Cold dip to celebrate shortest day

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Our mild autumn finally gave way to winter with the shortest day bringing out a group who celebrated the event with a quick swim at Mangawhai Heads.

The challenge for a dip, a splash, a 50m, 500m or 1km swim was laid down by regular swimmer Belinda Vernon.

The hardy group included distance swimmer Jacquelyn Schirmer, recent conqueror of Lake Taupo, who also has the English Channel in her sights. No doubt there were a few goosebumps but the brave team made light of a bracing dip to celebrate the June solstice.

PHOTO/SUPPLIED

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