Pacific Jules

Happiness and Health 19/02/2016

 Morning Bold and Beautiful Swim Squad.  It's Zoe and Nat here again today.  We cannot believe they have given us free reign again! 

 

Last night we watched a Ted X talk which is entitled "What makes a good life?"

Harvard have done a longitudinal study scanning over 75 years of interviewing the same individuals about their lives.  There are over 60 of the original people still living and all over the age of 90.  The study showed what makes people happy and healthy in their later lives, is the relationships which they have in their early to mid lives.  Meaning real friendships, supportive and loving partners and family.

Here is the link

https://www.ted.com/talks/robert_waldinger_what_makes_a_good_life_lessons_from_the_longest_study_on_happiness?language=en

The Bold and Beautiful Swim Squad is a perfect place to make new friends (real friendships) and enjoy this beautiful part of the world.  (Trip Advisor just voted the best beaches in Australia for 2016 - Manly came 2nd and Shelly beach came 5th!!!!) 

CHALLENGE: The next time you come down to Manly for a swim with the BnB introduce yourself to somebody new.  Better yet introduce yourself to us.  We would love to meet you. 

Here are a few people that Zoe interviewed this morning.  Continuing on with our theme from last month the questions which were asked were "Why did you start swimming with the Bold & Beautiful?" and "What does the Bold and Beautiful mean to you?"

 

 

 

 

 Michelle works at Manly hospital.  She used to run in the mornings and used to watch the pink cap people swim.  One morning she saw a young boy of around 8 years of age and thought "if he can do it - so can I!"  She had a few lessons and was terrified the first time she swam but now she LOVES it and can't get here often enough.

 This is Maurice (centre) standing with our favourite people John and Ian.  Here started swimming 4 years ago.  He enjoys the "great bunch of people. It is hard to explain why I like swimming it has something to do with the salt in the water and the lack of gravity and it is beautiful."

 This is Shelly "A friend dragged me down and I quickly got addicted. I love the people and the experienc. To the point that my goal in life is to move to Manly."

This is John "I started off about 5 years ago. After back surgery. I did hydrotherapy and that sort of thing and then I gradually extended my swim. I started off with backstroke then I did freestyle. Now I am totally addicted. My back is great now."

 This is Alexandra "My bestest friend made me sign up for an ocean swim for fundraising but then I realised it was 2kms. So we started swimming the Bold and Beautiful to get me over my fears. My first swim hear was from half way to Shelly with my head out of the water because I was scared of the many things living under the water. But now I look for things under the water. It is a beautiful group and lovely Ian the sexy man that he is. I fully embrace it. All the old people and the different age groups. I hope to keep doing it till I die preferably not in the water." 

This is the Famous Laney  holding the Manly Daily which has one of her famous pictures which she took down here the other day.

"I started doing Can Too which gave me the confidence to swim in the ocean. I started doing the BnB  5 years ago and was hooked after a few times. I love the energy because you feel so alive. The best start to the day you can possibly have and I feel revived. The people are such a friendly gutsy bunch who are like family."

 

 Lisa (second from the left) "I started after breast cancer and it means health, well being, happiness and friendship. I started swimming March 2015."

On a side note: I met Lisa on my first swim down here on the 2 September. She is such a beautiful person. I was so nervous and frightened I had my wet suit on still wearing my back pack looking completely green. She was so calming and encouraging when she introduced herself to me. I have massive love for her. She is such an inspiration and a survivor. (Nat).

Allison (second from the right) "I started swimming in July 2015 and I had been looking to swim for a couple of years. July seemed like a nice cold month to start. It is a meditative event where I come down every couple of days to get into my groove."

Jane (far right) "I have been swimming since March 2015 I love it. We started as a group of 4 or 5 of us we have just kept on swimming and meeting more and more lovely people."

Shelley (first on the left) WELCOME she is a Newbie! "This was on my bucket list."

 Henrietta (on the right) "I started swimming because I have been watching them everyday and I wanted to do it. That was nearly 2 years ago. It is a massive social advantage. I have met at least one hundred people. I love it."

Jenny (left) "I started about two and a half years ago and I used to hear them laughing in the bay. So the laughter is what drew my attention to it. "

 Andrew (right)"I started swimming the Bold and Beautiful so I can keep nice and beautiful. hahahaha"

Jared (left) "I started swimming because I have nothing else to do."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Nat and Zoe - Over and out - Peace

 

RED FEB FUNDRAISING RACE -  Heart Research Australia

Heart Research Australia would like to thank all those who participated on Saturday in the Red Feb race. But the fundraising race between our two teams is just hotting up and will continue over the whole of February. The “Race” is between our own two teams: The A TEAM and TEAM OMEGA.

The collection boxes on Saturday just favoured Team Omega, who raised $150.40 compared to the A Team total of $122.35. This trend is continuing in the On-line donation, with Team Omega edging further ahead:

A Team = $310

Team Omega = $568

You can donate funds to your chosen team on the team page, or even better, you can create your own page where all your friends can donate towards the cause. Hurry up A-Teamers, jump in quickly and support your team.

To support Team Omega: http://www.everydayhero.com.au/event/TeamOmega

To support the A Team: http://www.everydayhero.com.au/event/ATeam

 

 

Also, don’t forget, our friends at Manly Beach Health Club, who are again sponsoring the RED FEB event, are offering a FREE 30 min Personal Training session to our members. This is a great way to kick start your New Years health goals.  Click here to download your FREE voucher.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thursday 18 February 2016 - Be thankful and show gratitude

Today for me is a day for gratitude and to be thankful for the wonderful life we get to live here on the Northern Beaches and the people we get to share it with.

So today the surf was up a bit and the clarity was not as good as it has been this week, the morning ritual still took place and maybe 100-150 ventured out.  For me and may others half way was the entry point, which in hindsight may not have been the easiest option.

But back to being thankful

As a group we are thankful to Ian and Pauline who put in countless hours to make sure we all have the luxury or rocking up and going for a swim with our friends. Ian loves his new whiteboard – it is very shiney and has a great doodle by Roger, not quite sure who it is meant to be - any suggestions?.

We are thankful for John Kelly who warns us when there are stingy things in the water and advises where we can swim that is safe from harm. John also looks after the lovely bunch of bloggers who bring beautiful stories and memories of our swims and the good times we share together – you can thank the team of bloggers by leaving lots of comments as a lot of time and effort goes into this each day.

We are thankful for John Bond who takes the temperature every day and then at the weekend leads us on those longer swims making sure, once again, that we are all safe.  John wants everyone to know that there are two 6km swims left this summer, this Saturday, while next Saturday there is a 6km and 10km option - it's the last opportunity to qualify for your 10km badge so get those longer swims in if you want your summer badges.

We are thankful for new swimmers like Andrew that seem to pop up every day – without whom our group would never be the diverse bunch that it is. Evelyn also tried her hand for the first time today - you both picked a good day to start - well done.

And then the regulars who make sure the new swimmers feel welcome and safe.

Like Sparkles

And this is happy bunch

Ian again who does so much for the group.

And Lani who is always so energetic and brings us those beautiful photos – she always puts a smile on my face and helped me out today with some images which I "broke" the blogging camera - whoops.

We’re thankful for the area we get to swim in and the fish life we get to see – the turtle, the dusky whalers, the port jacksons, the fiddler ray, the eagle rays, the old wives, the kingfish, wobbygongs, flatheads, cuttlefish – the list goes on although today was not the day for fish gazing.

Apparently Shelley found the only bluebottle between Manly and Shelly - I think he was gunning for you mate.

So as you go through your day today don’t forget to say thanks to those around you because you just never know what’s around the corner. And if you are thankful for anything above make sure you donate to RedFeb details of which are listed below. We have had more than 10,000 people swim with B&B so surely we can do much better than a few hundred dollars.

Keep swimming and smiling – this one is for you KB.

D from the Z’s

 

Staying safe

Remember that there are no badges for scaring yourself silly! While it is great to extend your boundaries, it is important to know your limits. Also, if you have a bit more experience, keep an eye out for new swimmers who might need company. Do read these excellent tips on staying safe in the surf. To read, or even download, click here.

 

RED FEB FUNDRAISING RACE -  Heart Research Australia

Heart Research Australia would like to thank all those who participated on Saturday in the Red Feb race. But the fundraising race between our two teams is just hotting up and will continue over the whole of February. The “Race” is between our own two teams: The A TEAM and TEAM OMEGA.

The collection boxes on Saturday just favoured Team Omega, who raised$150.40 compared to the A Team total of $122.35. This trend is continuing in the On-line donation, with Team Omega edging further ahead:

A Team = $310

Team Omega = $568

You can donate funds to your chosen team on the team page, or even better, you can create your own page where all your friends can donate towards the cause. Hurry up A-Teamers, jump in quickly and support your team.

To support Team Omega: http://www.everydayhero.com.au/event/TeamOmega

To support the A Team: http://www.everydayhero.com.au/event/ATeam

Also, don’t forget, our friends at Manly Beach Health Club, who are again sponsoring the RED FEB event, are offering a FREE 30 min Personal Training session to our members. This is a great way to kick start your New Years health goals.  Click here to download your FREE voucher.

17/02/2016 - Swimming with Graceful Sharks and Gracious People

Another beautiful morning down in the most stunning and possibly friendliest part of the world... the Southern corner of Manly Beach between 6.30 and 8am... Around 200 of us stepped in to that warm ocean and swam in silky clear water across a bay full of fish, sharks and other HARMLESS marine life ;-)

The Drinks Express head down the ramp to test the waters. NO bluebottles today!

Candy, Henrietta and Jenny enjoying that 24 degree water.

Just to keep us on our toes the ocean got deep quite quickly, then shallow, then deep again with the odd surprise wave!

It started off quite a cloudy morning with a slight wind but as is often the case the sun appeared as we swam out, making for a most spectacular view as the light bounced off ripples of water and pink caps!

Now Marleen on the right (Veldhuis) here with her sister Susan, is an Olympic swimming champ from Holland who is now swimming with us and also operating stroke correction classes at Queenscliffe pool and Narrabeen pool. Contact her on marleenveldhus.com

Here is her impressive record taken from Wikepedia

Just love these views as we headed to The Point so there are a few!

l

lf you want any larger versions, particularly of the ones you may be featured in below at Shelly Beach, just send me an email on info@whalebeachbandb.com.au

John, Kerry, Sophie and Simon

Henrietta has joined The A Team!

Ann, Jim, Dorset, Vincent, Bruce, Todd and Tim 

Candice, Lisa, Helsy, Ian, Jane and ?Monica?

Mike tries desperately to photo bomb!

Lovely to see Bella back swimming.

Ian left on his own at the 'Let's Go!

I swam back looking for graceful Duskies. I did see a couple but photos didn't turn out as well as yesterdays. Hope you like my video from yesterday. I'm quite rapped as I loaded it on to Facebook and it's got 2.6k views so far in less than 24 hours! I took it as I swam over the rocks and followed one Dusky Whaler. Then another appeared really close to me and another! It wasn't scary at all as we know them to be harmless and usually timid. Also they are only around a metre long.They usually swim near the bottom in deeper water so I was lucky! Uploaded on to youtube click here

They can usually be spotted in between the pool and hut at Fairy Bower but this year they seem to be closer to the hut and  I did see one heading to the beach between the flags on Monday. (Probably why the shark sign was up later.) I know many of you have a real fear of sharks but these are juvenile Duskies that visit the Bay every year around this time. They are harmless and shy and are nothing to be afraid of! (The last one is a screenshot taken from my video clip.)

 

On Monday the water was really clear and there were loads of fish about. I always like diving down to look at the 'Old Wives' but they seemed bigger than usual and the light was perfect for a defined shot. They didn't swim away as quickly as usual either!

I asked Jane for identification on this one. She replied 

I'd say it is a Gunther's Wrasse, Pseudolabrus guntheri. I find they dive for cover whenever they see me  -  you did well to get this! Lovely colour green  -  sometimes even brighter than this one.

Cheers Jane  (COME BACK JANE WE MISS YOU!)

This Leatherjacket let me get close too yesterday!

We lost lovely Jennifer Wilson yesterday. After trying for 7 years to get permanent residency in Australia and spending $50,000 on courses to allow her to stay, she left to work on a cruise ship in The Bahamas. She loved our swims and picked up plastic and rubbish all the time. We wish you well Jen!

 I took these on Monday. Does anyone recognise anyone? Or did anyone have a shock when they saw me below them! 

Stats:

Swimmers 160 so far but must have been at least 200

Newbies 2

Water temp 24.0 C

 

Staying safe

Remember that there are no badges for scaring yourself silly! While it is great to extend your boundaries, it is important to know your limits. Also, if you have a bit more experience, keep an eye out for new swimmers who might need company. Do read these excellent tips on staying safe in the surf. To read, or even download, click here.

 

RED FEB FUNDRAISING RACE -  Heart Research Australia

Heart Research Australia would like to thank all those who participated on Saturday in the Red Feb race. But the fundraising race between our two teams is just hotting up and will continue over the whole of February. The “Race” is between our own two teams: The A TEAM and TEAM OMEGA.

The collection boxes on Saturday just favoured Team Omega, who raised $150.40 compared to the A Team total of $122.35. This trend is continuing in the On-line donation, with Team Omega edging further ahead:

A Team = $310

Team Omega = $568

You can donate funds to your chosen team on the team page, or even better, you can create your own page where all your friends can donate towards the cause. Hurry up A-Teamers, jump in quickly and support your team.

To support Team Omega: http://www.everydayhero.com.au/event/TeamOmega

To support the A Team: http://www.everydayhero.com.au/event/ATeam

Also, don’t forget, our friends at Manly Beach Health Club, who are again sponsoring the RED FEB event, are offering a FREE 30 min Personal Training session to our members. This is a great way to kick start your New Years health goals.  Click here to download your FREE voucher.

Signing off

Lainey aka Elaine

 

 

 

16/2/16 Perfect Conditions & Swiss Newbies

Perfect conditions..

 

The perfect conditions attracted 6 lovely international "Newbies" from Switzerland. They are Aline, Fabienne, Flavia, Barbara and Michelle. Here in Manly to study english.

I'm sure that you will make them feel welcome :))

Shelly beach...smooth and beautiful (Thanks to Brian for the next few pics)

Lots of small schools of fish today, there were also sightings of the "Duskies and our Turtle".

24.5 degrees, smooth and free of any stingy things today.

 Have a wonderful day, Jenny :))

 

Stats:
Swimmers 160
Newbies 7
Water temp 24.5 C

Long Summer Swims
On 27th February there is a 6/10 km swim.

Staying safe
Remember that there are no badges for scaring yourself silly! While it is great to extend your boundaries, it is important to know your limits. Also, if you have a bit more experience, keep an eye out for new swimmers who might need company. Do read these excellent tips on staying safe in the surf. To read, or even download, click here.

RED FEB FUNDRAISING RACE - Heart Research Australia

Heart Research Australia would like to thank all those who participated on Saturday in the Red Feb race. Although the swimming race is over B&B, the fundraising race is just hotting up and will continue over the whole of February. The “Race” is between our own two teams: The A TEAM andTEAM OMEGA.

The collection boxes on Saturday just favoured Team Omega, who raised $150.40 compared to the A Team total of $122.35. This trend is continuing in the On-line donation:

A Team = $310

Team Omega = $460

You can donate funds to your chosen team on the team page, or even better, you can create your own page where all your friends can donate towards the cause. Hurry up A-Teamers, jump in quickly and support your team.

To support Team Omega: http://www.everydayhero.com.au/event/TeamOmega

To support the A Team: http://www.everydayhero.com.au/event/ATeam

Also, don’t forget, our friends at Manly Beach Health Club, who are again sponsoring the RED FEB event, are offering a FREE 30 min Personal Training session to our members. This is a great way to kick start your New Years health goals. Click here to download your FREE voucher.

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

 

15/02/16 - Aquatic Apes

There’s a controversial hypothesis suggesting that humans evolved from primates who spent most of their time in shallow water environments...  That we are actually the descendants of 'aquatic apes'.

This fringe theory proposes that evolving from aquatic dwelling apes helps explain the human attributes that differ so greatly from other tree dwelling primates.  Whilst the scientists continue to argue the pros and cons of this hypothesis, every morning the BnB swim provides ample evidence in support of aquatic apes. 

 

Land dwelling apes missed out on smooth, clear, stinger free 24 degree water this morning...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kind Regards,
Andrew 'Magichands' Maher

Unique, gentle, Light Touch Chiropractic Manly - ask about VIP rates for BnB members

  

Stats:
Swimmers  142
Newbies  5
Water temp  24⁰ C  

 

Long Summer Swims
On 27th February there is a 6/10 km swim. 

 

Staying safe
Remember that there are no badges for scaring yourself silly! While it is great to extend your boundaries, it is important to know your limits.  Also, if you have a bit more experience, keep an eye out for new swimmers who might need company. Do read these excellent tips on staying safe in the surf. To read, or even download, click here.

 

RED FEB FUNDRAISING RACE -  Heart Research Australia

Heart Research Australia would like to thank all those who participated on Saturday in the Red Feb race. Although the swimming race is over B&B, the fundraising race is just hotting up and will continue over the whole of February. The “Race” is between our own two teams: The A TEAM andTEAM OMEGA.

The collection boxes on Saturday just favoured Team Omega, who raised $150.40 compared to the A Team total of $122.35. This trend is continuing in the On-line donation:

A Team = $310

Team Omega = $460

You can donate funds to your chosen team on the team page, or even better, you can create your own page where all your friends can donate towards the cause. Hurry up A-Teamers, jump in quickly and support your team.

To support Team Omega: http://www.everydayhero.com.au/event/TeamOmega

To support the A Team: http://www.everydayhero.com.au/event/ATeam

 

Also, don’t forget, our friends at Manly Beach Health Club, who are again sponsoring the RED FEB event, are offering a FREE 30 min Personal Training session to our members. This is a great way to kick start your New Years health goals.  Click here to download your FREE voucher.

14/02/2016 - Happy Valentine's Day to the Ocean

When I was forced..I mean scheduled to do the Valentine's Day blog I realised I was out of my depth so I enlisted an expert in this area, Elaine AKA Lainey Loo - We thought about all the couples who met because of Bold and Beautiful... then we realised that I couldn't mention 99% of them for Legal reasons. I was also receiving threats if I did! ;p .. so then I googled what is the exact meaning and origins of Valentine's day and whilst reading through all the theories I realised no one else really knows either! I gather it is based on a Saint..ie, St Valentine, has Catholic origins, started a really long time ago like the 14th Century or something, and these days for "couples" to express their love on a day meant just for them ... so I thought that's all very nice but how does this relate to swimming in the ocean with BNB?  and then as I was picking up a whole stack of plastic, see below, on the swim this morning that my Valentine goes out to The Ocean and the creatures swimming around in it! AND also to Bold and Beautiful itself because I would probably NOT be swimming most mornings if it had not been for this amazing group!  

 

So Happy Valentines Day Bold and Beautiful and the beautiful Ocean..

I made a video a while ago of all the aquatic life we have spotted over the years in Cabbage Tree Bay here it is:

 

If above embedded video doesn't come out here is the direct link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ys2y3QVLKQQ 

The fear of blue bottles still hung in the air this morning with the 6.30 D'Express going north just in case. But reports in just before 7am from a few who went to Shelly said they saw / felt no blue bottles so basically we took a risk and headed over there.... and it was WORTH it! The water was warm, clear and NO BLUEBOTTLES!!  Anne E told me she spoke to someone who witnessed seeing a fish eating a blue bottle.. who knew! There is photographic evidence apparently but I have not seen it yet..so I googled what eats jelly fish / bluebottles ...and apart from turtles the following photos show:

Crabs

Trigger fish

Octopus

and last but not least....

Big crowds turned up despite the Blue-Bottleaggedon

 

 

 

 

 

 

Giant Baby with her Valentine Day flower from her proud dad ;)

 

Signing off Lesbubs

 

 

RED FEB FUNDRAISING RACE -  Heart Research Australia

Heart Research Australia would like to thank all those who participated on Saturday in the Red Feb race. Although the swimming race is over B&B, the fundraising race is just hotting up and will continue over the whole of February. The “Race” is between our own two teams: The A TEAM and TEAM OMEGA.

The collection boxes on Saturday just favoured Team Omega, who raised $150.40 compared to the A Team total of $122.35. This trend is continuing in the On-line donation:

A Team = $310

Team Omega = $460

You can donate funds to your chosen team on the team page, or even better, you can create your own page where all your friends can donate towards the cause. Hurry up A-Teamers, jump in quickly and support your team.

To support Team Omega: http://www.everydayhero.com.au/event/TeamOmega

To support the A Team: http://www.everydayhero.com.au/event/ATeam

 

 

Also, don’t forget, our friends at Manly Beach Health Club, who are again sponsoring the RED FEB event, are offering a FREE 30 min Personal Training session to our members. This is a great way to kick start your New Years health goals.  Click here to download your FREE voucher.

 

 

 

 

 

Stats 220+ swimmers, 18 newbies, 24.6 degrees.

 

 

 

 

 

Sat 13th: Red Faces & Blue Bottles

Above: Clare's front-of-tee ...

CONDITIONS

Flat water.  Lovely sunrise.  Northbound swim offers crystal vis over the sands ...

Today is RedFeb swim day ...

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Management has the bluebottles issue down pat.  Capless Dave reports in at 6.15: "Clear to the ocean pool, but cordoned off by blueys from there to Shelly.  You WILL get hit."

PLAN OF ACTION

6.30 Drinks Express heads north along the beach.  And reports back.  Sevens to follow up the coast, once all is clear ...

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Liz will be towing a floatie.  "NO! It's not a lifesaving device.   It's so my friends can find me."

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I can't believe Jean-Paul is under 25 ...

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Red Cap Regatta ...

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This photo - of Steve McQueen - is for Rainer; who may be in Thailand ...?

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Karel: "There are no bluebottles in pools ..."

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Millie has started walking ...

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The tightly-clustered Sevens set forth for the north ...

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The Bluebottles still had their say.  Bruce copped it during the Six Kilometre Swim.  My reporter says it hit Midge, and she then deftly flicked it squarely into his face ...

-----------------------------------

Grown adults still keep toys on key-rings.  Example:

--------------------------

Guess whose mum got a Whirlpool ...

------------------------------

So.  Whilst Rainer is overseas, we seem to have a new Contender for the title of 'Lips' ...

STATISTICS:

310 swimmers
16 newbies
24.9º

 

JOIN THE RED FEB FUNDRAISING RACE -  Heart Research Australia

Now the swimming race is over B&B will be holding a fundraising race over the whole of February.  The “Race” will be between our own two teams: The A TEAM and TEAM OMEGA. You can donate funds to your chosen team on the team page, or even better, you can create your own page where all your friends can donate towards the cause.

STOP PRESS: Team Omega has shot to an early lead in the fundraising race.  Support your team now!

To support the A Team:  https://www.everydayhero.com.au/event/ATeam

To support Team Omega:  https://www.everydayhero.com.au/event/TeamOmega
BEACH CLUB SUPPORT

Our friends at Manly Beach Health Club  http://www.manlybeachhealthclub.com
are again sponsoring the RED FEB event, by offering a FREE 30
min Personal Training session to our members. This is a great way to kick
start your New Years health goals.  

Click to access: http://www.manlybeachhealthclub.com/free-personal-training-taster-pack-enter-details/

Friday 12 February 2016: Blue By-You today. Big Red tomorrow

Arriving today, i was sad to see the change rooms still locked at 6.30 am, ruining my morning routine. but there was something more to be blue about:

sad swimmers...

The early swimmers had gone to the harbour to swim. They are so tough and they went to the harbour!?! what would the rest of us do? 

some were going to be spectators today

lots of smiles while considering

even the baby is smiling at the thought of swimming about to take place

 

Midge reported to us that there were blue bottles even in the harbour. It is so good of the early swimmers to test things out for the rest of us. HOWEVER, Midge also said there was a snake or eel type thing. I don't know if I can stand the idea of that. 

 

The following swimmers did not hear Midge's report and were heading off to the Harbour. Good luck

 

Rob makes the blog! Good to see you

John Kelly announced that there a blue bottles every where. He said the words "wall of blue bottles" which I then heard lots of times this morning. 

People still thinking what to do. With so many options but so many blue bottles around

so disappointed at the wide blue bottle cover

 

Ross and crew were determined to have a swim - having come down to Manly like us all

 

 

Bernhard and Mark

Helen does not care about a few thousand blue bottles. she still swam (I think that is because she used to play water polo. Respect). 

 

Martin was keen to swim because it was lovely today. warm water. calm. Picturesque

John Foster - not indecisive. Just swimming

Javier takes a break from running to have a swim

I kept it hip high and was able to get some shots of others going for a swim

 

Lucky to get a shot of these good looking people on their way in

 

A blow by blow account of how to fight off blue bottles if you hit the wall of blue bottles 

I usually set off early and miss the "Let's Go" at the point. Today John Kelly did the "Let's Go" at the beach - leaving it to each swimmer to decide where to go so I heard it. Yay

Thor and Freya. Freya is Norse god of beauty so well named young girl!

Unfortunately, I had to face the waves to get the money shot. It is Jean Paul's birthday today and like all the brave swimmers  he was body surfing so that was where i had to go to get the photo. Luckily Ed Selby was on hand to guide me and then counsel me after getting the shots. In the waves

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JP!

Kerry took time to collect some plastic, leaving the beach better for her having been there today. 

Body surfing. this is how it is done

Louise Michael and many others swam at the harbour.

 

Stats:

24.6 degrees!!!!

110 swimmers

6 newbies. 

 

REDFEB  RACE TOMORROW - be prepared

Tomorrow, B&B swimmers will all exchange our pink caps for RED ones at 7 am as we have our own RED FEB RACE. Please arrive early so you can collect your red cap and other goodies. Just before 7 am we will assemble on the beach in our new red caps and everyone must pick a team to support: the A Team, or Team Omega. At Shelly Beach, there will be two "let's go's", the first for Team Omega, and ten seconds later for the A Team. I think we know who will win the swimming race, but who will win the fundraising race, which will continue for the whole of February?  The Fundraising Race has already commenced, with Team Omega out to an early lead. You can donate funds to your chosen team on the team page, or even better, you can create your own page where all your friends can donate towards the cause.

To support the A Team:  https://www.everydayhero.com.au/event/ATeam

To support Team Omega:  https://www.everydayhero.com.au/event/TeamOmega

MANLY BEACH HEALTH CLUB SUPPORT

Our friends at Manly Beach Health Club  http://www.manlybeachhealthclub.com

are again sponsoring the RED FEB event, and will be at the beach tomorrow with giveaways and a free chocolate wheel. Please be early so you don't miss out on the freebies. Not only that, they are offering a FREE 30 min Personal Training session to our members. This is a great way to kick

start your New Years health goals.  

Click to access: http://www.manlybeachhealthclub.com/free-personal-training-taster-pack-enter-details/

BONES VIRGIN BLOG

Hi everybody and gentle people 

John; its dead Mate 

Despite the quality of the marine life nothing stops the DRINKS EXPRESS

 Blue Bottle Mass Suicide 

The pensive Spaniard " Should I swim, or should I just have CAF'E"

 

The sand people with Sterling looking serious " STERILELY "

he was practising the Zoolander Look 

Scrappy Scotty and our new resident ZAC " ZOOLANDER " 

Scotty showing off his double chin and Zac, his 9 pack - trying to impress Hayley 

Part of the A team and Scotty hiding his chin. The Ghost (far right) came second today and another came first (not saying who and who also  took this photo)... BUT ???

Maximus  buddy got smashed by our Blueys . NOT HAPPY 

This morning I hurried down to take photos of the 6am 'non official' swimmers (as I was told later) but all photos were too dark to retrieve because of the darkness and only a large number of red eyes remained, due to the flash - a little scary! I wonder if they have a reflection in a mirror? There was also a number of other blurry photos of Ian, John and others, too poor to include. SORRY to all those swimmers who were hoping for instant stardom in a photo  - I have my 'L' plates on.

I note that Naomi made the effort, but decided not to swim and just socialised with a coffee in hand, while Megan was busy with a number of court cases and couldn't make it - we missed you Megs.

Shelly swam, but took off afterwards like a Gazelle - being late for work. By the way, did you know that our resident super ex-poly, Bruce Baird, came first in the Cole Classic, officially second - but what would they know. David 'The Globe Trotter', also known as 'Dreamboat' (and a few other names) and Bones (aka 'bag of bones') got a FREE swim due to a last minute invitation from the starter. 

We are a group of unusual people coming together with the common goal of keeping fit, with all of us having a love of swimming, love of the ocean and love of socialising with food and coffee early in the morning. So, I thought I would share this research (below):

Many of the English names of the food we eat and the coffee we drink come to us from various International languages, for example: German, Latin and Ancient Greek. However, did you know that many English words for food and drink are actually derived from Arabic?

 

'...Scientific words entered Europe following the Renaissance, as many scientists and philosophers looked to the texts of the Arab World and their translations of classical works. The words mainly reach English through Portuguese and Spanish, as Iberia was under the control of Arabs from 710 - 1492 AD. The Portuguese and Spanish, as traders, were in such close proximity to the Arabic language on a daily basis, many of the food and drink items (that we, as the Pink Caps and others indulge in) were first introduced to them way before it was passed on to the rest of Europe...'

 

Now you might be asking, 'What relevance does this have to all of us?' Well,  Alcohol and Coffee (Qahwah - Arabic for coffee) is a favourite pass time of most PINK CAPs and due to the variety of swimmers from all different parts of this planet, I thought it might be worth mentioning that even our socialising afterwards has an International flavour!

 

Hence, as a group of like minded individuals, it's just nice to know that apart from our little swimming adventures, we have a lot in common. 

 

It is a great bunch of individuals and thanks to John and Ian, as well as the small group of helpers, it's popularity is forever growing. As an example, just this morning I met a young, good looking couple from England and they were full of praise for the PINK CAPS and Manly - mind you, they're only human! Apart form their comment that 'everything in Australia kills you', they don't want to go back to the old country and seriously, why would they! 

 

Wow....Perfect conditions today ! + a Birthday Boy

We had 210 Lucky swimmers today, 11 newbies & it was 24.1 degrees how good it that ???

Huge crowd of Drinksters going at 6.30 swim.

It was also the young Michael Stacey's birthday !

  

 Derek's dog Panda always looking & waiting for his return from a swim. 

Lets go ! everyone off on their "Personal Journey" across the bay ! time to think, meditate, organise you day,

whatever you do in your "me time" whilst swimming !

Tell what you think about in the blog comments below ? ? its different for everybody !

Gayle & the lovely Jill Rankin  before a walk to Shelly Beach.

                                                                                                                         All smiles at Shelly today.

 

 

  Michael Stacey got a good B&B soaking at Shelly Beach before yelling lets go !

The gorgeous Louise (Michael's wife) will give him a big birthday dinner tonight with his family no doubt.

Lots of little fish at the point.

Derek & Justus enjoy a free ride in.

I think John wanted to be on the blog today, judging be his smile when I got the camera out.

This is Rainers new friend

Rainer looks happy, the dogs not so sure !

Staying safe
Remember that there are no badges for scaring yourself silly! While it is great to extend your boundaries, it is important to know your limits.  Also, if you have a bit more experience, keep an eye out for new swimmers who might need company. Do read these excellent tips on staying safe in the surf. To read, or even download, click here.

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

 

 

Hope everyone loved Michelle's Ted Talk Last night, I found it very interesting !

if you would like to know more, she has a Facebook page here....

https://www.facebook.com/Illuminating-Anorexia-Author-Michelle-Sparkes-208364439239357/

Her book is available on Amazon on Kindle or paperback

http://www.amazon.com/Illuminating-Anorexia-Michelle-P-Sparkes-ebook/dp/B006B1Y26K

 

 

 

JOIN THE RED ARMY TODAY - REDFEB 2015

REDFEB is Heart Research Australia's signature fundraising campaign. It promotes a heart healthy lifestyle and raises much needed funds for first-stage innovative research into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of heart disease. Visit redfeb.com.au for further information. 

B&B will again be assisting this cause in 2016 by holding a fundraising race over the whole of February. The "Race" will be between our own two teams: The A TEAM and TEAM OMEGA. You can donate funds to your chosen team on the team page, or even better, you can create your own page where all your friends can donate towards the cause.

Our fundraising effort will be highlighted on Saturday 13^th February when we will all exchange our pink caps for RED ones at 7 am as we have our own "RED FEB RACE". I think we know who will win the swimming race, but who will win the fundraising race? To help you choose who to support, here is a statement in support of each of the teams:

A-Team

The A-team comprises the elite swimmers in the Bold and Beautiful. Not only are they good looking, they are FAST. They like to compete and they like to WIN. While they are virtually assured of a win in the swimming race, they also want desperately to win the fundraising! Dave Panton, the quintessential A-Teamer says "Bring it on!" 

Team Omega

The members of Team Omega are slow but steady. While they are normally found at the back of the pack, they are always persistent and never give up. No challenge is too great for these swimmers. Elizabeth X, the leader of Team Omega, and an experienced fundraiser, says she is quietly confident of a victory.

To support Team Omega: http://www.everydayhero.com.au/event/TeamOmega

To support the A Team: http://www.everydayhero.com.au/event/ATeam

Our friends at Manly Beach Health Club, who are again sponsoring the RED FEB event, are offering a FREE 30 min Personal Training session to our members. This is a great way to kick start your New Years health goals.  Click here to download your FREE voucher.

 

 

                                                                                                                   

I like it when you smile, but I love it when I’m the reason

Have a great day ! Mine started out great !!!

Love you all ! !

Shelly Xo xo xo