We started our day with a trip to the Super U (more bacon sandwiches were required), and the market outside, where I bought a new beach bag, my original bag having failed to materialise on packing last week. This year I chose a more refined blue and black than last year's circus of a bag.
And so we're set for the afternoon...
After a lunch of the aforementioned bacon sandwiches (and a rest - you shouldn't go in swimming for, what, half an hour after?) I prepared the new bag for our trip to the beach. I had to wear a t-shirt because my back was still smarting from the previous day's exposure, so I chose my new favourite, the pink. It's got writing all down the front, but since I can't be bothered to read it, I was thinking of adding a "tl;dr" at the bottom! When wet this shirt is a lurid, flourescent pink. Not, you understand, that I had any kind of precognition in choosing to wear this at that time...
On arrival at the beach we discovered that the usual swimming boundaries had moved a little further south. This was actually quite nice, as the normal fearsome southern current seemed to be absent. Emma actually decided to come and play in the surf with me, which was great fun, as we discovered the best ways to deal with the crashing waves. I like to turn my back to the wave and spreadeagle myself while launching up and backwards. We pushed foreward towards the raggedy edge of people attempting to get past the (I thought) over zealous life guards keeping us from going too far into the sea.
It wasn't long before we were both exhausted by our battle against the waves - also Emma wanted to sunbathe. However, 5 minutes in the sun convinced me that I really wanted to be back in the sea, fighting for survival against the elements.
And so I returned. And here, dear reader, should you be of a delicate disposition, you must avert your eyes. Persuade your hardier friend to read on for you, and alert you to when the story becomes more palatable. For this is where the horror creeps in. This, my friend, is where the screaming begins! Little did I know when I chose the t-shirt, scant 30 minutes earlier, that this would be a life or death decision. That the vivid colour would save my life!
I entered the water with no trepidation. Excitement was my only emotion. I pushed through the water, squealing like a girl whenever a cold wave broke over my newly heated body, aiming for the open sea, along with all the other keen people. I was prepared to take on the lifeguards in my quest for freedom and the west.
Suddenly the undertow caught me - dragging me inexorably towards the south. For a moment I fought against the pull, thinking to use the next incoming wave to free myself from the unseen fingers clutching my whole body, but it was not to be. Every new wave forcing me further from the safety of the swimming limits. For a moment more I swam against the current, attempting to retain my place relative to the beach, but I was defeated, and decided to give up my quest for the waves. Turning towards the shore, I struck out with my strongest front crawl, noticing with my last remaining wits that a lifeguard had started out to save someone. My feet finally gained some sand, but still swimming as if my life depended upon it, I reached the shore - and found my hand grasped by the strong hand of the lifeguard, my saviour!
What was really sad was that on recounting my perilous escape from the very jaws of death, Lottie's question "Was the guard hunky?" had to remain unanswered - in my befuddled state I been unable to notice such details.
It is safe, once more, to read again. We spent a lovely evening with a charming young man from England called Chris (cute as a basketful of kittens :D), whose misfortune in becoming crippled just before his holiday was our delight, giving us a good excuse to chat with him. We nursed our single drinks late into the evening, chatting amiably on numerous topics.
And there, fair reader, I must leave you for the moment, as the market at Cap Ferret is calling. Turns out I'm still girly enough to enjoy a good market!
Hihi! sorry has been so long - as it turns out there wasnt any wifi at the campsite (which I wasnt impressed with :P ). Rest of the holiday was really good, and being able to go on wheelchairs at Futuroscope was really good!
ReplyDeleteWell, hope (though I can see!) you've had a good holiday, and Ill talk again!
Chris :)