Swimming in a birds toilet

I did a double session today.  I got the opportunity to take my first open water swim of the season in Strathclyde Park.  Stepping into the cool murky water with lots of "bits" floating in it wasn't pleasant.  When you swim you take water into your mouth so I let you work it out - a very hot curry followed so it should sort any internal problems out.  You can't see past your elbow in the water and the wetsuit constrains your breathing at the beginning until you get used to it.  You zig zag all over the place as there is no dark blue line below you to follow and this is why I will be putting in a lot of practice before 13 June when I compete in a half Ironman which is rated as in the top 10 hardest in the world - oh s**t!