Today Torbay felt like the Mediterranean. Sparkling clear blue sea, unbroken sunshine, white shingle coves. We swam from Fishcombe to Churston, meeting a seal on the way; I have encountered him before (he is well known in the area). The underwater scenes were amazing. The sunlight played through the sea, illuminating the rocks and 
seaweed. It was mesmerising. 
We then found a huge slab of rock, the perfect sunbathing terrace. Bliss.
Swimming with a seal sounds all very lovely but in reality it isn't. ..I think it's something to do with the sheer size of it and the fact it can swim up under you and take you by surprise. I was in Brixham, swimming between Fishcombe and Churston Coves. It is beautiful there. Crystal clear water, and I swam over the most ethereal eel grass beds, which are home to sea horses (but none were visible). I was happily absorbed in my watery world, watching fishes etc, when I noticed a dog in the water. I then did a classic Tom and Jerry style double take when I realised it was a seal...and made a beeline for the nearest rocks. I cowered there pathetically for a while before realising I would have to be brave otherwise I'd spend the rest of the day there. I made my way back, clinging to the shore all the way. Thanks to the girls in the lovely Cove Cafe at Fishcombe for looking after my stuff.
