What's That No.6 Up To?

    No.6 is always up for a challenge, as he endeavours to swim across the estuary. This then is wild swimming. Not for No.6 a quick dip in the Village Lido, for him only the exhillaration that wild swimming can bring. But there is a danger, the current in the estuary is very strong. And there is the temperature of the water to be taken into consideration. No more than ten or perhaps fifteen minutes can be tolerated in such cold temperatures. But No.6 is always very game, and No.2 takes no chances with No.6's health, as a life buoy is on standby should No.6 get into difficulties. Nadia Rakovsy, who at the age of seventeen was an Olympic bronze medallist, once attempted to swim the estuary, but she could not swim so far because she was only used to an indoor Olympic size swimming pool. Wild swimming is a totally different kettle of fish, as No.6 is finding out. He's tiring, you can tell that much. It's the cold water you see, he has to use more energy to keep going, and the more energy he uses, the more tired and cold he becomes. Perhaps that's why No.6 didn't change into swimming trunks before he set off on his swim, thinking that his everyday Village attire would add a little insulation against the cold....he was wrong! Sad to report, No.6 didn't make it to the far side of the estuary, but it was a valiant attempt on his part. And I'm sure that next time No.6 will onc eagain be up to the challenge whatever that might be.

BCNU