Tiny crystals of ice float downstream
PHOTO: BECKI BIGGINS fine. It was my hands that were getting cold.
Despite this, and the brash ice that was washing downstream, causing the waters just below the surface waters to look like a snowstorm, the water clarity was still as good, if not better, than during summer trips. I fought, dashed and dodged my way upstream, rode the current back down then repeated.
By the fourth run, my hands were unable to operate the small camera I’ d taken and I decided I should exit. I struggled out of the freezing waters and had to make several uncoordinated attempts to remove my fins. As I climbed the slope, the-8 temperature and icy wind sapped the heat from my damp suit. By the time I’ d topped out, I had to use my teeth to remove my gloves as my fingers were no longer operational. It took 24 hours to re-establish full function!. I made it to the comfort and warmth of the campervan and waited until I regained motor function to remove my suit.
I’ m a fan of winter snorkelling and of taking the opportunity to get wet when we can. And although I think the sacrifice of being a little uncomfortable was worth it to see this stunning place in the snow, I will pack a little more sensibly next time. Maybe 5mm gloves … or even 7mm mitts. Because any fool can be cold. As I proved well here. �
For more information on snorkelling with BSAC go to bsac. com / snorkelling Looking to introduce snokelling into your club? Find out more at bsac. com / snorkellinginstructor black from the bank. This dark-tinted clarity is like looking through the world wearing strong sunglasses. Everything is clear, just heavily shaded.
Normally, I’ d climb vertically down the cliffs below the waterfall. But I found the rocks armoured by a thick layer of ice and an attempt would have led to a rapid and uncontrolled entry into the roiling plunge pool. Instead I opted to enter at the bottom of the gorge, where the banks are more gentle and the river’ s speed has reduced. I carefully picked my way down Gollum-style, using all four limbs and my backside, to the dark waters.
The near-black water looked even more dark and ominous against the white of the snow covered slopes. I slipped carefully into the flow and began my swim upstream, dashing in and out of the eddies at the side to minimise my fight against the current, which only increases as you make progress upstream and the gorge narrows.
The frigid waters bit against the exposed parts of my lower face and I began to regret my lightweight approach to packing. I’ d packed a‘ just-in-case’ snorkel bag. I didn’ t want to take too much kit, as I had nothing specific planned. But this bag consisted of a 5mm suit and only 2mm gloves. My body was
Sheltered eddies freeze over
Post snorkel, Andy poses by the Linn of Dee Bridge
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