'Tits on Tour! Brecon to Pembrokeshire!
Written by Elspeth Lewis - Brecon Bluetits
Brecon Bluetits headed to West Wales, the spiritual home of the Bluetits, for a fun weekend at the end of June. For many of the group this was to be their first time swimming, rather than dipping, in the sea. Quite different to the River Usk!
We all arrived safely on the Friday enjoying two refreshing dips from the glorious Porthselau beach. On the Saturday morning we all walked along the coast path to St Justinians to watch the St David’s RNLI Lifeboat launch. After we had enjoyed the facilities (toilets) at the station we continued our ramble round the coast exploring and finding various caves eventually arriving at Porthlysgi.
This was to be our first sea swim as a group, those with more sea swimming experience led the group into the water. It was quite breezy however nearly all made it round to the second bay and out to a rock we could swim around. A few were not impressed with the jellyfishes and decided to enjoy a scramble on the rocks.
After drying off we set off to walk back to Pencarnan Farm via a few dubious footpaths. We then had a chilled afternoon with a few more dips including one at 10pm. We were hoping to see some bioluminescence however the cloud and drizzle put paid to that!
Saturday evening was spent eating pizza and discussing the inspiring English Channel swims by various Bluetit teams. Jess, from Bluetit 1, spoke to us about how it was the best thing ever!
Sunday morning we split forces, either undertaking a sea swim, going to the Blue Lagoon or enjoying a rest. However we all met on the beach at 12.30pm, following talk of the English Channel we decided as a group to swim across the bay to Whitesands. Everyone was kitted out with tow floats and all had warm kit to put on after we made it across. Sian gave us valuable advice on the route and a number of North Pembrokeshire Bluetits assisted us as we swam across. Everyone made it and this was certainly the highlight of the weekend. We all felt we had earned a warm drink at the cafe!
Everyone had a fabulous weekend and we are already looking forward to our next adventure. English Channel???
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