Pacific Jules

Today's the day....

As the sun rose today I was glad to be back at the beach after a few days away. A lot of you will remember a few weeks back Michael Teys did his overnight training swim for Catalina. Today our time, his time, whatever time you're in , he does Catalina and we wish him well and look forward to the story on social media. He's been supporting the charity Lifeline, here is the link if you would like to also sponsor/donate: www.feedtofeed.com

I love the early surfers and swimmers as I walk down towards the club:

Ian held his pose very well today in yoga, long enough for me to pull camera out, focus and click!

Bin is a lovely swimmer I met a few months ago as a newbie, she was swimming slowly and not sure about doing the whole swim. I was meandering along the scenic route and reassured her, I start early cos I"m slow and eventually built my distance up to the return trip. Now she does it in good time, wetsuit and flippers insitu with a hot drink after, she's sorted. The light prevents you from seeing her face but here she is jumping for joy at another calm,perfect swimming day:

Next to Bin were Vivian and Enid, one of whom is visiting from Mudgee, welcome back!

I followed Dee and Jenny around to halfway, snapped them and kept walking to Shelly in order to catch everyone as they arrive. Sunrise was beautiful as it is every day.

 

 

I found this lone swimmer waiting patiently for the group to arrive, he had already started swimming at 6.30am:

Then the onslaught occurs of all the arrivals and socialising. Danny was freezing as he stood up but happily smiled for the camera:

Georgina and Val always have a happy smile, both trained nurses, one of whom got the great escape and now paints for a living!

Cath and Errol :

People keep telling me to include myself in the blog, so Janet agreed to pose with me. She doesn't seem tired from all the work involved with the recent trivia night, still going strong days later:

I found a large flathead at Shelly and some little fish afterwards but thousands of yellowtails:

The dogs are a big part of Manly for me, here Georgina and Emily do their best to make these two cuties pose:

Then I found Napolean and Turbo having a smooch:

Girls having a chinwag on the wall post swim, a necessity when we have beautiful winter sun :

Brad and Zac who is no longer little but still very cute!

Mandatory information:

Water temperature stays above 18: 18.4 today! swimmers 148 and no newbies! 

see you next time :)

edwina.

 

19/07/2017 - Gratitude...

My dear friend Roz said this morning "Every day I wake up and feel gratitude for having the opportunity to swim in such a beautiful place with such a wonderful group of people." We are so lucky to have such an amazing person as Roz swimming with us too. She has to be one of the kindest, smartest and most energetic people I've ever met. Whether that's making green smoothies every day for Ed in the last 6 months of his life, volunteering for every cake stall about, donating her beautiful art work or... working so hard to raise over $8,000 for a fantastic Trivia Night for Australians for Women's Health last night!!!! (She also has single-handedly raised 2 fantastic kids and whilst working 3 jobs.) Thanks so much Roz!

She's happy this morning and deserves to be! Thank you to everyone who supported this worthy cause. More on that later, back to today's magical swim!

Around 270 and 1 newbie  enjoyed these pristine conditions this morning, calm seas with amazing clarity, no stingy things and lots of marine life. Ok it was a tad chilly at 17.1 but we all know cold water is SO good for us!

Beautiful light at the point...

Nat and I opt for a walk to Shelly today and bump in to Gemma who is just off to Pommyland and taking in some last deep breaths of Cabbage Tree Bay... This place is so awesome!

Just thought I'd pop in here Georgina Hart's absolutely gorgeous painting of us swimmers entering the water. She captures the essence of our group so well. She kindly donated this painting to 'The Not the Official B&B Trivia Night' last night!

...and Roz's beautiful painting of us leaving the water which she also donated last night. (Last year she donated a large, original art work to The B&B Trivia Night). If anyone wants to commission one of these ask Georgina or Roz. They are so talented and generous.

After the 'Let's Go!' JK must be so happy how swimmers wait more together at the point in Winter. Thanks so much for being a fantastic Quiz Master last night too JK!

Now we know you've been working 16 hour days the last few weeks Roz, but that face!!!

It's exciting at the moment looking out for Giant Cuttlefish, Port Jacksons, Wobbegong and other beautiful creatures as we swim. Nat and I are lucky and get the first two not far off from Shelly...

In order to be totally transparent the last 2 photos were taken by me yesterday not today. Belinda was thrilled at getting a photo with one of the Cuttlefish.

and Sooze 3 days ago

Wobbie on Monday

I've been swimming for almost 6 years and blogging for 4 and have never seen so many Old Wives or Cuttlefish as this year. Very grateful.

The Gropers seem bluer lately but it's the clear water I suppose.

Just a few photos of the 130 people who came and supported last night.

 We are very grateful to all the businesses above who donated items, vouchers or services! Apologies if I've forgotten anyone.

and so are the women and children of Nepal

 

B&B Badge - Save the date WINTER BADGE CEREMONY - Sunday 17th September

The winter swimming season runs from 1 June to 31 August, and to qualify for your winter badge, you must:

• swim at least 20 times during this period
• swim in at least 7 different weeks
• log your swims 
• To qualify for the WWW badge (winter without wetsuit) you must complete all of the above without wearing a wetsuit or any other form of bodily thermal enhancement (don't forget to check the "without wetsuit" button on the log in screen). Why not give it a try?

Bold and Beautiful is owned and operated by Bold and Beautiful Swim Squad Pty Ltd.

 

That's it for today folks. Have a great day. If anyone would like me to take a photo of them with a Cuttlefish swim back with me slowly from Shelly!

Lainey (Stats mentioned in blog)

B&B Badge - Save the date WINTER BADGE CEREMONY - Sunday 17th September

The winter swimming season runs from 1 June to 31 August, and to qualify for your winter badge, you must:

• swim at least 20 times during this period
• swim in at least 7 different weeks
• log your swims 
• To qualify for the WWW badge (winter without wetsuit) you must complete all of the above without wearing a wetsuit or any other form of bodily thermal enhancement (don't forget to check the "without wetsuit" button on the log in screen). Why not give it a try?

Bold and Beautiful is owned and operated by Bold and Beautiful Swim Squad Pty Ltd.

B&B Badge - Save the date WINTER BADGE CEREMONY - Sunday 17th September

The winter swimming season runs from 1 June to 31 August, and to qualify for your winter badge, you must:

• swim at least 20 times during this period
• swim in at least 7 different weeks
• log your swims 
• To qualify for the WWW badge (winter without wetsuit) you must complete all of the above without wearing a wetsuit or any other form of bodily thermal enhancement (don't forget to check the "without wetsuit" button on the log in screen). Why not give it a try?

05/07/2017 - Fishies, Fivehundred Kms and Fantastic People!

 

What a cracking smile! It was lovely Emma's 500km swim today and she got a looong tunnel after we waited for her to finish her double. Well done Em! Around 120 of us got our Vitamin Sea today on a stunning Winter morning!

Down in our favourite corner... Air temp was around 13 and water 18.2. It's so beautiful swimming as the sun rises right on 7am and it was calm and quite clear. There were reports of an early Grey Nurse sighting so snorkelers were excited!

No Grey Nurse sightings by the 7amers but there was a lot of rubbish as we swam in to Shelly near the rocks. Well done Paul and Roz on collecting a load.

Roz is busy organising the Trivia Night for Dr Ray's charity Australians for Women's Health. 75 tickets have been sold already. Click on the link at bottom of blog for tickets. It will be a great night. Prizes gratefully received too please! A friend Sooze who started swimming with us yesterday was astounded when she heard there were no costs whatever involved with this amazing group and so much work was done voluntarily. If we can support these causes though it's one way to give a bit back.

Happy swimmers at Shelly including newbie Sooze, an old friend from my mothers group 21 years ago. Welcome Sooze! (It was actually her first swim yesterday but she swam all the way today!)

Emma in the middle of the WOWs!

Emma's sparkle, vibrancy and enthusiasm is contagious! She was an expert on giving the 'Let's Go'!

And off we go!

First Cuttlefish sighting near the pool...

Wobbegong by the rocks.

Yellowtail and Luderick

 second Cuttlefish sighting

Emma after her double with Lisa

Emma and the Wows again!

Pre-loaded Fish Photos from last Friday and Saturday

Last Friday the swim was absolutely magical with amazing visibility and fish everywhere! Managed to catch this Cuttlefish in beautiful light over the rocks at halfway...

A few of us stopped to watch this one a few days ago. His tentacle was sticking up like this. We said he was giving us the 'rude finger' (tentacle!) Fiona McT has a theory it might be the Cuttlefish who ate the Groper with part of it wedged up there. It serves him right!

I love the video below that gives us interesting facts about the Cuttlefish including stuff like they have green blood and 3 hearts. Click to watch.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDwOi7HpHtQ

 

Moray Eel last Friday

There's been so many Old Wives around this year!

and Diamondfish!

Saw these fish feeding on the remains of a Cuttlefish or Octopus in the shallows.

The Grey Nurse shark last week

My son Charlie swimming behind a Giant Cuttlefish. It looks like it's on his back!

 

Australians for Women’s Health TRIVIA NIGHT

 

Tickets are selling fast for the A4WHTrivia night being held at The Steyne on Tuesday 18th July, 6-9.30pm

The theme is “Naughty”cal so let your imagine run wild with some fancy dress and join in the fun.  

John Kelly has kindly volunteered his services as quiz master and is sure to have plenty of “trivial” questions to challenge us.

 

Tickets are $30 and a main meal is provided.  Bookings can be made at 

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/a4wh-trivia-night-aka-not-the-bb-trivia-night-tickets-35531373294

 

We are also asking for donations of prizes and silent auction items so if you have a business and could donate a service 

or have unwanted Christmas presents that could be "re gifted", Elaine De Jager or Roz Beaver would be happy to hear from you.

 

The proceeds from the evening are being donated to Dr Ray’s charity, Australians 4 Women’s Health, 

who are building a hospital for women and babies in Charikot, Nepal.  

Visit  http://www.a4wh.org/  and check out the great work they are doing to improve the lives of these poor women and their families.

 

For dietary requests or other queries, contact Roz Beaver - rozb@artnsoulworks.net

 

Thank you in advance for your support of this very worthy cause!

 

 

 

B&B Monthly Dinner at Bluewater Cafe

The next B&B monthly dinner for the year will be held on Tuesday 11^th July at 6.30 pm at Bluewater Restaurant. The guest speaker on the night will be B&B swimmer, Chief Superintendent Kenneth Murphy (aka Smurf), who was recently awarded an Australian Fire Service Medal in the Queen’s Birthday Honours. Ken will give a talk titled “Business as Usual” about the dangers faced by fireman, and highlighted by fire at the Forbes Vast Solar Plant, involving 120,000 litres of liquid sodium.

The cost of the dinner is great value at only $25 a head, which includes shared entrees, and a selection of mains to choose from (including a vegetarian option). Glasses of beer or wine and desserts are also available at the special price of only $5 each. Numbers are limited, so bookings are essential:  To avoid disappointment and secure your spot please book HERE.

 

Signing off Lainey 

 

 

 

Australians for Women’s Health TRIVIA NIGHT

 

Tickets are selling fast for the A4WHTrivia night being held at The Steyne on Tuesday 18th July, 6-9.30pm

The theme is “Naughty”cal so let your imagine run wild with some fancy dress and join in the fun.  

John Kelly has kindly volunteered his services as quiz master and is sure to have plenty of “trivial” questions to challenge us.

 

Tickets are $30 and a main meal is provided.  Bookings can be made at 

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/a4wh-trivia-night-aka-not-the-bb-trivia-night-tickets-35531373294

 

We are also asking for donations of prizes and silent auction items so if you have a business and could donate a service 

or have unwanted Christmas presents that could be "re gifted", Elaine De Jager or Roz Beaver would be happy to hear from you.

 

The proceeds from the evening are being donated to Dr Ray’s charity, Australians 4 Women’s Health, 

who are building a hospital for women and babies in Charikot, Nepal.  

Visit  http://www.a4wh.org/  and check out the great work they are doing to improve the lives of these poor women and their families.

 

For dietary requests or other queries, contact Roz Beaver - rozb@artnsoulworks.net

 

Thank you in advance for your support of this very worthy cause!

 

 

 

B&B Monthly Dinner at Bluewater Cafe

The next B&B monthly dinner for the year will be held on Tuesday 11^th July at 6.30 pm at Bluewater Restaurant. The guest speaker on the night will be B&B swimmer, Chief Superintendent Kenneth Murphy (aka Smurf), who was recently awarded an Australian Fire Service Medal in the Queen’s Birthday Honours. Ken will give a talk titled “Business as Usual” about the dangers faced by fireman, and highlighted by fire at the Forbes Vast Solar Plant, involving 120,000 litres of liquid sodium.

The cost of the dinner is great value at only $25 a head, which includes shared entrees, and a selection of mains to choose from (including a vegetarian option). Glasses of beer or wine and desserts are also available at the special price of only $5 each. Numbers are limited, so bookings are essential:  To avoid disappointment and secure your spot please book HERE.

 

Signing off Lainey 

 

 

Tick that box....

 It was 7 degrees today as I walked to the swim and my hands were frozen. Not as frozen as my feet were afterwards. Luckily the water temperature is holding out for us, still above 18 degrees every day, today was 18.4. Everyone is ticking that swim box to collect the winter swim badge, with or without wetsuit! From now on  in it gets colder in the air and in the water I think, so tick it off sooner rather than later.

Jenny captured the early light with swimmers perfectly, thanks for sharing:

This one I got as everyone headed to Shelley and I swam around the scenic route.

My camera has broken, thank you to Nat and Roz for lending me their cameras, I was experimenting under water to sample out my next purchase. Unfortunately the water was a bit murkier than previous days so no photos from today. Just a couple from recent weeks, old wives with a shark underneath:

Annie Gurton has returned from holidays with an engagement story to tell, congrats from everyone Annie ( the only one in pic with no beanie or cap!) :

One newbie Ben with a relatively new swimmer Simon, hats off to you facing the swim in the throes of winter:

The wows were playing shenanigans in the brisk air:

Max getting one last kiss before Jane heads into the water:

Cheryl is happy with the socks to wear in the water:

I was last in the water with Mary and Patrick before they scuttled off quickly through the surf:

Sidney enjoyed her swim so much she was threatening to stay in for more:

Craig and Ann couldn't wipe the smiles off their faces after either:

Everyone huddles up afterwards to get warm:

Happy birthday for yesterday Nick, he celebrated his 50th at the aquarium last night, what a blast it was:

Now today  I think there were three newbies, maybe 200 swimmers, warm waters of 18.4 and freezing cold air! Important notices below:

 

 

Australians for Women’s Health TRIVIA NIGHT

 

Tickets are selling fast for the A4WHTrivia night being held at The Steyne on Tuesday 18th July, 6-9.30pm

The theme is “Naughty”cal so let your imagine run wild with some fancy dress and join in the fun.  

John Kelly has kindly volunteered his services as quiz master and is sure to have plenty of “trivial” questions to challenge us.

 

Tickets are $30 and a main meal is provided.  Bookings can be made at 

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/a4wh-trivia-night-aka-not-the-bb-trivia-night-tickets-35531373294

 

We are also asking for donations of prizes and silent auction items so if you have a business and could donate a service 

or have unwanted Christmas presents that could be "re gifted", Elaine De Jager or Roz Beaver would be happy to hear from you.

 

The proceeds from the evening are being donated to Dr Ray’s charity, Australians 4 Women’s Health, 

who are building a hospital for women and babies in Charikot, Nepal.  

Visit  http://www.a4wh.org/  and check out the great work they are doing to improve the lives of these poor women and their families.

 

For dietary requests or other queries, contact Roz Beaver - rozb@artnsoulworks.net

 

Thank you in advance for your support of this very worthy cause!

 

 

 

B&B Monthly Dinner at Bluewater Cafe

The next B&B monthly dinner for the year will be held on Tuesday 11^th July at 6.30 pm at Bluewater Restaurant. The guest speaker on the night will be B&B swimmer, Chief Superintendent Kenneth Murphy (aka Smurf), who was recently awarded an Australian Fire Service Medal in the Queen’s Birthday Honours. Ken will give a talk titled “Business as Usual” about the dangers faced by fireman, and highlighted by fire at the Forbes Vast Solar Plant, involving 120,000 litres of liquid sodium.

 

The cost of the dinner is great value at only $25 a head, which includes shared entrees, and a selection of mains to choose from (including a vegetarian option). Glasses of beer or wine and desserts are also available at the special price of only $5 each. Numbers are limited, so bookings are essential:  To avoid disappointment and secure your spot please book HERE.

 See you all during the week, Edwina.

 

Welcome to the other side of the winter solstice

Happy Saturday everyone! Yes we are officially on the other side (you might say the back side if you were here on Tuesday) of the solstice and  our side of the planet turns sunwards once more. If you were thinking the cold weather is over, well I'm sorry, it's not over yet but there is beauty in Sydney winters. Soon we will see new plant growth - buds and flowers -  a sure sign that spring will be with us before we know it.

Every sunrise in our little corner of Earth is lovely but today's was especially pretty.

The 6:30 preparations and psych-ups under way

Dan on his way down to the water and 2 singles despite the cold, cold sand

Then a lull between sets, giving the blogger an opportunity to get some shots for y'all

Preparing for the 7am

Still nice and warm in the water. 

Good to see Shaun is recovering well from his op

Lainey, Charlie and Freddie. 2 of them are going to look for the Grey Nurse

WOWs and all round Nice People Cheryl and Lisa. Cheryl has reasons to be cheerful - her first aid coach Sharon (who works with Lisa) picked up a significant gong at recent surf lifesaving awards night (coach of the year). And quite rightly so, seeing as she coached Cheryl and her co-competitor and they won the national surf lifesaving championships. Congrats ladies. 

Photographing the photographer

A big chunk of today's blog is dedicated to the amazing Michael Tey who swam continuously through the night from 8pm to 8am, raising money for Lifeline. He started in the cold and dark. If you ever swim in the ocean when there is no daylight you know it is pretty spooky. Let alone lonely and cold. No words for this feat. You can still donate on this site, http://www.feedtofeed.com/

This is Michael in the water with one of his support paddlers

Some of Michael's support crew and donation collectors

Isobel and Edwina feeling a bit fuzzy after their early start on the support crew roster

 

Michael swam the last laps with us. You are a legend, sir.

Michael with his son Patrick

Some of today's doublers

As for our marine friends, there was much focus on spotting the Grey Nurse. So much so that the duskies, cuttlefish, gropers, wobbegongs, old wives, rays and others must have been wondering what the had done wrong and why they were being ignored. Here are a couple of my shots from today. The water was a bit murky today so the quality is not great (I also was focused on spotting the Grey Nurse but was not lucky).

The shark food aka yellowtail still around

Spotted this swimming on its own in the middle of the Bay. Looks like a small catfish

 And here is a shot of the Grey Nurse that I 'borrowed' from Lainey

Stats: 239 swimmers, 3 newbies, water temp 19.2

Important notice! TRIVIA NIGHT 2017

Note from Management: to clear up any confusion, the 2017 Quiz Night is not a B&B event.  It is an event run outside of B&B by two B&B members, Roz Beaver and Elaine De Jager to support Dr. Rays charity.  The normal B&B quiz night will be held next year in 2018.

Most years we have a highly attended, memorable and much loved Trivia Night at The Steyne Hotel. This year's is on 18th July at 6.30pm with a great meal, John Kelly's wit and charm in comparing the trivia, lots of fun and merriment. The theme is 'Nautical' or rather 'Naughty- cal'!!! (Think saucy pirate wenches, Johnny Depp take-offs, sexy sailors, mermaids and mermen. You could even come as a randy Cuttlefish!) It's only $30 per person and you can book a table with friends or we can sort you out with lovely swimmers on a friendly table. There will be raffles, prizes, silent auction so if you please have anything you can contribute please let Roz Beaver, Janet Franks or myself know. We already have Sydney Sail days donated, nights at Whale Beach B&B, original artworks, signed sports jerseys, mounted marine life photos and would appreciate anything you can offer! We are raising money for Dr Ray's charity Australians for Women's Health which desperately needs a women's hospital built in the poorest part of Nepal.

Roz has been working tirelessly to get the ticket booking system up and running so click on this link to book.

 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/trivia-night-tickets-35531373294

Get your B&B kit

New B&B merchandise available via the link: http://www.boldandbeautifulmanly.com.au/clothing.html

Boldandbeautiful-promo
If you need silicon caps or discount cards as a swimmer, see Ian or John at the desk before your swim!

========================================================================================================

Badge info:

The winter swimming season runs from 1 June to 31 August, and to qualify for your winter badge, you must:

swim at least 20 times during this period
swim in at least 7 different weeks
log your swims
To qualify for the WWW badge (winter without wetsuit) you must complete all of the above without wearing a wetsuit or any other form of bodily thermal enhancement (don't forget to check the "without wetsuit" button on the log in screen). Why not give it a try?

Bold and Beautiful is owned and operated by Bold and Beautiful Swim Squad Pty Ltd.

Note from Management: to clear up any confusion, the 2017 Quiz Night is not a B&B event.  It is an event run outside of B&B by two B&B members, Roz Beaver and Elaine De Jager to support Dr. Rays charity.  The normal B&B quiz night will be held next year in 2018.

Most years we have a highly attended, memorable and much loved Trivia Night at The Steyne Hotel. This year's is on 18th July at 6.30pm with a great meal, John Kelly's wit and charm in comparing the trivia, lots of fun and merriment. The theme is 'Nautical' or rather 'Naughty- cal'!!! (Think saucy pirate wenches, Johnny Depp take-offs, sexy sailors, mermaids and mermen. You could even come as a randy Cuttlefish!) It's only $30 per person and you can book a table with friends or we can sort you out with lovely swimmers on a friendly table. There will be raffles, prizes, silent auction so if you please have anything you can contribute please let Roz Beaver, Janet Franks or myself know. We already have Sydney Sail days donated, nights at Whale Beach B&B, original artworks, signed sports jerseys, mounted marine life photos and would appreciate anything you can offer! We are raising money for Dr Ray's charity Australians for Women's Health which desperately needs a women's hospital built in the poorest part of Nepal.

Roz has been working tirelessly to get the ticket booking system up and running so click on this link to book.

 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/trivia-night-tickets-35531373294

Get your B&B kit

New B&B merchandise available via the link: http://www.boldandbeautifulmanly.com.au/clothing.html

Boldandbeautiful-promo
If you need silicon caps or discount cards as a swimmer, see Ian or John at the desk before your swim!

========================================================================================================

Badge info:

The winter swimming season runs from 1 June to 31 August, and to qualify for your winter badge, you must:

swim at least 20 times during this period
swim in at least 7 different weeks
log your swims
To qualify for the WWW badge (winter without wetsuit) you must complete all of the above without wearing a wetsuit or any other form of bodily thermal enhancement (don't forget to check the "without wetsuit" button on the log in screen). Why not give it a try?

Badge info:

The winter swimming season runs from 1 June to 31 August, and to qualify for your winter badge, you must:

swim at least 20 times during this period
swim in at least 7 different weeks
log your swims
To qualify for the WWW badge (winter without wetsuit) you must complete all of the above without wearing a wetsuit or any other form of bodily thermal enhancement (don't forget to check the "without wetsuit" button on the log in screen). Why not give it a try?

04/06/2017 - Weekend Edition

Welcome to the weekend edition of the swim blog. Producing two blogs every weekend is costly. The combined weekend blog is just one of a number of cost savings measures that are currently trialed by management. It is critical that we improve the swim group's profitability ahead of next year's public offering.

A total of 179 swimmers showed up for the 4th winter swim of 2017. Water temperature is still hovering around the 20 degrees. Lovely!

Nick, Lesbubs, Mary...

Derek, Matt, Roz..

Bill, expertly bombed by Lyndall..

Jen has moved to the wrong side of Manly and has to cycle to the swim these days.. 

Father & son..

Greg showing off his brand new wetsuit. Chris is in awe..

7:00...

Nick has new fins..

Did I mention Greg has a brand new wetsuit?

With both Ian and JK away, Anne was in charge of Let's Go and Point Discipline..

Beautifully assisted by Lyndall, Lesbubs, and Gemma..

Time for some group shots at Shelly..

Let's Go!!!

Guy checking his Garmin..

Bumped into lovely Mary on the way back..

Sunday Scoop #1 - The Super Ray:

About 100 meters before reaching the point, we noticed a small gathering of swimmers. Looking at down. At what was easily the biggest ray I had ever seen in 5 years of swimming with the group:

Roz diving down for a photo:

I went down for a look but decided to keep at a respectful distance, despite assurances from everyone around that this was not the 'Steve Irwin type of ray'...

Other interesting underwater shots from this weekend include this cuttlefish portrait by Roz:

..and this snap by Mary from yesterday's 'Bike Tour':

Arriving back at the surf club, everyone was talking about the size of the super ray:

Sunday Scoop #2 - Lesley's New Brows:

If you haven't been swimming last week, you might have missed the news around Lesbubs' new eyebrows:

Apart from scaring the sea life, many swimmers are finding the new pair of brows distracting..

Being an inclusive swim group, I would ask everyone to be patient while Lesley is getting her brows back under control.

I leave you with a photo of Richard eating a banana..

Have  a great Sunday!

Oh, and it's International Hug-A-Cat-Day. You know what to do.

Lips x 

Just in.. Fitbit Situation:
Wes Hurrell's son lost a new Fitbit Charge 2 (black) this morning, in front of the surf club's rubber boat rolladoor. If located, please contact Wes on 0433 800 667.

 

Stats:
Swimmers: 179
Newbies: 5
Water temp: 19.6

 

News from management:

New B&B merchandise available via the link:  http://www.boldandbeautifulmanly.com.au/clothing.html

If you need silicon caps or discount cards as a swimmer, see Ian or John at the desk before your swim!

B&B Monthly Dinner at Bluewater Cafe

June - Special Gin and Botanical Vodka Tasting Dinner

The next B&B monthly dinner for the year will be held on Tuesday 13^th June at 6.30 pm at Bluewater Restaurant, and will include an exclusive Gin and Botanical Vodka tasting for B&B members and their friends. One of our swimmers, Vanessa Wilton, will talk about her new venture, Manly Spirits Co., which has recently launched with an award-winning range of premium Australian spirits that are crafted to showcase the finest Australian produce, sustainably sourced native botanicals and foraged marine botanicals.

The cost of the dinner is great value at only $25 a head, which includes the gin tasting plus shared entrees, and a selection of mains to choose from (including a vegetarian option). Glasses of beer or wine and desserts are also available at the special price of only $5 each. Numbers are limited, so bookings are essential:  To avoid disappointment and secure your spot please book HERE.

The ATEC Show – 9-10 September @ Royal Halls of Industries, Sydney:

ATEC, Australia’s premier event celebrating the endurance lifestyle is back this September! Thousands of cyclists, runners, swimmers, triathletes and endurance sports enthusiasts come together to engage with leading endurance brands, learn from industry influencers, meet inspiring athletes, and take part in interactive seminars, workshops, competitions and activations! Book your tickets today on www.atecshow.com.au

Simply use the promo-code “2FOR1ATEC” to grab your 2FOR1 tickets!

Badge info:

The winter swimming season runs from 1 June to 31 August, and to qualify for your winter badge, you must:

• swim at least 20 times during this period
• swim in at least 7 different weeks
• log your swims 

To qualify for the WWW badge (winter without wetsuit) you must complete all of the above without wearing a wetsuit or any other form of bodily thermal enhancement (don't forget to check the "without wetsuit" button on the log in screen). Why not give it a try?

 

Welcome to winter swimming and the badge quest...

Today was the perfect start to winter swimming: sharp, brisk breeze before and after the swim, crystal clear water that was flat as a pancake, and an abundance of marine life to marvel at. There were no newbies ( now's the time to start peeps before it really gets cold! ), temperature was 19.1 ( up from yesterday ), and about 93 swimmers.

As I set off from my car I watched the early birds play volleyball on the beach, a string of runners stream past me and then found Brian and Murray practising their balance in yoga. Doesn't matter what you prefer, there's plenty happening early in the day, and some swimmers do it all.

Jenny and Maria before the swim, Jenny has a new extra warm cap from Speedo to wear under the pink cap:

The gang were reluctant to take their clothes off as I left for half way, outside temp was about 10 degrees I think:

Wilf and Rob were keen to get in and had started derobing  before anyone else:

 

As I swam from halfway to Shelly I had a quiet encounter with the old wives and Dusky whalers swimming together,

First swimmers in happy to pose for me with Henrietta not far behind them:

Jackie did three full laps of the bay today, wow!

Maria, Dee and Jenny started and left early but I caught them briefly for a snap:

Everybody else got a fly by pic as I left before I froze and headed back for more snorkelling opportunities:

On the way back I was swarmed by yellow tails again and even found the blind shark plus the blue groper swimming freely,

Everyone had a smile on their face despite the freezing wind, can't complain about these conditions, that people pay to have overseas. And there's nothing like a good warm up with a chin wag at Bluewater after:

 

News from management:

new merchandise available via the link:  http://www.boldandbeautifulmanly.com.au/clothing.html

 

If you need silicon caps or discount cards as a swimmer, see Ian or John at the desk before your swim!

The ATEC Show – 9-10 September @ Royal Halls of Industries, Sydney

ATEC, Australia’s premier event celebrating the endurance lifestyle is back this September! Thousands of cyclists, runners, swimmers, triathletes and endurance sports enthusiasts come together to engage with leading endurance brands, learn from industry influencers, meet inspiring athletes, and take part in interactive seminars, workshops, competitions and activations! Book your tickets today on www.atecshow.com.au

Simply use the promo-code “2FOR1ATEC” to grab your 2FOR1 tickets!

Badge info:

The winter swimming season runs from 1 June to 31 August, and to qualify for your winter badge, you must:

• swim at least 20 times during this period
• swim in at least 7 different weeks
• log your swims 

To qualify for the WWW badge (winter without wetsuit) you must complete all of the above without wearing a wetsuit or any other form of bodily thermal enhancement (don't forget to check the "without wetsuit" button on the log in screen). Why not give it a try?

That's it for Thursday everyone, enjoy your swims :) 

Another brilliant start to Saturday

I left home in near darkness this morning, cursing myself for missing the opportunity to get shots of 6am starters yet again. On arrival at the gateway to the golden dawn my frustration was quickly replaced by awe and gratitude to be witnessing such beauty. And there was the sunrise too.

 

Here's 2 photos to show that things are not always what they seem (just a bit of 'armless fun folks)

 

These 2 lovely newbies were a bit apprehensive heading into their inaugural Great Crossing.

Hope you had a wonderful first swim ladies, and that we see you again many more times.

Some of the 6:30 starters

Meanwhile, no one has to tell the WOWs to look fabulous

The 7:30 immersion begins

Cameron with his Mum and Dad, lovely to see families swim together

Living proof that you can be a blog tart anywhere, any time


And now for a preview of the undersea visuals

At Shelley with some pro blog tarting on display, also celebrating a birthday (Tony) and a 1000 (Bernard)

On the way back with some our favourite fishy friends (thanks Lainey for pointing out the scorpion fish)

Download P5270194

And the piece de resistance, the Tunnel of amazeballs - congrats again Bernard

And now... the stats

320 swimmers
6 newbies
19.5 degrees

And.....

B&B Monthly Dinner at Bluewater Cafe
June - Special Gin and Botanical Vodka Tasting Dinner
The next B&B monthly dinner for the year will be held on Tuesday 13th June at 6.30 pm at Bluewater Restaurant, and will include an exclusive Gin and Botanical Vodka tasting for B&B members and their friends. One of our swimmers, Vanessa Wilton, will talk about her new venture, Manly Spirits Co., which has recently launched with an award-winning range of premium Australian spirits that are crafted to showcase the finest Australian produce, sustainably sourced native botanicals and foraged marine botanicals.

The cost of the dinner is great value at only $25 a head, which includes the gin tasting plus shared entrees, and a selection of mains to choose from (including a vegetarian option). Glasses of beer or wine and desserts are also available at the special price of only $5 each. Numbers are limited, so bookings are essential: To avoid disappointment and secure your spot please book HERE.

Have a lovely weekend

23/05/2017 - The Sky was the 'Star of the Show' today!

 Thanks Kerry for the blog title! A funny old start to the morning with thunder and lightening on my drive to Manly at 5am. I knew the rain would have stopped by 5.30am as our running coach Joey always says it does. By the time we swam back from Shelly the sky put on a great light show with sun blasting through bursts of high cloud reflecting back off a turbulent ocean. Gorgeous!

It's 7am and change over time as the 7amers cross over with the 6.30's. Always great to see Annie elated after her vitamin sea!

At The Point

Not very clear today but the Duskies were out and about and swimming not too far from the surface between the pool and Shelly.

Two gentlemen, a few decades separate them but they've become buddies through our swim...

Henry, Mike, Guy, Alanna, Lyn, Karen and Billy.

Karen is organising a really fun 'Christmas in July' in the Blue Mountains and all B&B swimmers and friends are welcome. Its from July 28- 30 and includes 2 nights accommodation at a great Hotel in Katoomba, Christmas dinner, Gingerbread making etc. It's $372 pp and tickets are selling fast. She does need payment asap though. Please call Karen on 0429080819 or email karen.ideals@bigpond.com 

We are hoping to book out all 27 rooms and about 20 people have said they're going, a few who've paid. It should be such a great weekend! Get on to it now!

 

Bruce and his 'A Team'

I've so many photos of Emma jumping in laps, here's another!

 The last of today's photos. It was fun getting back in through the waves and looking at that glorious sky!

Preloaded photos from the last 2 weeks since my last blog

Great Giant Cuttlefish experience about a week ago when lots of swimmers got to see this amazing creature...

Sid and a friendly Groper

Julia and the Groper

We've seen huge schools of Old Wives lately. If you haven't seen them yet swim over the flat rocks near the hut at halfway.

This Cuttlefish swam so close to the rocks and shallow I got a photo with water surface too.

and some lovely 'Humans of the B&B'

The very lovely Jill and John

Henrietta and Jenny

Roz and Nicky...Two friends who took a bit of encouraging to swim with us and now don't stop!

Annie and David

Always smiling Jenny

 The Mc Naughties!

 

There were round 150 swimmers today and water was pretty warm, 20 I think?

B&B Trivia Night with 'Naughty-cal' fancy dress.

Put the date in your diaries folks for the annual Trivia Night at The Steyne Hotel, Tuesday 18th June! Get your friends together for a table or we can put you on one. If anyone has any businesses they can promote and maybe give a free voucher for the raffle or auction would be appreciated, unwanted Xmas presents etc all welcome. We'd love some help too if you can, collecting prizes etc. This year funds raised go to Dr Ray's hospital for women and children in Nepal. I'll include a couple of photos of previous years to put you in the mood. This is always a great, sell-out night so get in quick. See me, Roz Beaver or Janet Franks re tickets but we'll soon get a link going to buy!

signing off

Lainey

 

20-05-2017 – Grey dawn

This morning's fluffy blanket cloud cover delivered us a mild morning with little or no chill. However with gentle rain falling it looks like the majority of the weekend swimmers chose the ‘under the covers’ option this morning.

Sue’s brightly coloured outfit provided welcome relief in the varying tones of grey.

Shaun was there overseeing the gathering and ensuring all management processes were followed - even though the crowds were definitely down today.

He did mention that due to the extended absences of the upper management – especially on the weekends – there is the opening for a keen intern to provide admin support.  Shaun did suggest that double degree in Event Management and Business Administration would be welcome. . .

The sea brought out its choppy mood this morning. Many swimmers commented that the swim to Shelly was much more challenging than the return. 

Deep discussions at Shelly. . .

Jim being deeply suspicious of anyone with a camera.

Amidst the choppy conditions, the only fishy sightings were of the Duskys – today they were quite close to Shelly.

The usual Saturday post-swim, coffee swilling gathering outside the Surf Club was non-existent today. The delight is that Bluewater is always a welcome spot for a delicious breakfast, and they even let us have our usual table.

Have a spectacular Saturday.

Mary

Surf Safety

Do you know how to identify rips and what to do if you are ‘caught’ in one? Do read these wonderful safety tips.

Safety Tips - Click here

The Stats

Temp                  20.3 degrees

Swimmers         not as many as yesterday

Newbies             not sure

Sunrise               6.43am

Sunset                 5.00pm