Boxing Day Dip!

It's an old tradition shared by many waterfront communities here. . . . . . . and probably 

around the world. Crazy brave souls don their swimwear and jump or paddle into

 freezing cold water for the Boxing Day Dip on December 26th.

I was sitting at the table enjoying a late breakfast when screams and yells rose from

 the beach below! Hurrying to the window I was amazed by the huge crowd which

had appeared on the sands. Many were already in the water, some with their

 four-legged friends, perhaps clearing their fuzzy heads after the overeating

 and drinking which has become usual for many over the holiday season!

With this lousy head cold I had no plans to join in - plus I forgot to pack my

 swimsuit, or the even more needed wetsuit! 

This beach is Torre Abbey Sands, one I frequented as a young child because the

 water is shallow for a long way out, therefore safe for children and a great place to

 learn to swim. The large white building to the left is the Grand Hotel.

The long building closest to the grass is the stadium at the Recreation Grounds where

 rugby football is played. The one behind it, with the more fancy roof, is Torquay 

Station - trains arrive from all over the UK here bringing tourists to enjoy the coastal 

towns, country villages, Dartmoor, and Tor Bay which is popular for sailing etc.

Harbour sunset this evening.

Tomorrow morning we leave here for London - more coming later 

when I get home, and get caught up.