click the photos to see a larger image

the *launch* goes out to put the buoys in the right place . . but of course buoys will be buoys and one of them slowly drifted back to where it came from . . and the nice lady from the press, setting her camera up . .

I had a special place in the *launch* with the nice lady from the press, and I hoped to take as many photos as possible of the swimmers. Unfortunately a couple of swimmers found the water was just too cold, and of course we had to go and rescue them, so the time I was able to take photos was limited. Fortunately the 2 guys were fine, in fact one of them got back in and completed the swim, whilst the second one was more concerned about the ribbing he'd get from his brothers as a result of dropping out than anything else!

I'm told that the apprehension/nervousness/naked fear/sheer terror that the swimmers felt beforehand was far greater than the reality, and I'm happy to take their word for that! Apparently it was a good feeling afterwards, but only once the feeling in different extremities had returned, and that I can understand!!