Liquid gold

Today it felt like more like summer than spring. We swam in the West Dart at Huccaby, through water that seemed like liquid, translucent gold. The water was as clear as crystal. As the sun dazzled through the constantly moving water it was like watching an eternally moving kaleidoscope. (thanks to Anna for that particular observation). I made a little film of it, though it doesn't do it justice. It's another world under the water.

Erme estuary

We had a magical swim down the Erme estuary, carried by the outgoing tide. We floated through clear salty water; the river bed was studded with white cockle shells, and every so often we passed over a little scuttling brown crab. The river was lined with gnarled and twisted trees; the leaves aren't yet out so every sinew was visible in intricate detail as we swam past.

Round and round the rugged rocks

It was a little choppy so we abandoned our plan to swim north to south along the coast from Beacon Point to Hope Cove. There are lots of rocks and inlets to explore, which was the point of the swim, but when it's rough that's not such a good idea. So we went to Inner Hope, which is very sheltered, and found lots of channels, gullies and islets to keep us entertained.