Last night’s swim marked a natural pause point. The intention had been to carry the work through the year, to move beyond the winter window and establish a longer, more continuous rhythm. That has been tested over recent weeks. With longer days and increased activity along the coast, the conditions around the swim have changed. Light remains later. The beaches are more active. The margins that once allowed quiet entry and exit have narrowed significantly. The water itself remains manageable....

Over the past two weeks, the same sound has been present. A bird, somewhere along the beach, calling out in the dark. Each time I’ve entered the water, it’s been there, right overhead, a chirp chirp in the dark night sky. Everything else at that hour is dominated by the sea. Wind across the surface. Water moving, breaking, reforming. The usual sounds that come with it. But the bird cuts through that. A reminder that despite the roar of the wilds, even the smallest creature can find a way to...

During the swim, two shooting stars crossed the sky. Easy to miss if I hadn't been looking in the right direction at the right time. I saw both, there were probably more. Made the same wish twice. Having a wish, gives focus. Keep wishing, keep focussed, make it happen. Ready to go.