Yesterday we braved the cold waters of Vobster quarry for our first two open water dives. I had expected to feel really cold, but although I could hardly move in three layers of wet suit, the trickle of 10 degree C water down my back quickly warmed.
It was more fun than I imagined. I had never thought of quarries as pretty places, but full of water and with a caravan selling burgers and tea they can be very attractive.
The training included compass work, coping with air running out (simulated not real), clearing a diving mask of water, and so on. The pay-off was swimming around with the trout and gazing at the wreck of an aeroplane!
Last night all four of us started our PADI® Open Water Diver course, taught locally by The Divezone in Melksham (formerly Aqualeisure). We'll be learning in pools in Melksham, Bath, a disused quarry at Vobster, and hopefully the sea.
You may think that this is cold time of year to be diving in UK waters, but enthusiasts say, "What does it matter!?" The tuition is good here, and the timing is governed by Steph's extensive gap year timetable, leading up to some diving she will be doing in Mexico next year!
The course got off too a good and exciting start, although it does seem strange sitting on the bottom of a swimming pool, looking up at the surface, and breathing!
This morning I had my first piano lesson for about 35 years! Having given up playing the piano when I was in my teens (due to lack of resolve if I blame myself, or else...) I decided I wanted to start playing again. It took some courage to find a teacher (a nice one) and play the piano in front of someone. It went well - lots of encouragement and suggestions for improvement.
The two men of the family spontaneously decided to cycle to the New Forest and back, staying at Salisbury Youth Hostel on the way, and then a B&B in Beaulieu.
We enjoyed each others' company, and shocked ourselves by cycling 190 miles (in four days). My thighs, unaccustomed to such exercise, are still recovering. I also put on weight: maybe this is because muscle is heavier than fat, or because we did a lot of eating out!
We enjoyed different cycle routes in each direction, and saw lots of lovely scenery and animals. (Photos to follow.)
Today I returned from a week of sailing off the west coast of Scotland. Excellent sailing weather (winds force 4 to 5, light cloud cover most of the time but only occasional rain); breathtaking scenery; great company.
Sailing with friends, we chartered the yacht from Portway at Craobh Marina south of Oban, and sailed anti-clockwise round Mull, with overnights at Tobermory, Bunessan and various picturesque lochs (Spelve and Craignish). Also passed through the Sound of Iona (which unfortunately was misty, spoiling views!) and visited the islands of Staffa (seeing Fingal's cave from the sea) and Lunga (famous for its bird colonies).
For more photos see my album and also Ken Boullier's blog. Ken has now finished a three month sabbatical, from his work as a parish priest, to gain his Yachtmaster ticket and to explore sailing a way of developing leadership skills and of spiritual retreat. I think he's on the right track!
According to the latest issue of The Week, this appears to be any kind of outdoor exercise or labour. According to researchers at Essex University, after a country walk 71% of a sample said that they felt less depressed and 90% said that it had boosted their self esteem. By contrast a shopping trip can make people more depressed!
So today we enjoyed some ecotherapy, a.k.a. a walk in the pouring rain, with friends staying for the weekend, and felt much better and cleaner for it.
We've had several weeks or extraordinary hot sunny weather for April, including the week of dinghy sailing after Easter.
Today we continued to enjoy it by going for our first family cycle ride of the year - enjoying the Wiltshire countryside for two hours and checking that our bikes are in good order.
This afternoon I attempted to put new felt on the roof of the garden shed, as the previous roofing was a wreck. I think it will keep the water out, but I won't describe myself as an expert at the first attempt!
