8th February. A brilliant red sunrise, with the Shepherd’s Warning! The wind getting up, the sea a bit rough, but a wonderful view from Aikerness to Rousay. I still only managed 55 strokes before I got frozen! I had to walk in and walk out. My heater on in my van warmed me…. The reward for my punishment. Now I feel great after a boiled egg green tea and rice cakes for breakfast.

Saturday 18th February. A beautiful morning, so I decided on getting sand between my toes again. Just one dog walker at Aikerness. Such a great spot for an early swim. I managed 111 strokes before the cooling effects of the water got to me. There were those oystercatchers on the beach again and redshanks feeding on the stone slipway. It was a delight. I got really close to them, yet none flew away. Dunters paddled past as crows flew overhead, possibly on their way to Rousay? It was great that a donation of £200 went into the JRS bank account as a swimming donation. This, along with the £527 already donated on the JustGiving site, makes the effort so worthwhile.