Bluetit Tales From Valerie

Gail and I went to meet the wonderful Bluetit swim coach Kate O'Brien, Black Mountain Swims, for a  December swim walk adventure to Sgwd Gwladys waterfall by Pontneddfechan in Neath, Wales. Water and outdoor temp around 5 degrees. You Tube video  https://youtu.be/3wXT8c551Mo@black.mountain.swimsblackmountainswims@yahoo.comhttps://www.facebook.com/black.mountain.swims/

I went along to Goodwick in Pembrokeshire to have a dip and a chat with the delightful Kitty Parsons to celebrate International Day Of Disabled Persons. You Tube  video can  be watched  by following this link https://youtu.be/4hM6VnpM9aUThanks to Wil Richardson from www.richardsonmedia.co.uk for the filming and audio.  www.the bluetits.co

I met up with Freshwater Bluetit, Dee,  before she  went off for a good old wave jump in Broad Haven, Pembrokeshire. Dee is a Bluetit through and through and loves nothing better than arranging swims with all the trimmings! www.the bluetits.co

Gail and I traveled up to Ogmore By Sea to meet Bluetit admin Non Lewis and swim with the wonderful Heritage Coast Bluetits. https://www.visitwales.com/attraction/beach/ogmore-sea-beach-1936413

My first visit to Northern Ireland and a chance to swim with The Ballyronan Bluetits in Lough Neagh.I chatted to the admins Mary and Ricky and swimmers Vinnie and Alan. It was a chilly 6.3 degrees in the water and around 4 degrees air temp by the time we got into the lough.If you would like to see Marys very funny TicToc clip you can find it by searching for her @mary_bigbird

Due to my tardiness I arrived late for a swim meet and discovered that there are other pleasures to be had from just being there surrounded by my fellow dippers.

My thoughts on the Ice Mile and chatting to Bluetit, Makala Jones,  who is going to attempt her first Ice Mile any day now. To watch Makala's Bluetit Superhero tale follow the link below  https://youtu.be/uqguEZKP7-EFor more information about The Ice Mile go the the International Ice Mile Association website www.internationaliceswimming.com www.thebluetits.co for more information about The Bluetits Chill Swimmers Ltd 

One of many wonderful people I have met through The Bluetits. You can watch her Check Your Bluetits video by following this link .https://youtu.be/HegimvOpweg

Since I started the bluetits we have had many requests for filming and media work. Initially there was much trepidation over this but over the years how things have changed!

This week I have been pondering on why we like a plan and a challenge …or a plan to complete a challenge we have set ourselves.

This year I have experienced two things that scared the crap out of me and I have been reminded that I am the not the fearless warrior I like to think I am…but with a little support and knowledge we are all able to face fears and enjoy the rewards that brings.

Winter swim events..what I love about them and what I don't and how we, The Bluetits event team, are working our tits off to ensure the Bluetits Nippy Dippers event is the best it can be for everyone who comes along.

A weekend of Top Titting with admins from the UK and Ireland who overcame the weather, illness, the fuel crisis, COVID, deflating inflatables, soggy swimwear and damp tents to do what they do best….Bluetitting

This week I'm talking to Makala Jones who, this year, became the first Bluetit funded open water swim coach.https://youtu.be/uqguEZKP7-E watch her Bluetits Super Hero tale here

How The Bluetits Chill Swimmers came to be…