I watch in awe as the dark smudge in the ocean to the north finally reveals itself as a long distance swimmer.

Unlike the robotic repeats of swimming pool confined laps the ocean is a very different place. With no bottom to rest on, no black line to follow, no turns to reset and no laps to count this swimmer simply swims, and swims and swims.

Soon a black smudge disappears to the south and the swimmer is gone with who knows how much further to go.

Photo: Robert Rath, ‘The Swimmer’, 1/125s f/11 ISO160 200mm