Pacific Jules

Sunday 16 February: Weedy Goodness

Plenty of weed around this morning:

Thank goodness though the conditions have calmed down, after the cyclonic waves of the last few days:

The signs of the stormy conditions are still around.  A fellow swimmer explained to me that this debris had come down from Queenscliff Lagoon.  What the photos don't convey is the accompanying "fragrance":

Still, it will take more than logs, waves and fetid water to put off the swimming duo that is Sue + Greg:

 

Nice water temp:

Ian welcomed some newbies:

Don't be put off, guys - it won't always smell this way!  (I'm talking about the beach, not Ian.)

Veena and Shaun had big responsibilities this morning, looking after gorgeous Gordy.

It was great to catch up with two amazing peeps that I haven't seen for ages - Jenny and Emma, pictured here with Jenny's husband Mark:

(Jen - your dinner's been sitting on our dining table for three months now.  It's getting cold.  :) )

 

Jo appeared, quashing rumours that she's bought a new swimsuit:

The photography students found us fascinating (they're right - we are):

These three ladies were looking forward to their crossing and the swimmer on the right was kitted out in anti-sea lice gear:

There now follows a sequence I've entitled "Little Sarah dances with seaweed":

Great stuff, Sarah - you put the "art" into blog tart.

I hadn't been planning to swim from the beach - something about the smell, the weed, the memory of Friday's cyclonic waves (I know, I'm fussy) - but before I knew it I was at the point.  And it was beautiful:

The water quality in the bay was actually OK, and certainly better than yesterday's foamy patches.  The zero visibility sent me into a contemplative state, and I totally relaxed and immersed myself in the experience (at least, until a twig hit me) without the distraction of all that beautiful wildlife we normally see.  The ocean can surprise you.

My fellow swimmers were also getting that happy feeling. John B:

Alan and Elizabeth:

Kerry and Georgina demonstrated the murkiness:

The three of us had a lovely swim/chat back to Manly.  Before I knew it I was in the wave zone, but the waves didn't hold much power and I told myself to relax:

 

 ***WARNING*** THIS BLOG NOW DESCENDS INTO SILLINESS.

We've all been told that weed can affect your mind and should be treated with caution.  Kerry and Georgina clearly didn't get the memo:

You know that feeling when you just can't get your seaweed to sit right?

Georgina wondered why the free B&B caps are so small when there's so much weed to fit into them:

I wasn't entirely convinced that Georgina was in a position to laugh at Kerry:

Back on land it was Lisa's turn to laugh:

Shower scene as you've never seen it before:

 

Craving adult company, I went to chat to Colby (pictured here with Anne):

Colby's mother Jo oozed sophisticated beach chic:

The dream team - Suzie, Errol and Greg:

Just when I thought "Grab the Blogger's Camera" wasn't going to happen, Greg grabbed the blogger's camera.  Sue, Jacqui, Gunnar, Janet and yours truly:

Showing signs of real blogger potential Greg then stole a shot of Belinda, who had somehow managed to evade the blog camera:

And so unpromising conditions turned into a fabulous, fun-filled morning, which sums up why I love swimming with the B&B (oh, and the chance to tease Jo and Suzie :) ).  Happy Sunday, everyone!

Stats

Water temp: 22 degrees

Swimmers: Not that many for a Sunday in summer

Newbies: Yes

 

Royal Far West Charity Golf Day – Cromer Golf Club Tuesday 3rd March 2020

Funds raised go towards supporting children in regional areas who have been impacted by the devastating bushfires, as well as those living with the insidious and enduring effects of the drought . Help us direct our services in the most effective way by supporting kids and their carers who are at risk of long-lasting mental health challenges and trauma-related disorders. You can help us strengthen the long-term wellbeing and resilience of these communities by participating in our inaugural Royal Far West Golf Day.

Including 18 holes, breakfast, lunch and donation to Royal Far West – 7am – 3pm

Contact Desiree for more details -  dcreedon@royalfarwest.org.au  or call 1800 961 001

 

Swimmer of the Month

The Medibank Free+Active swimmer of the month of January is Rob O'Brien, who will receive a $100 Rebel voucher. Congratulations Rob!

 

We have sunshine!

Enjoy today - we have more rain coming! However the swell will start swinging around to the south, bringing calmer conditions to our gorgeous bay, and while the forecast is for a few days' rain, there shouldn't be as much as last weekend

I arrived early and decided that today would be a dry blog despite improving swell conditions. Walking down on the sand early ( well, before 6:30) I was aware of the debris on the beach and well, I decided it wasn't time for me to risk my immune system andventure into the briny yet. Also I'd brought a better camera (aka the beast) and  wasn't going to leave it unattended.

Bringing joy to the heart of every 2 year old...

John B keeping fit

The Manly clubbies were training as usual (photo brightened with a filter thanks to a free Google app) 

the 6:30 drinkless express similarly enhanced

Roger is one of the owners of the arms. He plays at not wanting to be photographed

But I got him

Shelley has no such inhibitions however

JK giving a high level advisory

The Wows

Bindi

Beachside entry

Spectators

Now who would be fooling about  in the water like this?

The half way entry looked calm enough but entries and exits always need timing and skill

Shelley

This is Jim who is here on a break from the Colorado winter with his wife Cathy. They are off to Uluru in a few days; hopefully when they come back the conditions will be nicer.

A few shots from Manly Point

The shower scene

Ostensibly demonstrating the level of debris in the water, but really just flashing their bums

MM

The MOB (Men Of The Bench)

Happy smiles all around

Stats - 3 brave newbies (it does get better), around 150 swimmers and quite a few walkers and frolicers. Water temp 21.6

What am I listening to? A few weeks ago I happened on a conversation (participants will forever remain nameless) about offspring and their predilection for experimentation in substances of a questionable nature.

This ditty gives a slightly different perspective. Enjoy.

 

 

Friday 14 February 2020 Forecast of heavy seas confirmed as correct

Well they said there was a cyclone and it would affect the seas. It was correct. There were crashing waves in many layers way out to sea. Lots of surfers. Lots of weed. Poor visibility and also branches and other flotsam and jetsam. Still, we swam. And walked and rode

These champions entered the surf. I recorded them to check they returned safely. I plan to do that tomorrow

 

Getting ready. Deciding where to enter the swim

JK announcement  today did not surprise

Some potential swimmer - Deb Amos is working to get them to swim 

Handsome guys

Warm. But also murky 

Shower scene - we almost needed Hazmat showers today

Halfway entrants

Meeting great people on the walk way

Derek

You have heard of scum of the earth. This is scum of the sea. What a lot of it there was

Swimble is a new word I have come across. It means  swimming irregularly from place to place as a past time with the anticipation of eating cake OR  swimming slowly and aimlessly without immediate purpose of direction in a slow or relaxed pace

Royal Far West Charity Golf Day – Cromer Golf Club Tuesday 3rd March 2020

Funds raised go towards supporting children in regional areas who have been impacted by the devastating bushfires, as well as those living with the insidious and enduring effects of the drought . Help us direct our services in the most effective way by supporting kids and their carers who are at risk of long-lasting mental health challenges and trauma-related disorders. You can help us strengthen the long-term wellbeing and resilience of these communities by participating in our inaugural Royal Far West Golf Day.

Including 18 holes, breakfast, lunch and donation to Royal Far West – 7am – 3pm

Contact Desiree for more details -  dcreedon@royalfarwest.org.au  or call 1800 961 001

 

 

What I have been reading

 

Elizabeth Strout's next book after Olive Kitteridge. It is called Olive Again and I really am enjoying it and the character 

Cyclones...what's in a name. 13/2/20

We have had some interesting weather over the years at our little corner of the world, and this week has been no exception. The evidence seen above, as a massive piece of drift wood washed onto the beach this morning. And just when we thought it was safe to go back in the water, wild weather from tropical cyclone Uesi is set to make for an exciting weekend for our swim. Yes...you heard me, UESI. And in the last 12 months we've met Trevor, Veronica and Savannah. These are not newbie swimmers, they are all cyclones. Which had me thinking ( insert thinking emoji) what's up with naming these spiraling wind formations? 

If you've ever been tasked with naming anything, children, pets, cars!! You know that it can be a pretty harrowing experience. But, spare a thought for the peeps that are in charge of naming cyclones. Named to distinguish one cyclone from the other in different geographical basins, it's such a tricky job that there is a whole committee devoted to it. Initially cyclones were named after Saints! Now we use girls names, boys names, Spanish names, French names...it's a job that we, down at the BnB could assist with. After all, if we can swim in the rough dirty waters of the ocean today, we can do anything! 

So, listen up 'International committee of the world Meteorological Organization' ...it's real name or WMO, here are some of my suggestions to make your job easier...

May I suggest cyclone...'JK', he look scary and is certainly boisterous but quite harmless! 'Anne', 'Ian' he pops up all over the Pacific, 'JB' and Cyclone Ian's, 'Cyclone Uncle Marty' 

How about, 'Daphne' 'Dorset' and 'Lisa'? The friendliest cyclone names around. 

And here's sub tropical cyclone Ian once again, with the 'Val' 

Here's a couple of cute cyclones...'Sue' and 'Lainey'. How about Cyclone Charlie, Laineys son...keeping the cyclones in the family. 

This happy trio were keen have their names on the list. 'Sarah', 'Jo' and 'Jonathan' Cyclone Sarah said there was zero vis but she didn't care, just back from Hong Kong, she said she was definitely happy to be here. 

Cyclone Jeff with a 'J' has a better ring to it than cyclone Geoff, according to Jeff, seen in the middle. 

A newbie, Cyclone Harrison!

I like the sounds of  cyclone 'Joseph' 'Phillip' and 'Amanda' Maybe the WMO have already beat me to it?

What about 'Reggie' or Stacey?' 

and a world first! Twin cyclones Dave and Steve!! Hmmmm...really boys? 

So if the WMO ever get stuck, we have the answer! Thousands of fabulous names to choose from, all in one place. I also have the answer to the conditions of today's swim...incase you're wondering. 

According to today's doubler, Cyclone Anne, she says, " Seriously scummy, dirty, anaphylactic, infectious, kinetic grunge" Sounds dangerous. And also happens to represent the initials of all the other cyclones that doubled this morning. 

That's all from me! But I will leave you with this pic of Cyclone Lisa when she morphed into a hurricane looking for her keep cup!!

Stay dry and happy

Fin Yoga x

Royal Far West Charity Golf Day – Cromer Golf Club Tuesday 3rd March 2020

Funds raised go towards supporting children in regional areas who have been impacted by the devastating bushfires, as well as those living with the insidious and enduring effects of the drought . Help us direct our services in the most effective way by supporting kids and their carers who are at risk of long-lasting mental health challenges and trauma-related disorders. You can help us strengthen the long-term wellbeing and resilience of these communities by participating in our inaugural Royal Far West Golf Day.

Including 18 holes, breakfast, lunch and donation to Royal Far West – 7am – 3pm

Contact Desiree for more details -  dcreedon@royalfarwest.org.au  or call 1800 961 001

12/02/20 - misty murky hump day

It was an eerie start to the morning with a moody mist wrapping the shoreline. After 2 days of (almost!) no rain the numbers of ‘bold’ swimmers returning after the King tide and heavy rains was met with a mixture of anticipation, excitement and reserved resistance to get back into the water.

The water temperature felt significantly cooler than recent weeks with occasional colder patches. There were some large sets at the start but if you timed it well, it was a smooth return back into the swim.

Swimmer spirits, as always, were very high for both start groups and no one regretted the swim once they got back. It’s a great way to start your working day even after the recent rainy events!

 

Some choosing to dip this morning 

 

This Thornleigh trio used to run together and now have the swimming bug!

 

Raring to get in!

 

Springbok swimmer of the decade!

 

Core Crews

 

6:30 returns giving total confidence to the 7am starters:

 

Full disclosure: it was manky swimming through this (pleased to also report it was for a short duration):

 

Made it through and all (blurry) smiles

 

and a majestic Shelly wave!

 

Water Temp: 21.4 (felt colder!)

Swimmers: 42

 

Royal Far West Charity Golf Day – Cromer Golf Club Tuesday 3rd March 2020

Funds raised go towards supporting children in regional areas who have been impacted by the devastating bushfires, as well as those living with the insidious and enduring effects of the drought . Help us direct our services in the most effective way by supporting kids and their carers who are at risk of long-lasting mental health challenges and trauma-related disorders. You can help us strengthen the long-term wellbeing and resilience of these communities by participating in our inaugural Royal Far West Golf Day.

Including 18 holes, breakfast, lunch and donation to Royal Far West – 7am – 3pm

Contact Desiree for more details -  dcreedon@royalfarwest.org.au  or call 1800 961 001

11/02/2020 - The Signs said NO but we said YES!

It was a beautiful swim this morning if you embraced the murky water and enjoyed the ride in the sunshine across Cabbage Tree Bay! The ocean was a balmy  22 degrees, no stingers and although bumpy it was a smoother passage than we've had in the last few days. 

These signs went up just after our swim but they wouldn't have deterred the intrepid and consistent bunch that turned up on this gorgeous Summer morning.

Here are some of the motley crew. Jeremy is over from London for a 2 week visit (in the middle). He is a lovely guy and very interesting to chat to post-swim. He always remarks on what incredible people there are in our swim group. If you aren't sure of everyone's names I'll try and name people in this blog as I did know most people today. Here we have Janet, Roz, Dave, Niek (still 'working up to swimming'), Heather, Sarah (back from Hong Kong), Justus, Jeremy,Peter, Shelley, John, Gunnar, Henrietta and Dorset :-)

I asked Drinky what he thought of the swim as he'd just come in from the 6.30am. He punched the air with a resounding 'awesome!'

Derek and Sarah. She's so happy to be back in the ocean again!

Most swimmers went from the Surf Club today and others went in at halfway or Shelly. There's always options with our swim group...

Jane and Pauline opted for the walk-the-dog/chat/coffee option today!

Georgina, Dave, Gunnar, ?,Andre, Jeremy, Kierin, Inge and ? (please fill in question marks in blog comments!)

Alex is happy to have his swimming mate Ben, from Uni days over swimming with him.

I swam back with Dave and Georgina and enjoyed trying to miss the big sets and not get dumped.

A few photos below of yesterday and Sunday when swim conditions weren't quite so good!

All of these people swam yesterday in the murkiest of waters...Will they get sick? Let's see... I doubt it as most of us who swim every day don't even after rain. Ask Ian and John.

Have a great day everyone. You can still buy tickets for tonight's meal at Bluewater. See below

The Monthly Dinner – 11th February 2020 – Guest Speaker The first B&B monthly dinner for the year will be held on Tuesday 11th February at 6.30 pm at Bluewater Restaurant. Our guest on the night will be Julianna Kadar, who is a PhD student at Macquarie University. She is also a member of the Homeward Bound Program which is working to build and upskill a network of 1,000 women in STEM over ten years. Julianna will talk about her study on the Behaviour of Port Jackson Sharks. Her work involves finding out more about the activity patterns of the Port Jackson shark using bio-loggers. Her study includes both captive and wild experiments and aims to analyse distinct shark behaviour signatures. Her talk will cover variation in behaviour, social networks and migration of our lovable PJ.

Please book early for this event as it is sure to be popular. 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 atwww.boldandbeautifulmanly.com.au/bb-bluewater-monthly-dinner.html .

 

Royal Far West Charity Golf Day – Cromer Golf Club Tuesday 3rd March 2020

Funds raised go towards supporting children in regional areas who have been impacted by the devastating bushfires, as well as those living with the insidious and enduring effects of the drought . Help us direct our services in the most effective way by supporting kids and their carers who are at risk of long-lasting mental health challenges and trauma-related disorders. You can help us strengthen the long-term wellbeing and resilience of these communities by participating in our inaugural Royal Far West Golf Day.

Including 18 holes, breakfast, lunch and donation to Royal Far West – 7am – 3pm

Contact Desiree for more details -  dcreedon@royalfarwest.org.au  or call 1800 961 001

Swimmer of the Month

The Medibank Free+Active swimmer of the month of January is Rob O'Brien, who will receive a $100 Rebel voucher. Congratulations Rob!

signing off

Lainey

Monday 10th February 2020 - Duncan HB, Rubbish & Green.

Happy birthday Duncan.

John said, 21.7 degrees.

 

2 swimmers did Shelly Return 🥁 🥁🥁

You guessed it...

Murray 🏊🏻‍♂️ & Dave🏊🏻‍♂️

I joined the 6:06s booties, 6:15s, 6:30s and many more in the cleanup crew....

Led by Ali & her Pirate - Michele gave the all clear...

Murray included..

7:10am


Sarah’s back in town.

The storm has moved the sand from Queenscliff to...

 
South Steyne.

and the lifeguards had to move the JetSki off the beach ahead of the HIGH tide.

 

Our Norfolk Is pines added green and texture...

——-/—/—————//—
Thought I’d show two shots from the Cole Classic.

Logan Kaye (18yrs,won the 5kms plus came 2nd to Ky Hurst in the 2kms).

Charli Brown (left, 17yrs 1st in 2kms) ahead of Lexi Harrison.

Adriana wasn’t far behind dad Chris Fydler who came 4th in the 2kms.

Have a great week ahead

Simon

BOTB...

 

Royal Far West Charity Golf Day – Cromer Golf Club Tuesday 3rd March 2020

Funds raised go towards supporting children in regional areas who have been impacted by the devastating bushfires, as well as those living with the insidious and enduring effects of the drought . Help us direct our services in the most effective way by supporting kids and their carers who are at risk of long-lasting mental health challenges and trauma-related disorders. You can help us strengthen the long-term wellbeing and resilience of these communities by participating in our inaugural Royal Far West Golf Day.

Including 18 holes, breakfast, lunch and donation to Royal Far West – 7am – 3pm

Contact Desiree for more details -  dcreedon@royalfarwest.org.au  or call 1800 961 001

 

 

Swimmer of the Month

The Medibank Free+Active swimmer of the month of January is Rob O'Brien, who will receive a $100 Rebel voucher. Congratulations Rob!

 

 

 

Sunshine on a Rainy Birthday- Sunday 9th February 2020

Your Sunday Vlog!
Click the YouTube link!

Thanks for watching,

Jac Shell

Royal Far West Charity Golf Day – Cromer Golf Club Tuesday 3rd March 2020

Funds raised go towards supporting children in regional areas who have been impacted by the devastating bushfires, as well as those living with the insidious and enduring effects of the drought . Help us direct our services in the most effective way by supporting kids and their carers who are at risk of long-lasting mental health challenges and trauma-related disorders. You can help us strengthen the long-term wellbeing and resilience of these communities by participating in our inaugural Royal Far West Golf Day.

Including 18 holes, breakfast, lunch and donation to Royal Far West – 7am – 3pm

Contact Desiree for more details -  dcreedon@royalfarwest.org.au  or call 1800 961 001

 

 

Swimmer of the Month

The Medibank Free+Active swimmer of the month of January is Rob O'Brien, who will receive a $100 Rebel voucher. Congratulations Rob!

Saturday 8 February 2020 - Swim before rainy day activity

The news is full of reports of rain and big seas and arriving today we saw they were not wrong. Glad for the rain. And also glad for the different options to swim - South Steyne, Half way and Shelly. Also the pool

 

WA cousins - they know Julie

Adrian and Peter 

Swim in the surf for sure

Swim or jog?

Francais

Ian approaching the pool from the sea side. tricky today

The Monthly Dinner – 11th February 2020 – Guest Speaker The first B&B monthly dinner for the year will be held on Tuesday 11th February at 6.30 pm at Bluewater Restaurant. Our guest on the night will be Julianna Kadar, who is a PhD student at Macquarie University. She is also a member of the Homeward Bound Program which is working to build and upskill a network of 1,000 women in STEM over ten years. Julianna will talk about her study on the Behaviour of Port Jackson Sharks. Her work involves finding out more about the activity patterns of the Port Jackson shark using bio-loggers. Her study includes both captive and wild experiments and aims to analyse distinct shark behaviour signatures. Her talk will cover variation in behaviour, social networks and migration of our lovable PJ.

Please book early for this event as it is sure to be popular. 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 atwww.boldandbeautifulmanly.com.au/bb-bluewater-monthly-dinner.html .

Royal Far West Charity Golf Day – Cromer Golf Club Tuesday 3rd March 2020

Funds raised go towards supporting children in regional areas who have been impacted by the devastating bushfires, as well as those living with the insidious and enduring effects of drought . Help us direct our services in the most effective way by supporting kids and their carers who are at risk of long-lasting mental health challenges and trauma-related disorders. You can help us strengthen the long-term wellbeing and resilience of these communities by participating in our inaugural Royal Far West Golf Day. Includes: 18 holes, breakfast, lunch and donation to Royal Far West. Time: 7am – 3pm

6k and 10k swimmers new date for next swim is 15 February

Temperature 21.1

Some newbies

Friday 7 February 2020 A Hard Rain is going to fall

Big rains today. Very few swimmers. Dangerous seas are coming. Only proper swimmers today. And me

It looked very exciting

I wondered if that person had their hand up for help. I was not able to go in though!

Some proper swimmers sheltering before the start





Some early swimmers who were already dressed, fabulous and ready to go by 7 am

Down the ramp

My view on the walk to Shelly

When I got to Shelly I saw the A team arrive. 

Water temp was nice. Visibility was super murk

Congratulations on the Manly club arranging the Cole Classic. Lots of BB swimmers. I will downlaod photos as soon as I can 

 

The Monthly Dinner – 11th February 2020 – Guest Speaker The first B&B monthly dinner for the year will be held on Tuesday 11th February at 6.30 pm at Bluewater Restaurant. Our guest on the night will be Julianna Kadar, who is a PhD student at Macquarie University. She is also a member of the Homeward Bound Program which is working to build and upskill a network of 1,000 women in STEM over ten years. Julianna will talk about her study on the Behaviour of Port Jackson Sharks. Her work involves finding out more about the activity patterns of the Port Jackson shark using bio-loggers. Her study includes both captive and wild experiments and aims to analyse distinct shark behaviour signatures. Her talk will cover variation in behaviour, social networks and migration of our lovable PJ.

Please book early for this event as it is sure to be popular. 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 atwww.boldandbeautifulmanly.com.au/bb-bluewater-monthly-dinner.html .

Royal Far West Charity Golf Day – Cromer Golf Club Tuesday 3rd March 2020

Funds raised go towards supporting children in regional areas who have been impacted by the devastating bushfires, as well as those living with the insidious and enduring effects of drought . Help us direct our services in the most effective way by supporting kids and their carers who are at risk of long-lasting mental health challenges and trauma-related disorders. You can help us strengthen the long-term wellbeing and resilience of these communities by participating in our inaugural Royal Far West Golf Day. Includes: 18 holes, breakfast, lunch and donation to Royal Far West. Time: 7am – 3pm

6k and 10k swimmers new date for next swim is 15 February

 

What I am reading

I am listening to a podcast about the relocation and rebuilding of Grantham in Qld following the floods. People can be amazing in what they achieve.