Story contributed by Ruth E.; pics by Kari and Pete E.
Sunday 11th August saw a number of IOG members attempt the Mill 2 Mill Slow Swim: a 2.3k wild water swim from Dedham to Flatford Mill followed by a picnic in the heart of idyllic Constable Country by the river, scene of his famous ‘Haywain’ landscape painting.
Myself, Pete and Colleen had already had a practice wild swim earlier in the summer at an event in Cambridge organised by the same team. I loved the first one so much I signed up again days after finishing in the River Cam.
For those not quite so ‘foolhardy’ there was the opportunity to walk along the riverside offering cheers of encouragement and admiring the beautiful surroundings.
The weeds were certainly our biggest challenge and I was very glad I chose to borrow a full wetsuit rather than just wear my usual swimming costume, According to the Facebook group for the swim, a lot of people suffered allergic reactions and bites so it’s worth bearing in mind if you’re going to give it a go next year. The swim is organised in waves with the most competitive heading off first and the last wave called ‘pooh sticks’ with people floating on a variety of inflatables shaped like unicorns, flamingos and mermaids. It really was an enjoyable couple of hours and I can’t recommend it enough!!
