Dolphin drunk

I have a dear friend who I’ve been pals with for many years. We first met when we were teenagers and our friendship has lasted for over 30 years. In the early days it was forged in music and a mutual friend, but over time we grew closer as we realised we had so much more in common…….. We are both wives, fortunate enough to be in long and committed marriages. We are both mothers who share deep and unconditional love for our children. We are both lovers of the outdoors, especially being near, or in, the sea. We meet for a sea dip as often as we can, usually at least once a week, and stay in touch in between times. She’s my sea sista.

This year she hit a big birthday. It’s not every year you turn 50. I decided to get her a gift I’ve got her in the past, and one that we both enjoy. A birthday boat trip with sea dip.

We sea dip every week, but from beaches or rocks. Sea dipping from a boat is very different. You’re not wading in at your own speed. You’re not staying within your depth. You’re not bathing or playing in the waves. You’re getting into a seemingly bottomless sea, fast, and you’re properly swimming from the get go!

Today’s birthday boat trip followed the northern coastline of Northern Ireland, past some of the most beautiful places you will ever see from a sea! The sometimes wild North Atlantic Ocean was calm and, whilst the sky was grey, we brought our own sunshine and enjoyed the views and the wind in our hair.

It wasn’t long before the skipper pointed out bottle nosed dolphins nearby, and before we knew it the boat was surrounded by them. They were so close as they played in the boat’s wake. What a wonderful sight……..but it was about to get better!! Slowing the boat down, the skipper asked the small group of passengers if any of us wanted to get in and swim. My friend and I, along with three other ladies, excitedly raised our hands. The boat stopped but the dolphins continued to play around it. 

We got in.

We got into the North Atlantic Ocean as dolphins swam under us and leapt in the air beside us. 

Read that again, I know I have to. We swam in the Atlantic Ocean with dolphins. Completely unbothered by us, they were close enough to touch. 

None of us could quite believe it. My friend and I looked at each other, wide eyed, and through squeals of excitement and laughter, both began to cry. It was all so surreal and overwhelming. An experience neither of us will ever forget. 

I have absolutely no idea how long we were in the water. I have no idea what was going on around me in the boat on our journey back to the harbour. I remember talking to a lady who was having as much difficulty as I was trying to get dried off and dressed, and I remember shared glances, smiles and tears of joy with my pal. 

Back on dry land, my friend and I got soaked in a downpour that had started just before our boat docked. We didn’t care. We laughed and cried our way over to a local hotel for lunch, where we giggled like teenagers and declared our undying love for each other. Dolphin drunk. “I f’in love you. Do you know how much I love you? I’m serious. You’re awesome. That was the most wonderful experience ever. You’re the best. No, you’re the best. Seriously, I love you” 

I haven’t touched a drop of alcohol since my initial grand mal seizure over 6 years ago, but I’m sure anyone who saw us today laughing and crying like overexcited children on Christmas Eve, would find that hard to believe!

I could never truly do justice to my experience today. No words could ever fully express my emotions. Yet again I find myself completely overwhelmed by love and joy. What a wonderful life.

Living with xx