Our day started early. We received a wake up call at 6.30 – but not for us. For someone flying out ! We were already up and preparing for a day on South Sea Island.

The breakfast room was buzzing. Swimmers were all keeping the food stations busy. A big demand for bananas emptied the bowl quickly!

We sensibly had eggs to keep us going. And toast with the famous local peanut butter.

Getting in the bus the photographer called ‘Got your swimmers?’ One lady obviously didn’t hear that. On the island there was another call ‘anyone got some size 14 ladies swimmers’ poor lady.

We got the bus to the marina and once all 200 were on board we set off. The weather was cloudy. The wind a little brisk. We met some new people onboard. That’s the special thing about swimming holidays. The people are usually very friendly and down to earth. It’s a bit hard to be a pain or posh in your swimmers with a cap and goggles on.

Thirty minutes later we were in a smaller boat being shipped to shore. It’s the cutest little island. Usually home to back packers – they had been moved off for the day to visit other islands to allow us to have the whole island.

Conditions were not as good as we hoped but Jill and I decided we would try the swim around the island. About 1km.

We watched the big group go off then started behind them.

Along came Deanne a new friend from Brisbane. She had started with the race goers then decided – it’s too tough. She got out then saw us going in so joined us. But … ……..

Mistake 1. It was very shelly, coral bedding leading into the water and we didn’t have our reef shoes on so Ouch!

Mistake 2 We didn’t swim out far enough and before long came to a rocky shelf with small waves pushing us. I got snagged on a rock then immediately got worried about my new knee. So much rough rock and coral. I couldn’t get a cut on the new knee. The infection would be a disaster. So there I am I’m trying back off the rocks.

My swimmers got a small hole in the front. Better my swimmers than my skin.

We swam about 3/4 of the island before deciding to swim in. Alas, more coral and I couldn’t stand up. One of the beautiful Fijian helpers came to my rescue and hauled me to my feet.

Feeling relieved I’d made it back I asked myself. What were you thinking! I have no antibiotics and a coral cut gets infected very quickly. From now on sensible me.

Chris swam almost to the end but got out early as did lots of swimmers.

Next race – the 3km. They cut it back to 2km Steve, David, Kim and new friend Avy lined up all smiles.

It was tough out there but Steve did his best and Avy, a pocket rocket came in 13th overall and Kim not far behind ! Beating Steve and David!

It was a mighty effort from them all.

Ky Hurst ( former lifesaving champion and Olympian ) is the guest swimmer and won the race by a long way! He had also swum earlier with his 11yr old son in the 1 k race. His son came 2nd. And he’s only 11. A champion in the making.

Swimming over it was relaxing time with a bbq lunch and an open bar.

Then it was time for the traditional welcome.

The afternoon drifted on until it was time to return on the boat.

Back on the small boat. Out to the large boat and back to the hotel. Some very tired people on board.

Showers in the hotel were very welcome. A little rest then off to the drinks party.

They had the swim results up.

Steve did well. Avy came first in the over 70’s and 13th overall. What a champ! Kim came 5th in her age group. Steve 6th and David 7th.in the over 70’s

The party included a video of the days activities. Lots of fun recalling the day.

The evening finished with pizza on the verandah and a wee drink.

Another day and another swim tomorrow. This time it’s outside it resort.