The Estuary is the only place of refuge for the small vessels that harbour here. The dregs of the storm are still being played out at sea, but the water here is Jade green, quite placid, yet the effect of the incoming tide can be felt, as I swim across the 200 metre gap.

I cross four times, each time climbing out on the concrete steps, for a couple of minutes rest.

The first time was worrying, as the boats were so close, and I could feel the drag of the current taking me off target for the far side. Swimming in a harbour has not been tried out by me before, but the water was clean, and free of smell or waste, and the boats closely tied to the bouys.

I made it across the first time safely. Subsequent trips were relaxing as the swim was enjoyable and free from huge waves, and large clumps of weed, and bathed in the late afternoon sun. It was made easier be a local family, swimming across the estuary as their Sunday afternoon outing, and watching them, gave me more courage. The water is so clean here, and people keep it that way, for boats and swimming. Maybe also the Atlantic weather keeps the waterways fresh and renewed after the storms.

“Who shut up the sea behind doors
when it burst forth from the womb,
when I made the clouds its garment
and wrapped it in thick darkness,
when I fixed limits for it
and set its doors and bars in place,
when I said, ‘This far you may come and no farther;
here is where your proud waves halt’? Job 38