21st September 2008 Gurnal Dubs
Heaven over Lake
Paul writes:
Who could have imagined such a perfect homecoming? This morning brought increased excitement about the prospect of this last-in-project swim. Arriving early like an eager schoolboy at Richard’s, I find him in an equally excited state of mind. We discuss hexagrams appropriate for the day. Richard has already found the one – heaven over lake.
The day is sunny and warm with the prospect of swimming with close friends and with new friendships to be made today.
The journey to the water is the briefest of all. We arrive early, and then doze and chat by the water’s edge waiting for others to arrive.
The sound of a group of young people’s grabbed conversation about themselves and others carries across the water – a strangely reassuring half-heard sound despite its harsh content – triggering distant memories of caravan holidays with parents and a period of convalescence as a sickly child away from home, comforted by the muffled sounds of parents and nurses as I fell asleep.
Suddenly, they start to come over the hills with waves, hugs then introductions. We enter the water at the declared time and swim the length and back as a group.
Today’s focus is less on individual experience than the relationships between swimmers, strengthening with each pull through the water.
To cheers we arrive home and stagger onto the short rocky shelf. Applause. Corks pop. Bubbles drive alcohol quickly to our heads and we are elated. We picnic, exchange stories and learn more about each other. Isn’t this what home is about?
Later, I phone my mother and we discuss my cancer – its been news for her today.
Richard and I talk again on the phone. We check the weather forecast. Tomorrow’s says:
“Any rain should die out by mid-morning and hill fog patches will start to brighten up with some sunny spells developing, the evening promising the best of the sunshine.”
We excitedly agree on a sunset swim!
