Below my house in Bayble Bay there is a beach and a pier and a little working marina for fishing and pleasure boats. All of these facilities are well used.
At the end of December I also mentioned a rather more unusual facility and today I investigated.
Despite the temperature being in fairly low single figures the sun is shining and down at the beach it's been quite busy with the usual dog walkers. There have also been some of the more hardy wild swimmers who have swum here in the winter for a good few years. Now, however, we have a relatively recent set of users: those having a dip after coming out of the sauna. Yes. We have a sauna at the beach.
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We have one of those here now too. They are obviously the new "In thing".
ReplyDeleteHave you tried it?
I'll apologise here, JayCee, for the delay in responding. Explanation in my next post.No I haven't tried it.I've never been in a sauna. I certainly wouln't be going from a sauna into the sea however invigorating it is.
DeleteHere too. I believe it's just down the coast at Shoreham, but there might well be one in Brighton as well. I good idea for those hardy enough to take advantage.
ReplyDeleteCro, I have obviously been living in a bubble but then, thinking about it, when I go to the mainland I never go anywhere near the seaside.
DeleteMobile sauna seems to be a burgeoning business in many parts of the western world this year.
ReplyDeleteTigger, I've obviously been living in isolation.
DeleteI have seen such sauna barrels in some people's gardens. O.K. and I both love to sauna, and usually choose hotels with their own spa for our holidays. Sometimes we joke that we should get ourselves one of these and put it outside the cottage, then run naked to the village fountain just about 100 metres from the cottage to immerse ourselves in the large old stone trough.
ReplyDeleteGraham, only yesterday I checked your blog to make sure I had not missed a post. It is good to see you.
Thanks fior your amusing comment, Meike. Life has been far busier than ever now I'm 80. Either that or I'm much slower (which, unfortunately, is probably the more likely explanation). My next post will explain the delay in responding to comments here.
DeleteI wonder about the organisation and management of mobile saunas and how long the trend will last. Fun, though.
ReplyDeleteJanice, they just seem to have popped up suddenly. Presumably local authorities will start thinking about regulations if they become a 'nuisance' or someone suddenly finds they are unhygienic or something.
DeleteYes, you mentioned the beach sauna, and I forgot about it. I can imagine people alternating between surf and sauna, but what mad bastards to be swimming in freezing cold waters.
ReplyDeleteI agree absolutely with you, Andrew. But there are one helluvalot of mad bastards up here doing just that.
DeleteWhat a nice thing to have available. How folks stand the cold water is amazing.
ReplyDeleteMaywyn, I keep getting told that cold water is invigorating and not a problem when you are in it. As far as I'm concerned cold air is bad enough on these frosty mornings (and I'm well covered in clothes).
DeleteI couldn't swim in those cold waters.
ReplyDeleteNor I, Ellen.
DeletePersonally, I was never a fan of saunas in any shape. I probably haven't been in one since back in school , though (when forced to - but not combined with bathing outdoors in winter). I don't think I've ever seen a barrel shaped one like that. I have a friend who lives on the west coast who bathes in the sea all year round, though. Many who take to it at all seem to get quite addicted!
ReplyDeleteMonica, 'addiction' certainly seems to fit those people who do get very enthusiastic.
Deletewow a sauna at the beach? I've never seen one that's not like in a building like a house or gym etc.
ReplyDeleteAmy, I thought this was an innovation (which it is here) but from the comments they would seem to be at beaches all over. Presumably there are none inland!
DeleteThat looks amazing, right next to the sea. Have you tried it? X
ReplyDeleteJules, I detest being cold and the older I get the more I feel it. I can think of nothing that would tempt me in!
DeleteA sauna? No, thank you. Haha, I live in Georgia where Spring, Summer and most of Fall is like living in a sauna. I'd like that beach though.
ReplyDeleteYes, Kay, one tends to forget when one lives in a cold climate (officially a temperate one) that some people live in the opposite.
DeleteCome on Graham! Get your Everton F.C. speedos on and toddle on down to the pier for a sauna and a swim. You might also need goggles and a swimming cap.
ReplyDeleteYP that would be one way of frightening away the orcas and other inhabitants of the local seas.
DeleteA dip in those cold waters????? Nooooo...
ReplyDeleteMy sentiments, too, Debby.
DeleteMy English niece would probably appreciate the sauna. She does wild swimming all year round. Crazy (but lovely) young woman. I have a pretty active imagination but can't get my head around that icy cold water.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you there, Pauline.
DeleteAha! A sauna for the flora and sauna; and the sauna for the people who stay clear of the icy waters.
ReplyDeleteKeep warm, Graham...take care. :)
Lee after they have been in the sauna these crazy health fanatics then go and have a swim in the icy sea. Their actions are beyond my comprehension.
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