Pacific Jules

Returning to norm... almost

Things seem to be returning to normal after a wild week at our favourite little patch of sea! 140 of you braved the weed and still slightly turdy water for a swim across the bay.

Unfortunately no swimming for me... I already had a bad back and then decided to go skate boarding on Tuesday. Now I can barely walk. I think this must be what child birth feels like. Right? Probably worse.

Mr Consistency himself was glowing in the morning sun. He tried to battle his way out on Monday morning but even he couldn't get through the giant NE'er.

These 3 brave souls swam through the weed, past the toilet block on the sea floor and into the Shelly Beach debris!

Happy warrior!

Two brains are better than one. 

Have a great day everyone. I reckon 2 more days and the water will be back to normal...

Was it the Dunny Door on the Ocean Floor ?

 

Ian tells Bernhard & Marco that Roberto swam to Queensie yesterday

and all he saw was a toilet door. 

A few of the 28  weed encrusted swimmers went for the all over seaweed  exfoliation treatment on the way out.

I'm told the water was a lovely 19.1 degrees, I gotta say it felt warmer.

 

 

The water is clearing up, but today was all about the breakfast at Bluewater.

Erroll didn't even swim, just came down for some brekky & good company.

We are getting to the few hardy winter swimmers now, I love the camaraderie !

Michael & his lovely wife Louise joined us , although Louise couldn't stop chatting to all & sundry.

 She never stops, must be great to be so popular.

I had to leave, so I never got to see if she finished her brekky.

Lainey Loo, who is the kindest most helpful person I have ever met !

always make the journey down from Avalon just about everyday

Derek just loves seeing a lens pointed in his direction ! He  swims , surfs &is also part time volunteer life saver for Manly Surf club.... What a man !

Wilf's been down to Canberra swimming in a pool , but has had to change his style because of the non floatation of chlorinated water.

Good to see him back today.

Anne Edwards & Martin certainly enjoyed what swimming they did, out to the Bower, point , Shelly & back.

Martin is also todays "SOTD"

Martin has swum with Manly B&B since 21st Jan 2014 recording 20 Manly to Shelly Return Double, 472 Manly to Shelly Return, 2 Manly to Shelly Return Triple, 1 Bold & Beautiful 6km Summer Swim and 28 Manly to Queenscliff Return The Bolderdash, giving a grand total of 855.0km. Martin has averaged 1.5km per day this month compared to 2.2km last month (but then it is only the start of the month!). Martin is placed 106th in the challenge, needing to swim quite a lot to make up 20.5km to match Annie Larkin. Chasing Martin is Bernhard Kall needing a mere 2.5km.

 

 Sue & Gayle quickly chat, whilst Gayle grabs(pinches) a Manly Daily.

Sorry about the lack of photos, I was caught off guard ! I'm just filling in for the regular Thursday blogger who had to go to the doctors.... Hope all goes Well... XO

 

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.

                                                                                                                                        

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

Anyone wanting accommodation in Thredbo, I have a share in a lodge with great parking at the door , click HERE for details .

0r ring me on 0414 38 48 00 .

       

https://www.facebook.com/KiamaAlpineClub/?fref=ts

To go to web site click HERE

 

Tuesday 7th of June - After the Rain

Fear not consumers of the blog, Tuesday did happen, I just got snarled up in a day of mayhem. However to be fair the morning started out with a glorious showing. With just a hint of what had been we had a 2 meter swell from the east at about 12 second intervals.

We should see it fall away till Friday with an expected half meter but till then it will be hanging around.

The Sunrise threatened but took its time

The paths still need sweeping

The swim to the point was looking tricky

I think we had a hardy 20 seasoned campaigners today with no newbies

Looks like a change was required.

Eventually,the Sun managed a peep

Even the surfers couldn't get through the weed

So to the high road we go

A calm walk

It required some ducking and weaving

But the garage is still standing. They dont make em like that anymore.

This is where the Bold come in

And Ian leads the way

The Shops copped a hiding on Saturday and Sunday but still there. 

This was Saturday night about 7pm. The tide wasn't high yet but threatening and 2 minutes after this shot a wave came over the wall and smashed the windows filling the shop with water.

The toilet block didn't fare so well. Gone

 

But for some nothings gets between them and their swim

 

The Sun worked hard to improve the day

Deceptively calm given we still had 2 meters of swell running from the East

And then the calm

The crew made it to Shelley amidst the maelstrom of flotsom and other things in the water

 

And back via the dogleg

Driven on by breakfast I'm sure

And still the odd sneaker came through

Some will not give in no matter how much is placed in their way

Hard to believe so much sand was thrown up. The path to brekky hard to see through the sand.

Have a great week.

Brian

Stats:

Swimmers - around 20

Temp: Maybe 20

The next B&B monthly dinner will be on Tuesday 14th June at 6.30 pm at Bluewater Restaurant. The guest speaker for the night will be Canadian-born, Australian author Catherine DeVrye, whose talk is titled ‘Shift Happens’. You’ll laugh while you learn about turning obstacles into opportunities, as Catherine shares her journey from an orphanage in Canada to #1 best-selling author, Australian Executive Woman of the Year winner, and the 2010 Australian Keynote Speaker of the Year.

The cost of the dinner is only $25 a head and includes shared entrees, a selection of mains to choose (incl a vegetarian option), corkage (for byo wine only) and a little thank you for the staff. 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 BOOK HERE NOW,  http://www.boldandbeautifulmanly.com.au/bb-bluewater-monthly-dinner.html

*B & B Trivia Night*

As you are aware B&B is a free for all activity, but there are ongoing
costs that need to be met. To help support B&B and keep it the wonderful,
inclusive, growing phenomena that it is we will be arranging a fund-raising
Trivia Night at The Steyne Hotel on Tuesday 12th July. Please keep this
date free so you can come along. In order to make this event a success, we
are asking for:

- volunteers to assist in the organisation of the event
- donation of goods and or services that can be used as auction items or
raffle prizes

If you can assist with either of these can you please contact John Kelly ([email protected]).

Winter Badge

*** The badge is a visual representation of a goal***

It's nearly that time again. Winter is coming ... and so are the winter
badges. The winter swimming season runs from 1 June to 31 August, and to
qualify for your winter badge, you must:

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

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

 

 

 

 

08/06/2016 - The Show Goes On

 

A cautious group of swimmers entered the water today mostly at 'Halfway'/Fairy Bower. This group comprised mainly of over 55 year olds and included Engineers, Grandmothers, Psychologists and Teachers! Led by Ian the situation was assessed and  we believed our ocean fix with all it's benefits overrode the risks!

 There has not been one day since the  Bold and Beautiful Swim began in 2008 that a few swimmers haven't swam. The promise of a swim 365 days of the year has been fulfilled over the past few days. Yesterday it was seen as being safe to swim from halfway and today a few went off from the beach too, carefully timing their entrance between sets of waves.

To remind us of the wonderful marine life we know is hiding somewhere beneath rocks and ledges I thought I'd include this short video of Old Wives, Shelly the Turtle, Duskies etcr set to Louis Armstrong's 'What a Wonderful World'. (What we can usually see at Cabbage Tree Bay!)

 What A Wonderful World in CTB

 Jo comes back from an early swim and gives it a big thumbs up but warns us about a lot of gunge at Shelly.

We entered at the first steps as the other set have gone...

Roberto and Sam swam to Queenscliffe then Shelly and exited halfway. Roberto reported not seeing one fish, only seeing a toilet door!

Lots of 'gunge' on these faces at Shelly!

 

Our very own Julie Isbill is preparing to swim the English Channel at the end of this month. Julie and Michael started this special group and the spirit has always been one of friendliness, inclusivity, tolerance with a warm welcome to new swimmers. It's also involved 'pushing ourselves out of our comfort zone' which Jules will be doing with her Channel swim. We wish her the very best.

Have to dash off to work now...

Bottom of the Blog

The next B&B monthly dinner will be on Tuesday 14^th June at 6.30 pm at Bluewater Restaurant. The guest speaker for the night will be Canadian-born, Australian authorCatherine DeVrye, whose talk is titled ‘Shift Happens’. You’ll laugh while you learn about turning obstacles into opportunities, as Catherine shares her journey from an orphanage in Canada to #1 best-selling author, Australian Executive Woman of the Year winner, and the 2010 Australian Keynote Speaker of the Year.

 

The cost of the dinner is only $25 a head and includes shared entrees, a selection of mains to choose (incl a vegetarian option), corkage (for byo wine only) and a little thank you for the staff. 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 BOOK HERE NOW, 

*B & B Trivia Night*

As you are aware B&B is a free for all activity, but there are ongoing
costs that need to be met.  To help support B&B and keep it the wonderful,
inclusive, growing phenomena that it is we will be arranging a fund-raising
Trivia Night at The Steyne Hotel on Tuesday 12th July. Please keep this
date free so you can come along. In order to make this event a success, we
are asking for:


   - volunteers to assist in the organisation of the event
   - donation of goods and or services that can be used as auction items or
   raffle prizes

If you can assist with either of these can you please contact John Kelly  (
[email protected]).


*Winter Badge*

It's nearly that time again. Winter is coming ... and so are the winter
badges. The winter swimming season runs from 1 June to 31 August, and to
qualify for your winter badge, you must:


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

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

 

Lainey Loo 

 

Monday 6th June 2016 - Rainy Days and Mondays

 Thinking it would be another wet Monday morning  I planned a  "Rain" music theme. While the rain kept away the effects of the storm dominated the day so I'll stay with some of the music.

I only know of 3 swimmers who attempted a swim (1@Manly + 2@Shelly). It was solid whitewater well past the point and the beach and presumably the surf was littered with debris. So I decided to walk to Shelly. To my surprise a police safety barrier blocked the boardwalk after the shops at Fairy Bower (half-way beach)  I did NOT venture into the water.

 Set Fire To the Rain (Adele, 2011)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ri7-vnrJD3k

 

 The clubhouse area looked like it had been hit by Adele's theme.

 

 

Binsy's started the cleanup early as there was  enough rubble to keep he and Manly council busy for the next week .

  

 

Somewhere Over the Rainbow

(Israel "Iz" Kaʻanoʻi Kamakawiwoʻole, 1993)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1bFr2SWP1I

 

Only won person (look carefully) tried unsuccessfully to get over.

 

 

It's Raining Men (Geri Halliwell, 2001)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqXUpe3jl

Geri got her wish but only one stripped to his trunks @ Manly

 

 

 

 

 

Rainy Days and Mondays Always Get Me Down (The Carpenters, 1971)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPmbT5XC-q0

 

My Monday morning walk was quite depressing.

The gift shop and the Mambo shop owners had reason to be very down.

 

The toilet block , one of the pool sculptures and a lot of the railing went into the bay...... 

 

 Fire and Rain (James Taylor,  1970)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOIo4lEpsPY

 

This lot could still see the surf was really firing 

 

 Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head (BJThomas from Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, 1969)

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_JPDEHU1ok

 

The effect of the NE rain and wind could not be missed by all who came to see .

 

 

 

 

 

 

Have a good week ahead

 

Simon

 

 

Stats- Temp:  wet , Newbies: 0      , Swimmers: about 3, watchers: about 30     

 

 

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

If you like watching youtube rain themes these will keep you going for a while, choose your era(s)/genre.

 

Rain (Madonna, 1992)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t452MyUT_ts

 

November Rain (Guns N' Roses, 1992)

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

 

 Purple Rain (Prince, 1984)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VAt45kMCg4U

 

 Rainbow Connection (Kermit the Frog, 1979)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2DTLbTQj0I

 

 It Never Rains in Southern California (Albert Hammond , 1972)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pyC7WnvLT4

 

 

Bottom of the Blog

The next B&B monthly dinner will be on Tuesday 14^th June at 6.30 pm at Bluewater Restaurant. The guest speaker for the night will be Canadian-born, Australian authorCatherine DeVrye, whose talk is titled ‘Shift Happens’. You’ll laugh while you learn about turning obstacles into opportunities, as Catherine shares her journey from an orphanage in Canada to #1 best-selling author, Australian Executive Woman of the Year winner, and the 2010 Australian Keynote Speaker of the Year.

 

The cost of the dinner is only $25 a head and includes shared entrees, a selection of mains to choose (incl a vegetarian option), corkage (for byo wine only) and a little thank you for the staff. 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 BOOK HERE NOW, 

*B & B Trivia Night*

As you are aware B&B is a free for all activity, but there are ongoing
costs that need to be met.  To help support B&B and keep it the wonderful,
inclusive, growing phenomena that it is we will be arranging a fund-raising
Trivia Night at The Steyne Hotel on Tuesday 12th July. Please keep this
date free so you can come along. In order to make this event a success, we
are asking for:


   - volunteers to assist in the organisation of the event
   - donation of goods and or services that can be used as auction items or
   raffle prizes

If you can assist with either of these can you please contact John Kelly  (
[email protected]).


*Winter Badge*

It's nearly that time again. Winter is coming ... and so are the winter
badges. The winter swimming season runs from 1 June to 31 August, and to
qualify for your winter badge, you must:


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

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

 

05/06/2016 The Tempest

My first blog and any hopes of B&Bers frolicking in pristine conditions absolutely destroyed.

While Sydney suffered the onset of this East Coast Low, still the diehards persevered.

 Nothing was going to stop these intrepid swimmers from reaching their precious piece of paradise, Cabbage Tree Bay.

 

 

These unfailingly committed pink cappers took everything in their stride.

 

 Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass,

it's learning to dance in the rain.

And dance they did.

A little more dancing than swimming.

 Just goes to show, a little madness goes a long way on a tempestuous Sunday morning.

  Lainey, thank you for the use of some of your images this morning.
But most of all, thank you to all of you that make these mornings so much fun.

 

Stats:

Swimmers - around 20

Temp: Who cares, I didn't go in. Too busy trying to get photos.

   Thunderbird

 

The next B&B monthly dinner will be on Tuesday 14th June at 6.30 pm at Bluewater Restaurant. The guest speaker for the night will be Canadian-born, Australian author Catherine DeVrye, whose talk is titled ‘Shift Happens’. You’ll laugh while you learn about turning obstacles into opportunities, as Catherine shares her journey from an orphanage in Canada to #1 best-selling author, Australian Executive Woman of the Year winner, and the 2010 Australian Keynote Speaker of the Year.

The cost of the dinner is only $25 a head and includes shared entrees, a selection of mains to choose (incl a vegetarian option), corkage (for byo wine only) and a little thank you for the staff. 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 BOOK HERE NOW,  http://www.boldandbeautifulmanly.com.au/bb-bluewater-monthly-dinner.html

 

*B & B Trivia Night*

As you are aware B&B is a free for all activity, but there are ongoing
costs that need to be met. To help support B&B and keep it the wonderful,
inclusive, growing phenomena that it is we will be arranging a fund-raising
Trivia Night at The Steyne Hotel on Tuesday 12th July. Please keep this
date free so you can come along. In order to make this event a success, we
are asking for:

- volunteers to assist in the organisation of the event
- donation of goods and or services that can be used as auction items or
raffle prizes

If you can assist with either of these can you please contact John Kelly ([email protected]).

Winter Badge

*** The badge is a visual representation of a goal***

It's nearly that time again. Winter is coming ... and so are the winter
badges. The winter swimming season runs from 1 June to 31 August, and to
qualify for your winter badge, you must:

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

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

The Ants Knew Two Days Ago

A lot of media hoopla over past 36 hours - about the coast being smithereened by blithering storm action all weekend

----------

It starts out pitch black this morning.  Wet - windlashed - and foreboding.  Evidence of a stormy night

------

It is so bleak, we actually dare to stand inside the surf club's zodiac shed.  Hello, Ms Nebraska ...

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

"There'll be no Newbies in this weather," our wise Ian declares.  But up pops Mark - from Cronulla.  His family is still asleep up at Q Station.  Mark's one of about sixty Cronulla SIPS (Shark Island Psycho Swimmers).  It's daily, and about 10 or so will swim out and around Cronulla's Shark Island (about 1.7 kilos).

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

Blustery as it is; the Point Cafe is still open for business by 6.20 ...

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

The rain almost stops at seven ... but the vast majority of pink cappers have stayed home today. Here's tough chicks Clare and Caroline - lovin' it!

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

------

Safety talk ... (overbeering can grow power-thighs)

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

This is Courtney's "Don't Swim Here" Crocodile badge from Darwin

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

It's very very wet - making for difficult outdoor photography.  So let's break the "No Dunnies Pix" taboo

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

This guy is a scientist.  He is really smart; but a bit quirky.  He goes to conferences overseas and speaks.  A Megageek

------

The actual waves aren't big, but it's a choppy haul all the way over and back.  (Apparently.  I'm not getting into that water)

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

But - very very suddenly (when the Sevens are halfway over to Shelly) all hell breaks loose

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

The beachfront is deserted.  Martin, Steve, Jim and Danny huddle right in the corner - determined to get their coffee reward

Everybody's clothing and towels are saturated.  I can officially confirm that the weekend rains are here. 

I am soaked.  I decide to get off home (To find yet more ants on my kitchen bench).  And leave this guy to hold the fort -

 

Stats:

Stingers:      Nil windborne bluebottles

Swimmers:   160

Newbies:      Three

Temp:          20.3º

Gear:            Saturated

Lingerers:     None

Friday 3 June 2016 - Bits and Bobs plus a taste of state of origin

Swimming is an individual sport. However it is nice to  swim with other people. Especially when the other people are interesting and pretty excellent. I have today included some photos of people in and out of the water - see if they look different. It is surprising when I see someone away from swimming. Without a swim cap they look different. But I have seen Sam, Charl, Jane, Ian and Deanna near Bligh Street where I work. 

 

Here is Danny who is very gracious. Last week in a flurry of litter collecting, I collected his coffee cup for putting in the bin and did so even though he had not finished it yet. He was very nice about it. Even though it is clearly high-risk for me (not being able to tell if someone has finished with their drink or not) I will still collect plastic on the example set by Lesley and others. 

the lovely Patricia having swum in the dark at 6.30 

Last week these swimmers wore purple and this week blue. And I noticed!

These guys have swum at 6 or 6.30 and even though I don't get to the beach in time, kindly agree to pose for the blog after their swim

All is in order, Alan is here. he correctly observed that the badges are more valuable than the BB jacket. I keep mine under a glass display case at home

Here are the silver wetsuit triathletes. Their triathlon is next weekend in Cairns. An Ironman event. There may be crocodiles. Good luck guys - your training is done. The organisers will sweep the sea just before they swim becaus of box jelly fish. That is swimming in Queensland.  Compare swimming in June at Manly. Which state is ahead when you take that into account?

Paul and Angela. 

A candid shot

Some 6.30 swimmers

I set off early as usual. Now that hundreds of people swim at 6 or 6.30 am, and they all have excellent technique with high elbows, it is quite a challenge. Imagine my surprise to look up and see someone sculling backwards through the waves (and going the same speed as me!) It was Paul Shearer from the Camera House (who gives BB lots of cameras -20!) negotiating the waves. But I did advise him you should look at the coming waves because I have read the bottom of the blog. 

At last, Shelly Beach. The Eastern suburbs crew

Today's 'Let's go' brought to you by this trio, because they wanted to. Thank you

While we are all individuals, the A team is a team. 

As a blogger, I am aware of the huge influence I have on others. My blog last week about technique covering, amongst other things, the open armpit has inspired this group to work hard on that feature

The Let's go cam a bit soon to get a photo of both of these. Thanks for waiting Howard. Recently Howard was in port douglas for a holiday. Was the surf great? No, box jelly fish in it and while it looked nice, no one was swimming. Again, Qld v NSW...

Brad got off a plane from UK and joined the swim. Are people flying from the UK to swim in QLD? No, I don't think so. Enjoy the swim Brad. I am sure it will help overcome the jet lag. 

congratulations Howard on 1000km!!!

 

 

And finishing with a celebrity shot - stars of the Manly Daily

Stats

290 swimmers (apparently only 90 from 6- 6.30am but it seems when they are all swimming towards you that there are many many more)

2 newbies. Welcome!

 

 

The next B&B monthly dinner will be on Tuesday 14th June at 6.30 pm at Bluewater Restaurant. The guest speaker for the night will be Canadian-born, Australian author Catherine DeVrye, whose talk is titled ‘Shift Happens’. You’ll laugh while you learn about turning obstacles into opportunities, as Catherine shares her journey from an orphanage in Canada to #1 best-selling author, Australian Executive Woman of the Year winner, and the 2010 Australian Keynote Speaker of the Year.

The cost of the dinner is only $25 a head and includes shared entrees, a selection of mains to choose (incl a vegetarian option), corkage (for byo wine only) and a little thank you for the staff. 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 BOOK HERE NOW,  http://www.boldandbeautifulmanly.com.au/bb-bluewater-monthly-dinner.html

 

*B & B Trivia Night*

As you are aware B&B is a free for all activity, but there are ongoing
costs that need to be met. To help support B&B and keep it the wonderful,
inclusive, growing phenomena that it is we will be arranging a fund-raising
Trivia Night at The Steyne Hotel on Tuesday 12th July. Please keep this
date free so you can come along. In order to make this event a success, we
are asking for:

- volunteers to assist in the organisation of the event
- donation of goods and or services that can be used as auction items or
raffle prizes

If you can assist with either of these can you please contact John Kelly ([email protected]).

Winter Badge

*** The badge is a visual representation of a goal***

It's nearly that time again. Winter is coming ... and so are the winter
badges. The winter swimming season runs from 1 June to 31 August, and to
qualify for your winter badge, you must:

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

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

Thursday 2nd May 2016 - Bianca, Jo & Ali

 NEWS FLASH!!!

Here is the link for the Blue water dinner, book early as she seems like a good speaker. http://www.boldandbeautifulmanly.com.au/bb-bluewater-monthly-dinner.html

```````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````

My swimming buddies Bianca ( holding my red  beacon) &  Jo & Ali with their green head beacons. 

I swam swam with the 6am crew (who didn't leave until 6.15).

Pano shots...

Balcony cams - Bianca & Drinks .....

It was mostly flat with occasional shore breaks plus some bumpy backwash from the board walk near Shelly.

The gear of "the women on the wall". 

Part of the Manly SLC armada in dry dock.

Green & Pink.

On style! (nice scarf Shelly).

Welcome back Lainey.

Dave, Rob Bruce and #4...

I sat with the only bench crew and chatted  with Gino (front left who speaks fluent Mandarin), Speedster Murray (front right who wears union jack speedos) plus Bruce, Dave et al...

Have a good one....

Simon

Stats - Water temp 19.9
New swimmers 2
Total swimmers about 115+

 

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

Bottom of the Blog, Announcements, News and the occasional juicy bit

The next B&B monthly dinner will be on Tuesday 14<sup>th</sup> June at 6.30 pm at Bluewater Restaurant. The guest speaker for the night will be Canadian-born, Australian authorCatherine DeVrye, whose talk is titled ‘Shift Happens’. You’ll laugh while you learn about turning obstacles into opportunities, as Catherine shares her journey from an orphanage in Canada to #1 best-selling author, Australian Executive Woman of the Year winner, and the 2010 Australian Keynote Speaker of the Year.

 

The cost of the dinner is only $25 a head and includes shared entrees, a selection of mains to choose (incl a vegetarian option), corkage (for byo wine only) and a little thank you for the staff. 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 BOOK HERE NOW, 

*B & B Trivia Night*

As you are aware B&B is a free for all activity, but there are ongoing
costs that need to be met.  To help support B&B and keep it the wonderful,
inclusive, growing phenomena that it is we will be arranging a fund-raising
Trivia Night at The Steyne Hotel on Tuesday 12th July. Please keep this
date free so you can come along. In order to make this event a success, we
are asking for:


   - volunteers to assist in the organisation of the event
   - donation of goods and or services that can be used as auction items or
   raffle prizes

If you can assist with either of these can you please contact John Kelly  (
[email protected]).


*Winter Badge*

It's nearly that time again. Winter is coming ... and so are the winter
badges. The winter swimming season runs from 1 June to 31 August, and to
qualify for your winter badge, you must:


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

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

 

Weird and Wonderful Winter Warmers

Winter is here!!
I was hoping for some sort of fanfare.....a band of trumpeters heralding in the new season, perhaps. Or even just a little sign from Mother Nature - maybe a chilly wind from the south, or distant storm clouds brewing on the horizon........something..... anything, to show us winter had arrived!

Well Mother Nature didn't disappoint! With a cool morning temperature of 13 degrees, the threat and promise of rain to come, and grey skies exposing just a hint of a sunrise, she proved there is no doubt winter is here. It was actually a relief to get into the warm, calm 20 degree water.

Denise, Margie, Cathie and Lou from the 6.30 group

Max, Dorset and Rusty about to head out 

Leader of the Drinks Express and his band of wetsuit-less merry swimmers.

Quickly followed by the suited up 6.30's.

There was an air of excitement amongst the 7 o'clock swimmers as we waited our turn. There were many displays of affection and camaraderie and a wonderful assortment of winter warmers. However there are still some die hards in bare feet.

Ian and Pauline - part of our wonderful management team. We love you guys!

Milly and Les-Bubbles both looking very chic and toasty-warm

Martin, Peter, Shelley - providing lovely colour amongst the guys winter shades, and Ian.

Midge and Nan from the 6 o'clock team trying to warm up with a post swim hug.

Very reduced in numbers, these booty camp members are thrilled winter is here.

There was co-ordinated dancing by Leisa and her pals

 

Gino showing Milly his latest yoga stretch

There are some who have already surrendered to the cooling water temps and donned their wetsuits. And then there are others who stoically persist with their costumes as a symbol of their strength and bravado, but mostly because they want their www badge!

Penny's wetsuit cap will ensure she stays snug.

Great excitement for our first winter swim

Rosemary and Anne are definitely ready to go.

The most exhilarating part of winter swimming has got to be the fish. I am completely astounded how many there are. They are so easy going and content to swim along with us and suffer our inquisitive diving down, quite happily. The seas clarity is such a bonus at this time of year. I just wish my photographic skills were up to the task!

One thing that continues year round is the fun we have at Shelley. Today it was definitely a "shoulders in at Shelley" kind of day. And a very quick turnaround but still a good opportunity for a chat and a photo.

Happy Birthday David! what a perfect start to your birthday!

Michael has found a nice way to warm up at Shelley......with Shelley!

 

There is still a small group up for the challenge of a double or triple. Admirable!

 

 One winter delight is the post swim shower but for those who are well prepared their hot water bottles become the envy of many.

Lara enjoying her warm shower.

 

Gino, Jason, Kerry and Mary ecstatic to have finished their first winter swim.

Rainer is ecstatic to be in a photo all on his own! Not that he would ever want to be the centre of attention.

It is also a wonderful opportunity for quiet contemplation

 Gone are the balmy relaxed post swim chats, sunning our bare backs on the wall, now we hunker down in warming layers hunched over our coffees shivering, waiting for the feeling to return to our frozen fingers and toes and trying to protect our exposed necks. 

Alison, Rosemary and Melise warming up with a thermos of tea.

Scrappy Scotty, Bruce, The Fat Bishop, Bones and Elizabeth finding warmth in good company and lots of banter!

A quick retreat to Bluewater Cafe for a steamy breakfast was necessary for most of us today.

Ian unveils his secret weapon. 

It is interesting to note the wardrobe changes at this time of year
Thongs are out uggs, boots and slippers are in

Sarongs and shirts are replaced with track pants and hoodies

Jeremy, Michael, John, Jason and Greg, modelling some of the latest winter fashion trends. Note the return of the beanie.

It doesn't matter which way you choose to keep warm this winter, just make sure you keep swimming, keep laughing, and keep enjoying being with your beautiful friends at B and B.

Just a reminder Winter badges start today. You must swim a minimum of 20 swims over at least 7 weeks of winter. For those who dare, a WWW badge (Winter without Wetsuit) can be achieved if you do these swims without a wetsuit.

 The next B&B monthly dinner will be on Tuesday 14th June at 6.30 pm at Bluewater Restaurant. The guest speaker for the night will be Canadian-born, Australian authorCatherine DeVrye, whose talk is titled ‘Shift Happens’. You’ll laugh while you learn about turning obstacles into opportunities, as Catherine shares her journey from an orphanage in Canada to #1 best-selling author, Australian Executive Woman of the Year winner, and the 2010 Australian Keynote Speaker of the Year.

The cost of the dinner is only $25 a head and includes shared entrees, a selection of mains to choose (incl a vegetarian option), corkage (for byo wine only) and a little thank you for the staff. 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 BOOK HERE NOW,

 Stats

180 swimmers

0 Newbies

20.1 Water Temperature

Enjoy your day

Lisa