After all the excitement of Clare’s birthday and late night of Cottage socialising, the day got off to a slow start. Neither of us had the energy to drive off to the distant cliff that we’d half planned on climbing at. Instead of racing off out into the day, we enjoyed a splendidly leisurely morning at The Cottage, before packing a picnic of last nights left overs and headed up the valley to cool off in the river.

Swim conditions were about as good as they get. No blazing sunshine, but no wind either, so the warm muggy air was pleasant to warm up in after a refreshing dive in and the river was like a mirror.

I stayed in much longer than usual, swimming up and down the length of the deep pool. When I got out my arms felt like they might be burning yet they were cold! A warm fleece and some shivering was all it took to warm me up. Well, that and a hot drink, warm air and a good sized picnic.

Apart from a pair of Eurofighter jets ripping through the sky, all was peaceful and quiet. The jets banked hard around the valley and off out to sea with a deafening roar. Apart from them, we shared the space with the lambs and a tuneful Sandpiper. Beautiful. Just what we both needed…