Many times, we had walked from Rest Bay to the edge of the Ogmore River and back. It’s a pleasant 10 or so miles along the beach and the coastal path. We had occasionally looked at the river and discussed the possibility of one day crossing the river.
After ‘careful’ planning and checking the tide times, we figured that if we got to the river at low tide, we could simply roll our trousers up and paddle across. So, yesterday, we set off to do just that.
We arrived at the edge of the river at not quite low tide, but it looked okay. I had my sea shoes on and my trousers rolled up. I was ready for this! My husband went ahead and turned around to take the obligatory Facebook-posed photo.
What we hadn’t anticipated was just how deep (up to my thighs) and how powerful (pulling me off balance) the current was in the middle of the river. I thought I was going to be swept into the sea never to be seen again! I was so scared.
My husband, being stronger and much less nervous than me, reached out his hand. I took hold of it and clung on until we reached the other side in safety. (And, of course, we had to repeat the process to get back onto the other side again!)
Although it’s an endeavour that I am unlikely to repeat, there was such a sense of achievement afterwards.
Life’s a bit like that sometimes, isn’t it? What you think is going to be a nice paddle in the sea turns out to be a terrifying experience. But, like me, if someone more confident reaches out a hand to help you get through it safely, don’t be too proud to accept. The sense of achievement will be the same.
Edit: I wrote this blog in September 2024. Since then, several people who know the area well, have explained just how dangerous crossing the Ogmore river, even at low tide, is. So, please just take my word for it and don’t attempt it yourself.
Have a great day. 🏆
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