It’s a long way down my friend

It had been a week since I last swam, due to being away on retreat and it being too dark to swim either in the morning or afternoon. I was delighted to be joined this morning before I swam by Alix from WinterFest and also by Anne when I got out of the water after another 500m. As it was an early tide (08:08) there was a lovely light across the water, although the sun didn't make an appearance until I was getting changed.

The title for today comes from a great song by When Rivers Meet, called Trail to Avalon, which is one of the many amazing songs on their latest, award winning album Aces Are High. I was listening to this great track just before hitting the water. I could hear Aaron’s line from the chorus ringing in my ears “We’re talking about the trail, talking about the trail, talking about the trail to Avalon” as I walked across the shelf of seaweed and prepared to step down into the deep, captured in the one of Alix’s photos. As I submerged Grace’s powerful response “It’s a long way down my friend” suffused my consciousness and stayed with me as I went under the water and began my swim.

Music has a hugely significant place in my life and in 2021 I wrote a brief story about a great radio show that I often listened to on my way down to swim. It is called Stereo Underground and it is on BBC Local Radio, hosted by the excellent Richard Latto.

However from time to time I become absorbed in specific music and right now the amazing When Rivers Meet are holding my aural attention, hence the track being in my head this morning.