Today I had a lovely birthday… cards, presents, a wee cheeky mid week day off work, brunch out, a nice walk in a park (that ended up being 100m for every year – 4,300m 😂

We then took a wee drive and walk to an ice cream shop, which, shock horror was closed, so instead Fit Girl treated me to a strawberry tart instead, which was tasty.

We then had a wee bit of time in town – my iPhone had gone caput for some reason, so I’d bagged a genius appointment at the Apple Store on Buchanan street. The guy there did just what I’d been trying numerous times and it switched on for him. 😂 phew!

Seems to be something to do with an upgrade to the software that went wrong. But hence I’d don’t get many pics earlier today, and instead was made to live in the moment instead, which was good. We saw some baby swans / signets, and some even smaller little baby tiny baby ducklings!

After town I went and picked up Judith and we headed to Balmaha, for a swim from there. Judith was keen to do 4km and when I said it was my birthday and I fancied doing 100m for every year (43), she jumped at the chance.

We got there just after 515pm I think and got changed then walked to the jetty. Judith took the lead and we swam around two of the islands there, just below Conic Hill.

I took my little Insta Go 2 camera and tried it out in its waterproof case. It was ok and worth having along, although some of the pics could have been better. 😂

I felt good until about 3km or so… swimming well alongside Judith. She’s got a good stork and a good pace… and we synchronised quite a bit up to about 2km, then she went on a bit as I probably slowed. I felt good at 2.5km, and continued to about 3.5km feeling fine, then I started to tire a bit.

It’s such a pretty place to swim, even when it’s a bit dull and rainy in the distance. With Ben Lomond towering over the loch and Conic Hill closer by. The water was about 19’C I think.

We got to 3,900m and went on a bit to get it to about 4,200m then swam directly across from jetty to jetty at the end to make it up to 4,300m. It’s not lost on me if I keep this up every year it will only get longer / harder, but we’ll see what happens.

You might remember I ran 31 miles for my 31st birthday. Km or metres seems much easier. Lol.

In fact, I was thinking near the end of the swim, the 4,300’ walk in the park this morning seemed a lot easier (and quicker)…although we got caught in the rain (under our mascot umbrella) so we nearly got hair as soaked!

Loch Lomond was a little choppy again tonight, which made the swimming for and hour and thirty quite an effort, but Judith did a great job of keeping me on track, in nice straight lines and steady pace.

Here’s is at the end about to get changed at the car.

What a big long lovely day, full of fun and adventures. 👍🏻 here’s to seeing what 43 brings.

As my phone was dead most of the day I might not have had a chance to say thanks for all the happy birthday messages, so thanks all. I look forward to seeing you and telling you some more stories, now that I’m 43!