head. Truly, I am a sea siren ...
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