It was a grey, wet, dark, gloomy morning. But it was still easy to get out of bed (who am I kidding?) and come down to the beach this morning because I knew I would feel better for it. I just needed that period of quiet contemplation or meditation or just thinking about nothing. Being able to immerse myself in the cool waters and to just swim, breath and relax was very therapeutic. The visibility could have been better but the water temperature was a very balmy 18.7 and the rain ensured we had a flat crossing, free of swell and chop.
A lot of swimmers commented on how refreshing the water was and five swimmers enjoyed a triple crossing.
Jason, John, Paul, Cheryl and Inga after their triple
Lately there have been so many distressing scenes everywhere you look in the media. It's hard not to be affected by them on many different levels. So it was wonderful to get home from swimming yesterday, open the Manly Daily and read about our very own Caroline Kelly and the wonderful work she is doing with the Avner Pancreatic Cancer Foundation, the only charity in Australia dedicated to Pancreatic Cancer. Caroline and her late husband Avner, set up the foundation in 2008 to raise funds for crucial research into Pancreatic Cancer. Caroline is organising a 5km walk in manly on August 7th to add to the $7 million already raised to date. For more details please go to avnersfoundation.org.au
After reading this Manly Daily article I started thinking of the creative, generous and thoughtful ways B and B swimmers reach out to help others - Lainey's soup roster for Ed, Offers of short term accommodation and long term car minding, apartment sitting, help in finding employment, and the ever popular cake stall are all ways we show our support and get involved. There is so much that can be done at the community level to help ease the stress in peoples lives.
On this grey morning there was nothing gloomy or dull about the swimmers. In true B and B fashion the smiles, laughter and sense of humour was invigorating and as always there was a sense of caring and looking out for each other. Whether it was just the need to keep warm or a genuine case of bonhomie there were lots of hugs on offer.
Deanna- welcome back Dee, Lainey, Les-Bubbles and Ian
Bernhard, Dorset, Inga and Henrietta
Michele and Martin
Lainey with her friend. Yes we see you in the background Rainer!
Shelley Beach was very calm and quiet this morning, that is until the blog camera came out!
Ever joyful Leisa
Hilary and Cameron back at Manly
Sharon and Chris loved their swim this morning.
Overlooking all this camaraderie were the trusty seagulls...
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which were feasting on the millions of flies that had just hatched!
I hope those that chose a sleep in, enjoyed it, but I know everyone who decided to swim is pleased they got up. Have fun with whatever you do with the rest of your day.
Lisa
THANK YOU FROM ROYAL FAR WEST
From everyone at Royal Far West, thank you for your generous support at the Trivia Night last week. We hope you had a great time!
The $8,000 raised will help kids from remote Australia access health care that they don’t have due simply to where they live.
You’ve enabled 7 extra kids to receive telecare support this term - from their classrooms they’ll have regular skype sessions with a therapist based in Manly.
This early intervention of speech therapy, occupational therapy or mental health support will make a huge difference to their lives.
Thanks to Ian, John, Anne, Gary and everyone else who helped behind the scenes and got into the spirit of the night. Plus a massive thanks to all those who donated the fantastic prizes.
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MEN'S WORK
Men's Wellbeing invites all Sydney men to the next Common Ground men's group starting on 30 July. Common Ground is a program run by men, for men. Queensland based Common Ground has been running for 15 years. They say, “… we know it works, because men (and their partners) rave about the program. There are profound benefits when men have the opportunity to discuss with other men the things that matter, and have the conversations that they need to have.”
Anyone with questions please feel free to chat with Roger Harvey - who did the course in Byron Bay 14 years ago)
Common Ground will run it’s program on the Northern Beaches over two weekends: 30-31 July and 20-21 August. If you know of someone who might enjoy a new men's group why not let them know? For more info - talk to Matty on 0419 172 890 or [email protected]
Manly Surf Club Season Opening Party
A season Opening Party for the Manly Surf Club will be held upstairs at the Steyne Hotel on Saturday 6th August. The event will feature the band Triple Shot, with a live auction also lined up! Tickets are $50 or 2 for $80, includes food and 3 free drinks. Follow the link to purchase tickets: http://manly-lsc.myshopify.com/products/tickets-mlsc-season-opener
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.
The Stats
Regulars: 95
Newbies: Zero
Water Temp: 18.7
Flies: Millions if not billions!
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