Pacific Jules

Sunday 24 October: Delicious

As I exited the water one day last week, someone asked me: "Was it delicious?"  What a great expression, and very apt.  Today was, indeed, delicious.

The temperature is heading in the right direction (thanks Guy), and it's starting to feel like summer:

Talking of delicious, the Ladies of the Towels were a feast for the eyes:

Belinda, Fi, Lisa, Carolyn, Fi and Amanda.

Clare and Hels provided a touch of glamour:

Derek has been away for months, travelling around Australia.  Sheena welcomed him back in that special B&B way:

Ted, Freddie, Sheena, Derek and Donald:

Freddie guarding Jo's coffee cup collection:

Peter, Annie, Penny and Roz:

Janet was ecstatic after her swim:

Janet gave John a little body heat as he headed in:

 

 

Near the Port Jackson hideout I met Robyn and Anita:

They've been swimming since January (not continuously!), and get out for a swim whenever their busy teaching schedules permit.  We checked the hideout but the PJs weren't at home (well, Warringah Mall is open again).

The crowds are back at Shelly:

Petra and Stuart were enjoying their day out:

(Ian - Stuart is looking for a replacement B&B cap!)

A few divers out today:

In the shallows, a swimmer called me over to look at this:

Catfish?

Back at the club it was changeover time.  Janet and Gunnar were finishing up their coffees while Dave and Kirsty got ready to go in:

 

Yep, it was a delicious day.

Happy Sunday, everyone!

 

ANNOUNCEMENT

Winter Badge Collection 2021

The Winter badges are finally on their way! Congratulations to all those who completed their Covid-19 winter swimming challenge. As more than 500 swimmers qualified, the badge distribution this year will initially be via snail mail to maintain a Covid-safe environment for our volunteers. Unfortunately, only virtual handshakes and hugs from Ian, John, Anne and Pauline and contact-less distribution.
There are two ways you can obtain your badge(s)

• Method 1. Inside a self-addressed, stamped envelope place cash for your badge/s - $10 per badge for the Winter Badge (if you completed 20 swims over winter) and an extra $10 for the WWW Badge if you did those swims without a wetsuit. Family members/friends sharing an envelope must clearly name each swimmer and badge achieved. Please check postage rates and size of envelope required for multiple badges. Post this envelope in another envelope to Ian Forster, 6 Bligh St, Northbridge. 2063.  
• Method 2. Wait until Covid restrictions on gathering are relaxed. We will then arrange a time for you to collect your badges from us in person. No promises when this will be but it may be when the vaccination rate reaches 80%.

Badges will be posted as soon as they arrive. If you have any other badges that you are missing and wish to purchase, please include cash for those as well.

Saturday squid games 23 October 2021

 

 

Wake up, it's a brand new morning. Time to greet the sun as Manly starts to awaken to a sense of normality. The restaurants and coffee shops are opening, the carnivals are beginning, the nippers are out. I even heard a tapdancing class on my way home after my swim.

It is wonderful knowing that the sound of crashing surf is now accompanied the chorus of life as people go about normal weekend activities as the beach as Manly comes alive again. What a beautiful noise!

Above: Sam and Issy on their first every Bold and Beautiful swim. Welcome.

Above: The BBB contingent.

Above: Rusty and Amanda of the 6.30 group.

Above:  Caroline captured the spectacular 6.04am sunrise.

Above: Sean did the swim, coffee and dash to work.

Air temperature 17C (at 6.30am)

Water temperature 19.2C (at 6.30am)

No of swimmers at various times: 123 by 1pm

Visibility: Murky

Squid count: 0

Above: Ready to take anything on. Angela and Kate are happy with the perfect conditions and that a Bold and Beautiful swim does not have a Squid Games ending.

Above: Chippo planking encouraged by TFS, Stealthy, Rusty and Mel.

Above: The usual suspects heading north.

Above: A and I escaping from their kids for their weekly swim.

Above: Welcome back to Manly, Peter, who had been swimming at Balmoral during the lockdown.

Also Team, tomorrow young Errol has a birthday. You are all invited to come and celebrate by either wearing your swimmers inside out for tomorrow's swim, or just don the undies for your circuit! Happy Birthday Errol!

Rusty's Pitch Report

Sarge swinging arms under the glorious 19.2 chalk wall, talking exiles, pizza dough and the vibe returning to Manly. TFS shivers without his wetsuit getting in (in my head I think weak), winter without a wetsuit, brown fat warmth, am I going to need a bottle of cold water over my head at the end of the swim? Chippo finds a tick in his hair. Push off to the point, it's getting warmer (I look suspiciously at Chippo). No turtle. No squid. No drop off at temp at Shelley. I can see the bottom all the way. Push out to the wall, and catch a brown blur of a PJ shoot under me. Stealthy stops mid bay far out to sea, and we contemplate our lucky life. A small wave or 2 in. The wall is busy, coffee, friends and laughter, life is good.

Thank you to Rusty and Caroline for their contributions.

You all have a good one and watch out for the red light!

Oosty

 

ANNOUNCEMENT

Winter Badge Collection 2021

The Winter badges are finally on their way! Congratulations to all those who completed their Covid-19 winter swimming challenge. As more than 500 swimmers qualified, the badge distribution this year will initially be via snail mail to maintain a Covid-safe environment for our volunteers. Unfortunately, only virtual handshakes and hugs from Ian, John, Anne and Pauline and contact-less distribution.
There are two ways you can obtain your badge(s)

• Method 1. Inside a self-addressed, stamped envelope place cash for your badge/s - $10 per badge for the Winter Badge (if you completed 20 swims over winter) and an extra $10 for the WWW Badge if you did those swims without a wetsuit. Family members/friends sharing an envelope must clearly name each swimmer and badge achieved. Please check postage rates and size of envelope required for multiple badges. Post this envelope in another envelope to Ian Forster, 6 Bligh St, Northbridge. 2063.  
• Method 2. Wait until Covid restrictions on gathering are relaxed. We will then arrange a time for you to collect your badges from us in person. No promises when this will be but it may be when the vaccination rate reaches 80%.

Badges will be posted as soon as they arrive. If you have any other badges that you are missing and wish to purchase, please include cash for those as well.

 

Friday 22 October 2021 Manly: lap/yap/snap

Manly was a delight today. Again. Like very day. People coming along to do their own thing - swimming laps of Cabbage Tree Bay, talking/yapping with the excellent people that swimmers are and snapping photos of the sea life and water. Today I took photos of people yapping and lapping. For superb photos of turtles, underwater forms of all kinds, see yesterday's exceptional blog by Alana Abercrombie. You will be glad you did.

Megan and Marianne at the point. It was so exciting to get the shot that I forgot to worry about the waves. Sounds like a future plan for me

My people of the steps where I sit and contemplate before swimming. They just leave their gear there. Today, appearing in front of the sage advice of Guy relating to the temperature. 

jazz hands helps the wetsuit going on

Kim and Liz - super swimmers. So nice to see them this morning

Anita and Elaine. Sweaty from a big run but gorgeous

The traithletes

Alistair had a haircut. I am looking forward to mine

More at the point

Going back in

Sets of gentle waves 

Some mermaids I came across

 

Winter Badge Collection 2021

The Winter badges are finally on their way! Congratulations to all those who completed their Covid-19 winter swimming challenge. As more than 500 swimmers qualified, the badge distribution this year will initially be via snail mail to maintain a Covid-safe environment for our volunteers. Unfortunately, only virtual handshakes and hugs from Ian, John, Anne and Pauline and contact-less distribution.
There are two ways you can obtain your badge(s)

• Method 1. Inside a self-addressed, stamped envelope place cash for your badge/s - $10 per badge for the Winter Badge (if you completed 20 swims over winter) and an extra $10 for the WWW Badge if you did those swims without a wetsuit. Family members/friends sharing an envelope must clearly name each swimmer and badge achieved. Please check postage rates and size of envelope required for multiple badges. Post this envelope in another envelope to Ian Forster, 6 Bligh St, Northbridge. 2063.  
• Method 2. Wait until Covid restrictions on gathering are relaxed. We will then arrange a time for you to collect your badges from us in person. No promises when this will be but it may be when the vaccination rate reaches 80%.

Badges will be posted as soon as they arrive. If you have any other badges that you are missing and wish to purchase, please include cash for those as well.

 

Thursday Rocks

As I walked to Manly for my swim this morning I noticed the big rock in the sky glowing and looking beautiful.

I arrived at Manly greeted with calm seas and a pleasant temperature reading.

We didn't see many fish on our swim, but we talked about the different rocks that we see or 'name' while swimming.  Below are a few of my favorites. What are yours?

Giant's foot rock. Anne models comparing her foot. Can you see the toes, arch and heal?

Then there is PJ Cave, I've seen up to 6 in there, how many have you seen?

Last summer I visited the below rock almost everyday to see the Octopus, you can just see the orange of the tentacles in this photo.

I think the shadow on this Rock looks like an ANZAC solider.

This heart rock and heart reef can be found off the point on a clear day.

We did see these baby cuttlefish or squid (we weren't sure which they were) today.  I see them most days swimming close to shore near Shelly.

I was also lucky to see Billy last weekend. It's always a treat to see a turtle.

I hope your swim was great, let me know what your land mark or favourite rocks are!

Alana

Winter Badge Collection 2021

The Winter badges are finally on their way! Congratulations to all those who completed their Covid-19 winter swimming challenge. As more than 500 swimmers qualified, the badge distribution this year will initially be via snail mail to maintain a Covid-safe environment for our volunteers. Unfortunately, only virtual handshakes and hugs from Ian, John, Anne and Pauline and contact-less distribution.
There are two ways you can obtain your badge(s)

• Method 1. Inside a self-addressed, stamped envelope place cash for your badge/s - $10 per badge for the Winter Badge (if you completed 20 swims over winter) and an extra $10 for the WWW Badge if you did those swims without a wetsuit. Family members/friends sharing an envelope must clearly name each swimmer and badge achieved. Please check postage rates and size of envelope required for multiple badges. Post this envelope in another envelope to Ian Forster, 6 Bligh St, Northbridge. 2063.  
• Method 2. Wait until Covid restrictions on gathering are relaxed. We will then arrange a time for you to collect your badges from us in person. No promises when this will be but it may be when the vaccination rate reaches 80%.

Badges will be posted as soon as they arrive. If you have any other badges that you are missing and wish to purchase, please include cash for those as well.

Wednesday 20th October - Wanderlust wednesday - Adventures await!

Wednesday 20th October - wanderlust wednesday!   Today was surprisingly full of adventurous tales - perhaps not surprising actually as overseas and interstate travel are fast moving from a dream to a reality!     There is nothing like feeling the crisp salty spray (pictured) from the ocean to whet your appetite for adventures..... 

Water temp: 17.1 (pretty much same out of the water!)

Conditions: Pancake flat, Vis "OK", bit of weed around (the sea kind, that is)

Vibe: generally happy that the sun was shining, the water inviting and smiles all around

creatures: one jimble reported, rays, groupers & aPJs (not mating)

Initially I wasnt sure if I had my blogging day wrong - so i had to make a call to find out ... (and yes, it was my blogging day)

Kenny, Roger, Patrick and Simon are very adventurous and due to the near perfect conditions, swam at 5:30 & 6am - they frequently say "Hi "to the boat that checks the shark nets!   Patrick is one of our "Bronze medallion" class and took the opportunity of flat water & small waves to practice on the rescue board with Kenny.  Last weekend was the first time some of us had even seen rescue boards - after 2 mornings of varying adventures above, in and below the water, we were all sporting "badges" in the form of cuts, abrasions & soreness so a LOT of practice was recommended so we can all be useful patrolling members!    We saw 2 dolphins yesteday as we finished our "dry land" resucitation training - despite Patricks requests, the dolphins did not return this morning... 

From yesterday evening - 2 dolphins adventuring very close to shore for an evening meal! 

Tatiana loved her swim - her adventures took her on the scenic route and she saw a Ray and loads of fish

Welcome back Mel and Clementine ! returned from lockdown adventures away from Manly and very happy to be swimming again!   

Greg, Peter and Peter (sans wetsuit) have been swimming for years, and in Greg (self described "shivering person" and Peters case proudly WITH wetsuits all winter and until the water warms up.  They are always respectful of the water but they love the adventure - each day they sensibly take note of the "dangerous current" sign, observing the conditions before adventuring in for their swim.  Peter (sans wetsuit) saw a single jimble on his swim and stayed well clear - jimble kisses are not a pleasant adventure. 

Marnie and Lara are regulars to the swim and love adventuring around the bay and other longer distance swim adventures around Australia and the world in exotic acquatic playgrounds.  Lara also makes the "LOLL" towel robes which quite a few people wear (they are very practical - i have 2 of them!) and raises lots of money for cancer charities including Can-Too.  

Speaking of longer distance swim adventures - Karen and Pierre are part of the community.  Karen regularly swims double and triple Manly - Shelly and hopes to complete some distance swimming events this summer.  Pierre started his distance swimming journey with a 2km swim that became a 5km swim that became a 10km Bondi to watsons Bay swim (solo) & Rottnest island swim (solo) & in June 2019 became the English Channel (solo & the first crossing of that season) and in August 2019 the Northern Island to Scotland Channel swim (solo) - the last two in 13 degree water!!!      He has his own Youtube channel (worth a look!) and we are eagerly awaiting his next swim adventures!   Fun fact - he practiced cold water immersion using a chest freezer (as an ice bath) in his back yard! That is a great example of the preparation that is required to swim the channels!! 

Popcorn eagerly awaited her coffee - that in itself is an adventure for her...

Chance wasnt sure where his coffee adventures would come from today - his human on the beach side or me on the promenade side?

Have a wonderful wanderlust wednesday everyone - breathe in the salty air, infuse vitamin sea, stay safe, stay sane, stay kind and stay positive as we "open up" and navigate the road to what will be our "new normal".

take care,

Jocelyn

Winter Badge Collection 2021 - a reminder!  

The Winter badges are finally on their way! Congratulations to all those who completed their Covid-19 winter swimming challenge. As more than 500 swimmers qualified, the badge distribution this year will initially be via snail mail to maintain a Covid-safe environment for our volunteers. Unfortunately, only virtual handshakes and hugs from Ian, John, Anne and Pauline and contact-less distribution.
There are two ways you can obtain your badge(s)

• Method 1. Inside a self-addressed, stamped envelope place cash for your badge/s - $10 per badge for the Winter Badge (if you completed 20 swims over winter) and an extra $10 for the WWW Badge if you did those swims without a wetsuit. Family members/friends sharing an envelope must clearly name each swimmer and badge achieved. Please check postage rates and size of envelope required for multiple badges. Post this envelope in another envelope to Ian Forster, 6 Bligh St, Northbridge. 2063.  
• Method 2. Wait until Covid restrictions on gathering are relaxed. We will then arrange a time for you to collect your badges from us in person. No promises when this will be but it may be when the vaccination rate reaches 80%.

Badges will be posted as soon as they arrive. If you have any other badges that you are missing and wish to purchase, please include cash for those as well.

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tuesday 19/10/2021 - Murky but Magic!

It may have been poor visibility below the water today but above it was all smiles! A lot of the Wows were back together this morning and look at the joy on their faces as they congregate at the point!

A beautiful morning in our favourite spot! Air temp was 15 degrees and there wasn't any wind.

The water temp was 17.9. Peter and Sheena head out for 'a triangle swim'.

Little Sarah reported swimming with dolphins. Our water temp recorder, Guy on the left.

Peta arrives by bike

The bay was quite flat but there were a few waves as we went in...

Fiona even looks glamorous in a pink cap!

...until she gets smashed!

Alex, Ro and Lisa after getting through the waves!

Back on shore,it's great to have Ian back. Pauline was at Shelly so I missed her today

Michelle and baby 'Arnie' were up bright and early too.

Dave got to swim with daughter Imogen on her 15th birthday. Happy Birthday Imi!

 

Suzie gets her 'dog fix' post swim.

These girls loved their swim despite the seaweed and murkiness.Sophia, Louisa and Emily

Lots of lucky people have seen a large, healthy looking turtle in the bay recently. Kate saw it today. She tried to get Penny's attention but she was looking at a Wobbie. And all I saw was a Bream! :-(

Megan and Val

Champ, Roz and Annie

Matthew Smeale is a Humanitarian Photo journalist and has created some life changing work in Bangladesh and African countries. Another amazing human we swim with...

A few photos of marine life at the weekend as I didn't see anything today, Eagle Ray, PJ, Groper and Old Wife

 

Have a great day folks!

Lainey xx

 

 

Monday 18th October 2021 - Cold & Bumpy, Welcome back Derek.

Elsa Fran - a little frozen@17.2 degrees.

Sarge & Jim.

Great hair Ryan & Hannah.

Love the orange toe nails Jody.


Barry & Husky

 

October bootie birthday girls.

Sam & Jody.

6:30 speedsters swam to Shelly  & the pipe.

Welcome back Derek.


Tony still has his Lockdown hair.

Stay safe & enjoy….  

Simon (my first patrol of the season yesterday).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here comes the sun

Such a welcome sight after a rough and rainy week, we deserve it, right? And after yesterday's rough swell, today was calm by comparison.

The Wows are finally free to catch up and look how happy they are!

David and Izzy colour coordinated

Yes it was a bit chilly in

Happy splashes heading in

Sheena saw a turtle near the shed, it was THIS BIG

But this is the only turtle I saw

Put your hands in the air.....

I did see a wobbegong (thanks to fifinotareadhead for pointing it out) and a catfish today

Bond, John Bond

Gemma and Clare 

Rainer and Mary

Gunnar celebrating his 200km - congrats, sir

What am I listening to? This is a rarely performed Leonard Cohen song, here with his impeccable touring band. They performed it a few times during the tours that went from 2008 to 2013 

Enjoy the rest of your weekend, stay safe!

Anne

 

Worlds Colliding...Never Tear Us Apart

The Exiles are back this week. But where did everyone else go? Was expecting ANZAC Day level crowds, and the beach was … empty. Back to the gym, back to work, or just some wet wintry weather? I think the wetter the better. The Masters of the Universe and other exiled groups returned, with long hair like they just don’t care, Mexican style bandito moustaches, pot guts, and a couple of Kardashian style extra features (did someone say butt implants?). I like to stay current and go with the flow. Seas the day, you know.

Sarah & Jon post stretch

The Governor surveys the scene & decides on a soft sand run today

Carolinebythebeach & Zig Zag head out into the washing machine

The Pitch Report

Bigger than yesterday. Heading out, temp down 17.3. Massive wave. The express team stopped at the point. And got smashed, not far enough out. Keep swimming. Swell and chop, lots of moving water. Swirly asf in the middle. Liam takes double the time to get across. Half the express exit at Shelly. Faster on the way back. A crowd watching our wobbly exit at Half Way. Stairs destroyed, a few steps missing. Mid-morning, still finding bits of beach in my undies.

We could live For a thousand years

Lucy and Jo ready to smash it out!

But if I hurt you I'd make wine from your tears

Two worlds collided (We're shining through)

And they could never tear us apart

The 2 Rustys. The English one is faster than the Fish. And one is the Blogger, but don't let the truth get in the way of a good story!

Happy Birthday Sarah the Mermaid for today

Also Team, next Sunday 24^th young Errol has a birthday. You are all invited to come and celebrate by either wearing your Swimmers inside out for Sunday’s swim, or just don the undies for your circuit!

Thanks for the swim, coffee and sand in the undies. Don't let your true love run cold!

Rusty the Fish, Chippo McCardel and carolinebythebeach

 

Breaking News.... 

Big news this week that Chloe McCardel swam the English Channel for a record breaking 44^th time. Chippo got out and about this week (at last) and got some words of wisdom from Arthur Dunger, the previous record holder, on maintaining fitness during these tough times. 

 

Thursday October 14: Its bumpy and so is the blog

Hello Swimmers, today's blog is bumpy and windy just like our conditions this morning, here you can see and hear how windy and bumpy it was:

The Bumpy Blog