jgalswims

I was in Dover this weekend for Freda's birthday bash. It was so great to see all the friends again. I had an absolutely brilliant time, especially when we swam in Dover harbour on Sunday morning. I did a full lap, savouring each stroke and spending a while in my head, remembering all the hysterical training swims I did in those waters. I was having such a great time with the whole thing that I was actually kind of sad when the swim was over. But that sadness was quickly annulled with Leanne's homemade cakes! :) They were goooood. :)

As I sat on the plane going back to Ireland, I thought back once again to the whole experience over the past two years, and I know people always say this, but I feel so blessed to be involved in this community. Long-distance swimming is truly great. Yes, we've some nutters (as Cliff said on the party boat!), but on the whole, (minus the nutters), the sport is great. :) I love my friends.

jgal

The University of Texas, my alma mater, wrote a very nice piece on me today on their Communications alumni blog. Here you go: Hook 'Em!

Today I had, like, the best sea swim ever. I was on the bus home from college, staring at the sun gushing its warmth upon us, and thought, 'Please, please let the tide be in.' Well, sure enough, when the bus hit Clontarf, there was water to be had. I was so excited; it was a day that Dubliners can only dream about. So I got home, packed my bag, and headed off to the Bull Wall.

When I arrived all the ladies were in the bathing shelter. It was nice to see all of them out there sunbathing. It's very cultural. ;) I headed in, wanting nothing more than to swim up and down the wall. The water was indescribable. We're talking perfect conditions. There weren't even ripples on the water; it was so smooth. I made my way down toward the men's shelter, literally drooling at the whole thing. I felt so alive, so happy.

I had some great chat with the ladies after my swim. They are all so kind, so dainty. I imagine myself decades from now, sitting there with all my lady pals, chatting away the afternoon, lounging by the sea.

Life is good.

jgal