Pacific Jules

Monday 10th August 2020 - Sand circle mystery, Big surf - Happy Birthday Anne

BOLD & BEAUTIFUL IS NOT CURRENTLY RUNNING DUE TO THE RISKS OF CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19). IT IS IMPORTANT TO CONTINUE PHYSICAL DISTANCING AND FOLLOW PUBLIC HEALTH ADVICE.

Pretty big surf, 200m beyond the Point.

Heavy winds damaged these surf skis. Joe said “please tie down your ski”.

Mysterious beach circle.

 

Simon’s blessing.

 

Jonny is nearing 1000kms on the pacific challenge.

Drinkless express.

Hot showers.

Cath cooked delicious banana cupcakes.

 

...for Annes birthday - (who also cooked a gourmet cake).

Di also wished Anne a happy birthday with her crunchy cookies.


Danny was later than usual but still hit the waves.

Vince - swimmer of the day, ran up the beach with the A - team.

Some took the walk option.

 

Others took the Shelly option.

Many Wine is in fall anti Covid mode.

Mystery solved

Have a safe and enjoyable week.

Simon

———————————————————

Message from management:

Please remember to continue social distancing and be mindful of not congregating outside MSLC in large groups.

 

Government regulations still require us to keep 1.5m away from each other unless you live in same house,

 

We appreciate that you want to chat to your friends and socialise but we need your help to make sure we comply with these regulations before we are forced to introduce more onerous restrictions.

 

With that in mind we ask that you prespect your fellow swimmers and members of the public in the following manner:

•Please start leaving bags and gear on the beach or step at below the ramp rather than outside MSLC

•Keep at least 1.5m apart before, during and after all swims.

•Arrive, complete your swim and leave.. If you are having coffee or socialising please do so away from the MSLC

•Consider swimming at different times to keep the number of people congregating at MSLC to a minimum.

 

Thanks for your cooperation 

Here we go again....

BOLD & BEAUTIFUL IS NOT CURRENTLY RUNNING DUE TO THE RISKS OF CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19). IT IS IMPORTANT TO CONTINUE PHYSICAL DISTANCING AND FOLLOW PUBLIC HEALTH ADVICE.

 

It's important to also swim at different times to decrease crowds and help maintain social distancing.

 

We have received some complaints about the lack of social distancing and number of people congregating outside MSLC. 

 

Government regulations still require us to keep 1.5m away from each other unless you live in same house,

 

We appreciate that you want to chat to your friends and socialise but we need your help to make sure we comply with these regulations before we are forced to introduce more onerous restrictions.

 

With that in mind we ask that you prespect your fellow swimmers and members of the public in the following manner:

• Please start leaving bags and gear on the beach or step at below the ramp rather than outside MSLC
• Keep at least 1.5m apart before, during and after all swims.
• Arrive, complete your swim and leave.. If you are having coffee or socialising please do so away from the MSLC
• Consider swimming at different times to keep the number of people congregating at MSLC to a minimum.

 

Thanks for your cooperation.

 

So, word has it we're in for another few days of increased swell, winds, surf etc, less ideal swimming conditions. I hope you all got your weekend swims in , just in case you don't want to face what's coming.

I started from Shelly today, things looked ok, despite a cool wind flapping about. I noticed the recent bad weather had actually exposed a pipe sitting below the outside showers. Never noticed it before with more rocks exposed too. Hopefully no more damage to our beaches today and tomorrow, just heavy downpours and beaut surfing to watch.

 

 

Roz found a snorkeling mask while swimming today, leave a comment below if it's yours. Rebecca joined me for a swim and posed wtih Roz here.

 

I didn't see much today cos it was bumpy and a bit murky, but I found a dark PJ shark near the pool

 

 

Then I found a much lighter one, he came out from under a rock.

 

 

Because of the lack of marine life around today, and I really was quite cold, I'll give you some snaps from my mid week swim last week which was stunning.

 

 

A camouflaged flathead

 

Cute fish on the scenic route

 

Lions Mane jelly fish, thanks to Ian Nicols sharp eye

 

 

Swimming sideways

 

 

Today these two border collies walked around to say hi to me, sweet:

 

For today's swim, temperature felt about 15.5-16 degrees, but wind was a factor. 122 people have registered they swum but I only saw dribs and drabs. Keep swimming folks , safely and soundly.

 

 

 

 

Swimmer of the month

 

Thanks to Budgy Smuggler, B&B’s Random Swimmer of the Month for July is: John Ventura

 

John is the lucky recipient of a voucher for a pair of men's Budgy Smugglers

 

Congratulations John and keep on swimming 

 

Look forward to seeing you in your new Budgy Smugglers soon and hoping you will share a photo of yourself in them with both B&B and Budgy Smuggler 🧜‍♂️

 

To be in the running to be Swimmer of the Month all you need to do is log your swims

 

Festival of 500

BOLD & BEAUTIFUL IS NOT CURRENTLY RUNNING DUE TO THE RISKS OF CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19). IT IS IMPORTANT TO CONTINUE PHYSICAL DISTANCING AND FOLLOW PUBLIC HEALTH ADVICE.

We are in for a few wet days but these swimmers made the most of the not rainy early morning, the pink caps a lovely contrast with the grey ocean and sky.

Water had a warm bath like quality compared to the 14 or  so degrees  this past week

Drinks Express and Wows doing a good job of social distancing

Lainey and Freddy enjoying their bubble

Happy Wows

Gifted video blogger Jac Shel hit 500km today - Today is the Festival of Jac

Best cossie

Earlier this week I saw a fan bellied leatherjacket and a cuttlefish. I also saw a few PJs but am yet to line up a shot I'm happy with.

This morning we saw a dead cuttlefish that had morphed into Bream Brekkie. Sad, but circle of life, ya know. Hopefully it managed to make lots of babies this season.

A few weeks ago I went to Lady Elliot Island with Cheryl and her daughter, and Cath and her lovely family. I've been wanting to go for a while and it did not disappoint. Open ocean on one side (manta rays, reef sharks, tropical fish, whales, dolphins, turtles, coral) and a stunning shallow lagoon on the other (turtles, reef sharks, octopus, tropical fish, coral) on the other. Endless dive, snorkel, swim and photography opportunity. I'll be back for sure.

Here are 2 of my photos from the trip. It was so good to see so many healthy looking turtles. Check through my insta for more if interested (annehenshaw)

2 courting occys

This morning Pauline, Ian and Anne were selling badges and silicone caps. Thank you folks

Message from management:

Please remember to continue social distancing and be mindful of not congregating outside MSLC in large groups.

 

Government regulations still require us to keep 1.5m away from each other unless you live in same house,

 

We appreciate that you want to chat to your friends and socialise but we need your help to make sure we comply with these regulations before we are forced to introduce more onerous restrictions.

 

With that in mind we ask that you prespect your fellow swimmers and members of the public in the following manner:

• Please start leaving bags and gear on the beach or step at below the ramp rather than outside MSLC
• Keep at least 1.5m apart before, during and after all swims.
• Arrive, complete your swim and leave.. If you are having coffee or socialising please do so away from the MSLC
• Consider swimming at different times to keep the number of people congregating at MSLC to a minimum.

 

Thanks for your cooperation.

 

What am I listening to? This beautiful offering of a famous song Ewan MacColl wrote in 1957 for his wife Peggy Seeger popped up on my feed this week. Enjoy.

 

Friday 7 August 2020 Different outlooks

 

BOLD & BEAUTIFUL IS NOT CURRENTLY RUNNING DUE TO THE RISKS OF CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19). IT IS IMPORTANT TO CONTINUE PHYSICAL DISTANCING AND FOLLOW PUBLIC HEALTH ADVICE.

 

You can learn a lot of different ways to look at things when you swim year round. If like me you are a natural glass half-empty type you can see things differently - if it is cloudy like today, you can nonetheless think of the calm surface. When it is a crashing huge surf you can learn to wait for the conditions to change as they invariably will. If you cannot see a turtle, you might nonetheless see a huge ray or a port Jackson shark or two. When the temperature is cold you might complain or you might wear a wet suit and swim anyway. 

 

An end of swim smile

Capturing the environment today

Appropriately distanced, in accordance with the Public Health Orders

Looking great as always (fins on well before the water; a big achievement)

gorgeous swimmer in gorgeous swimmers

Julien

Getting ready routine

Hot water bottle for the cold toes. Positive solution

Moon and Juliette

Limbering up

 

Ian confirmed the temp was 15.7. But what is it over the other side of the Shelly line - 14.7 . Why is it often colder there? Is it a spring of cold water? is it because it is stiller? Is it because it is in the shade? All I know is that without looking out for Shelly you know when you are crossing the Shelly line

Head down for swimming unless a blogger is in your way then head up and look out

Paul

Bringing the best attitude:

Happy birthday David!!

    

Restoring warmth - hugging is best

This is the best way to see me

Congratulations Christine on 500km

I think I must have finally said something funny

A delightful and skilled swim group 

When you find the goggles that suit - Vorgee here. I have found Roka suits me well

I saw these divers swimming across the bottom searching for the meaning of life. Perhaps. I asked them what they had found and they told me to go the bower where there were so many Port Jacksons I "would trip over them"

 

I did not see a PJ but I saw this fish. I followed it around and then I realised it was swimming in a circle and so was I. Hilarious. Who says fish don't have a sense of humour

Swimmer of the month for August: 

 

Thanks to Budgy Smuggler, B&B’s Random Swimmer of the Month for July is: John Ventura

 

John is the lucky recipient of a voucher for a pair of men's Budgy Smugglers. Congratulations John and keep on swimming. 

 

Look forward to seeing you in your new Budgy Smugglers soon and hoping you will share a photo of yourself in them with both B&B and Budgy Smuggler 🧜‍♂️

 

To be in the running to be Swimmer of the Month all you need to do is log your swim

 

 

Caps and Badges 

On Saturday 8th August, your B&B volunteer helpers will be at the benches (100 m north of the surf club, weather permitting) from 8-30 am until 9 am with the following items:

• summer badges (triple, 6 km, 10 km), distance badges (500 km, 1000 km, 2000 km) and last year's winter badges - $10 each (cash only please bring the correct money) - NOTE - this year's Covid badges will not be available until next month - watch this space
• silicone swimming caps ready for winter - $15 each  (cash only please bring the correct money)
• latex caps (free) if you have broken/lost yours or have friends/family who have just started swimming
• sign-up sheet for anyone who wants to sign up and start logging their swims

  Message from management:

  Please remember to continue social distancing and be mindful of not congregating outside MSLC in large groups.
   
  Government regulations still require us to keep 1.5m away from each other unless you live in same house,
   
  We appreciate that you want to chat to your friends and socialise but we need your help to make sure we comply with these regulations before we are forced to introduce more onerous restrictions.
   
  With that in mind we ask that you prespect your fellow swimmers and members of the public in the following manner:
  • Please start leaving bags and gear on the beach or step at below the ramp rather than outside MSLC
  • Keep at least 1.5m apart before, during and after all swims.
  • Arrive, complete your swim and leave.. If you are having coffee or socialising please do so away from the MSLC
  • Consider swimming at different times to keep the number of people congregating at MSLC to a minimum.
   
  Thanks for your cooperation.
   
  Wattle Time
• I have been reading Yrsa Sigurdardottir's The Undesired (outside her Childrens House series) and it is undesirable to me because it has supernatural elements which I find unappealing

5-08-20: Temperatures very low but spirits high

BOLD & BEAUTIFUL IS NOT CURRENTLY RUNNING DUE TO THE RISKS OF CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19). IT IS IMPORTANT TO CONTINUE PHYSICAL DISTANCING AND FOLLOW PUBLIC HEALTH ADVICE.

 

 

This is what you call an "S-D-B Arch". Social-Distancing-Birthday Arch. It's Dave's birthday today and he started the day with a swim in this winter's coldest water and air temp so far! 🥶Happy Birthday Dave! I bet you knew you were alive after that invigorating swim! 😳😁

 

At least he fuelled up first with some of Lainey's delicious birthday seedy nutty slice!

 

 

14.7- so far the coldest water temp recorded this winter! Last year it got as low as 14.2 I think, so this is still balmy in comparison so we really shouldn't complain.

 

 

 

July Swimmer of the Month: The fabulous and fabulously lucky Anne Henshaw, is modelling her new Budgy Smuggler 'Swimmer of the Month' swimwear! Anne chose the Indigenous design costume and also purchased a Budgy Smuggler mask made out of their swimwear designs! Huge shoutout to Budgy Smuggler for offering these monthly vouchers. Keep scrolling to find out who Swimmer of the Month for August is! 

 

 

 

It was all smiles from Gemma and Jo ....until someone told them the temperature! But that didn't dissuade them and off they went. Mind you - I didn't see them come back so hopefully they are not still out there bobbing around like icicles!

 

Warming a little in the sun before braving the cold water!

 

 

 

Drinks Express coming out of the water and then all rugged up. Where would we be without sun and warming beverages? Shivering at our desks or under the doona I guess! Some swimmers say it takes them a whole day to warm up!

 

These guys remarked that they were in the blog yesterday! If you are in again tomorrow guys then third time lucky! 

 

 

This is a covid birthday air kiss for Dave for his bday!

 

Sue jumping on her imaginary scooter and revving it up so she can skedaddle out of the cold!

 

 

Regardless of how cold it might be in and out of the water, the view is always magical!

Speaking of magical, Jane always wears the most magical attire. Check out her socks, which have been carefully partnered with a royal blue body towel thingamy and a beaut pair of grey uggs!

 

 

Here's her top half snuggled up to master body warmer, Napoleon, with the lovely Monica shivering beside!

 

Merrillee, Napoleon's owner is renting him out over winter-$5 for 5 min warm up cuddle.

Chewing the fat!

 

And last but not least, my favourite photo of the day: Anne all in pink with her brand new mask, soaking in her last rays before heading to work. I think we might find that this is a permanent fixture on her face now. She loves it!

 

Stay safe, stay warm and stay cool (if that's possible all at the same time!)

 

 

Swimmer of the month for August: 

 

Thanks to Budgy Smuggler, B&B’s Random Swimmer of the Month for July is: John Ventura

 

John is the lucky recipient of a voucher for a pair of men's Budgy Smugglers. Congratulations John and keep on swimming. 

 

Look forward to seeing you in your new Budgy Smugglers soon and hoping you will share a photo of yourself in them with both B&B and Budgy Smuggler 🧜‍♂️

 

To be in the running to be Swimmer of the Month all you need to do is log your swim

 

 

Caps and Badges 

On Saturday 8th August, your B&B volunteer helpers will be at the benches (100 m north of the surf club, weather permitting) from 8-30 am until 9 am with the following items:

• summer badges (triple, 6 km, 10 km), distance badges (500 km, 1000 km, 2000 km) and last year's winter badges - $10 each (cash only please bring the correct money) - NOTE - this year's Covid badges will not be available until next month - watch this space
• silicone swimming caps ready for winter - $15 each  (cash only please bring the correct money)
• latex caps (free) if you have broken/lost yours or have friends/family who have just started swimming
• sign-up sheet for anyone who wants to sign up and start logging their swims

  Message from management:

  Please remember to continue social distancing and be mindful of not congregating outside MSLC in large groups.
   
  Government regulations still require us to keep 1.5m away from each other unless you live in same house,
   
  We appreciate that you want to chat to your friends and socialise but we need your help to make sure we comply with these regulations before we are forced to introduce more onerous restrictions.
   
  With that in mind we ask that you prespect your fellow swimmers and members of the public in the following manner:
  • Please start leaving bags and gear on the beach or step at below the ramp rather than outside MSLC
  • Keep at least 1.5m apart before, during and after all swims.
  • Arrive, complete your swim and leave.. If you are having coffee or socialising please do so away from the MSLC
  • Consider swimming at different times to keep the number of people congregating at MSLC to a minimum.
   
  Thanks for your cooperation.
   

 

4/07/2020 - Swimming with PJs (Sharks not Pyjamas!)

A couple of PJs, Port Jackson Sharks swimming over the rocks at The Bower! These harmless sharks appear when the water hits 17 degrees. Well it was 15.8 again today...a stunning, sunshiney morning with sunrise at 6.43am!

BOLD & BEAUTIFUL IS NOT CURRENTLY RUNNING DUE TO THE RISKS OF CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19). IT IS IMPORTANT TO CONTINUE PHYSICAL DISTANCING AND FOLLOW PUBLIC HEALTH ADVICE. 

There were a few waves and a rip coming in but the majority of swimmers went in from the Surf Club today.

These are some Drinks Expressers coming in from their 6.30am swim with Drinks himself in the foreground.

A bit brighter from this angle. Capless Dave and Matty Rambo...

Kate from St Petersburgh has a few different names, Kat, Kate, Ekaterina. She thought she'd adopt the sunk in the sand pose today!

Sooze says 'Hi'!

This gutsy lady Helsy, is definitely bold as well as beautiful. She battled big surf with her arm in a cast and a little kickboard but now has her cast off. Yay!

John F and Tony. John swims every single day whatever the weather before heading to his office (Forsters Solicitors recommended btw). He's number 3 or 4 on the Pacific Challenge :-)

Lisa and Rosie bring some newbies along today, James and Jacqui. They loved it!

Helsy's friends Tamara and Chrissy from Northern Beaches Hospital love it too and are becoming regulars.

This is Jo from Roseville. She loves seeing the marine life as she crosses the bay and was lucky enough (depends how you look at it!) to witness a battle between a Cuttlefish and a Groper recently. The Cuttlefish didn't fare so well this time and lost his eyes during the attack! Jo let me in on a secret. (I've checked and it's ok to tell you ;-)... After her swims she goes to her car and draws the creatures and amazing things she has seen. I've seen her drawings and they're beautiful and such an amazing visual recording of her swims! So many inspirational people in our group!

Richard, Brian and Michael exiting their water after their 7.40am swim. Thanks for staggering your swims guys!

My favourite part of the bay at the moment is The Bower as there are lots of PJS! I saw 5 yesterday!

This Herring Kale is blending in well with the seaweed.

It's a lot clearer at The Bower too. This might be Gary, not sure...

Post swim coffee and banter with Peter, Nicole, Richard, Janet and Greg

Have a great day folks!

 

 

Don’t worry about a thing! Sunday 2nd August 2020

Every little thing, is gonna be alright! 

 

BOLD & BEAUTIFUL IS NOT CURRENTLY RUNNING DUE TO THE RISKS OF CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19). IT IS IMPORTANT TO CONTINUE PHYSICAL DISTANCING AND FOLLOW PUBLIC HEALTH ADVICE. 

Attached is the Sunday Vlog

Stay safe everyone xx

Jac Shell

 

A pinch and a punch.....

BOLD & BEAUTIFUL IS NOT CURRENTLY RUNNING DUE TO THE RISKS OF CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19). IT IS IMPORTANT TO CONTINUE PHYSICAL DISTANCING AND FOLLOW PUBLIC HEALTH ADVICE. 

Thank you for swimming at different times of the day and
please, please continue to maintain 1.5m distance - even in blog photos!

Welcome to August, only four more weeks until the end of winter. It was a pearler of a sunrise today, and as some surfers went in early, I could see some rocks exposed on the beach after recent surf,swell and winds from last weekend.

I got the report from some earlier swimmers it was cold but fine in the water, I could see some surf that could be challenging and honestly thought today I was going to have very pleasant conditions. The forecast was wrong I think.

The boys trying to warm up as I headed towards the water:

Heather was getting ready to head in too, with George keen to photobomb and why not :) 

Note the beautiful blue sky behind everyone? I can't say I felt it once I was in the water. But I'm enjoying the challenge of swimming in cooler water, a bit more pleasant once the suns up. I saw nothing until the end of the swim, some fish, but not alot. Then as I returned to the point I saw the fever of cow nose rays, only just, and followed briefly and dived down to try and get a picture. Here's what I got.

Here's Chris Noone's pic from last weekend that Greg Cole edited , when not zoomed and possibly clearer..

They are always fascinating either way, slowly and gracefully making their way around the bay.

My finishing photo as I landed at Manly, managed to avoid the smashing waves and not get dumped, phew!

Breakfast with these lovely people at Hakans, all trying to warm up with hot food and hot drinks.

Woody!

And here's an unusual but beautiful flower:

https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/swimming-the-sisters-of-mercy-and-the-search-for-meaning/id94688506?i=1000485914341

I listened to the above podcast, it's a link from Conversations with Richard Fidler, about a swimmer and her life. 

Message from management:

We have received some complaints about the lack of social distancing and number of people congregating outside MSLC.

 

Government regulations still require us to keep 1.5m away from each other unless you live in same house,

 

We appreciate that you want to chat to your friends and socialise but we need your help to make sure we comply with these regulations before we are forced to introduce more onerous restrictions.

 

With that in mind we ask that you prespect your fellow swimmers and members of the public in the following manner:

• Please start leaving bags and gear on the beach or step at below the ramp rather than outside MSLC
• Keep at least 1.5m apart before, during and after all swims.
• Arrive, complete your swim and leave.. If you are having coffee or socialising please do so away from the MSLC
• Consider swimming at different times to keep the number of people congregating at MSLC to a minimum.

 

Thanks for your cooperation.

 

To qualify for your Covid Winter Challenge Badge you need to swim 20 times across 7 different weeks of winter, between 1st June - 31st August.
If you are swimming at Manly, any time of the day, please continue to log your swim as Manly - Shelly Swim, this swim will not only count towards your Covid Winter Challenge Badge, it will also continue to count towards the Pacific Challenge.

If you are swimming in any other location, anywhere in the world, please tick your swim as 'Covid Swim', this will give you a special 19m on the Pacific Challenge and will count towards your Covid Winter Challenge.
Log your 20 (or more) swims without a wetsuit and you will be eligible for the special 2020 ICC (Ice Cold Corona) badge.

YOU MUST LOG YOUR SWIMS IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE YOUR COVID BADGE(S)

 

NEW B&B MENS AND LADIES BATHERS ONLINE & IN BUDGY SMUGGLER STORE Complement your B&B merchandise range with these hot of the press, brand new B&B Budgy Smuggler Bathers designed by one of our own swimmers, Georgina Hart. They are totally gorgeous and we're confident you will LOVE them!!!

 

NEW B&B BATHERS - ORDER HERE

 

Friday 31 July 2020 Unobtainium on earth

BOLD & BEAUTIFUL IS NOT CURRENTLY RUNNING DUE TO THE RISKS OF CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19). IT IS IMPORTANT TO CONTINUE PHYSICAL DISTANCING AND FOLLOW PUBLIC HEALTH ADVICE. 

Thank you for swimming at different times of the day and
please, please continue to maintain 1.5m distance - even in blog photos!

 

You don't need to travel to Pandora to find unobtainum and blue people. Today's temperature of 15.5 or 15.8 was pretty fresh and lots of people exiting the swim could have acted in the film Avatar without makeup. But without exception, they were all smiling because a swim is like finding unobtainium - a great start to the day. 

welcome back Shaun [and Laveena]. Here with Greg

Farewell Dr John. Again. Who can forget his swim from Manly to Bondi for Bear Cottage. I still cannot believe that there is not TV coverage of this and the other huge swims that ocean swimmers (who also swim in BB) do. Impressive

Triathlete tree

Celebrating 20 winter swims. The badge is in the bag

Danny and crew swam to Queenscliff and back plus extra. They are great ocean swimmers

Happy birthday Sam

Another Birthday:

Happy birthday Sam. I sang for her which she must treasure from her recollection because it was not a recorded performance

Lovely groper - I thought it was clearer toward Shelly

 

 

 

What I have been reading

Ordeal by Jorn Lier Horst. pretty good - a Wisting story

Thursday, 30 July 2020 - Life Down Under (deep) - Plankton

BOLD & BEAUTIFUL IS NOT CURRENTLY RUNNING DUE TO THE RISKS OF CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19). IT IS IMPORTANT TO CONTINUE PHYSICAL DISTANCING AND FOLLOW PUBLIC HEALTH ADVICE. 

Thank you for swimming at different times of the day and
please, please continue to maintain 1.5m distance - even in blog photos!

SSDD = Same Sea, Delicious Diet

Water temp:  16.6

Noctiluca scintillans are also called sea sparkle.
They make beautiful blue bioluminesence. 

Hope you have some sparkle in your day!