Summer Swim

August 15, 2012

Michael got it in his head a few weeks ago that he wanted a beach day. He keeps talking about this day where we all trek down to the deserted end of the beach with snacks and games to last us all day. In this dream of his, I think he also envisions it being warm, which is why no one has taken him up on his idea for a day-long outing yet.

But last night the sun was out, so Michael decided we should have a mini version. I got so caught up in his excitement I even put my bathing suit on! And then I put on three layers, including a sweatshirt.

I should have brought mittens. I was absolutely frozen – and I was sitting dry on the sand!

Michael and my sister-in-law, Angie, stripped down and ran in. There were a few other people playing in the water, but they were all kids. There were tons of people on the beach – but they were either running or bundled up and walking.

There were so many sail boats cruising by from Malahide to Howth, and they all got so close to the shore! It was great entertainment for the spectators.

Mike and Angie were joined by both of Michael’s parents – and they all splashed for a good 20 minutes. Troopers! (Or as my own water-wimp mother would say, no brain, no pain!)

Then they ran out and we met them with towels…

And tea! Nothing better to warm up from the freezing Irish Sea and the wild Irish wind than a nice cup of tea.

2 Comments

  • Reply Mary Catherine August 15, 2012 at 4:54 pm

    Oh, Emily! How can Mainer be a water wimp? Your grandfather would have been in there, too, and he would have gone on at least a half-mile swim! When we used to go to the beach here, Dad would always be the first to go in, while the rest of us wet our toes and pondered how tough we were. He would go right in and take a good swim. when he came out he would never concede that it was chilly. He would always say, “Aah, it’s invigorating!” To this day, we will describe a less than balmy dip in the ocean as “invigorating.” By the way, after this hot summer, water temps here in Rhode Island are in the low seventies. Delightful!!

  • Reply Danielle August 16, 2012 at 1:20 pm

    What beach did you go to? It looks lovely. As much as I prefer a tropical beach, sometimes the rugged Northern Atlantic beaches are much more beautiful. Enjoy! x

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