Pacific Jules

31/7/2016 - The Jimble horror story continues.

Another perfect B&B sunrise.

I thought I would consult the blogmaster, Roger for any hints and inspiration for today.

All he could say was "Don't forget to mention the Walk for Pancreastic Cancer next Sunday".

This shot was taken after he survived severe disciplining because he left the walk info off yesterday's blog.

So please read all about it at the end of this blog.

There is no way I want to end up looking like this.

 

Jimbles struck the 6:30ers in a big way so it was off North we headed.

This week I wanted to capture some of the diversity of the swimmers.

 I was hoping to include photos of those who have never appeared in a blog.

This was much more difficult than expected.

Pretty well everyone denied they had ever been included in previous blogs.

So here it goes, hopefully some first time appearances.

 

Looking back to our beloved jimble infested CTB.

And of course,no blog is ever complete without at least one blog tart shot.

Nothing more needs to be said.

The smiles on everyone's faces proves once again that this is the

perfect start to the day.

Sydney just had to have one last last frolic in this morning's balmy conditions.

And then on land she found a fellow swimmer with her name tattooed on his torso.

Wisely, he quickly dressed and scuttled off.

 

The Stats

Regulars:   240

Newbies:   1

Temp:         18.8 degrees

  Thunderbird

 

***** Don't forget to keep reading for news on upcoming events.

 

 

Walk for Pancreatic Cancer - Sydney 2016

Our own Caroline Kelly is excited to announce the 8th annual Sydney walk on Sunday 7th August which saw a large contingent of the Bold & Beautiful take part. Due to recent storm damage to the pathway between Shelly Beach and Manly, the start/end point has been changed this year. It will now commence about 200 metres north of the North Steyne SLSC.  Come out and support this very good cause by registering and walking or doing some extra fundraising. To register Click here. Or you can Continue Reading more.

Special Event – Guest Speaker!

The next B&B monthly dinner will be on Tuesday 9^th August at 6.30 pm at Bluewater Restaurant. The guest speaker for the night will be John Sear, a keen local SCUBA diver who has been diving at Shelly Beach for over 25 years and made over a thousand dives there. In recent years his interest as an amateur photographer has driven him to start recording the fish species that can be found in the Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve. He shares his passion through his website www.ctbar.wordpress.com which aims to help educate divers, snorkelers and swimmers as they explore our local biodiversity hotspot. His talk is titled "What Lies Beneath".

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 please BOOK HERE NOW, 

  

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

 

Streetwork are trying to raise money (and awareness) of StreetWork Manly and to do this Jim Stackpool is helping organise a gig at North Manly Bowlo Saturday night 13th August. They're charging $35/head (best beforehand using the trybooking site - https://www.trybooking.com/206959) or will also take money at the door - the fees includes food, not drinks and music from the 2WS playlist - i.e. three chord songs - we don't know any others!
Come prepared to dance.
Fundamentally StreetWork work with kids in Manly 'under pressure' or on the street. They mentor kids one-on-one until they are 'out of danger' of self-harm, crime, drugs, or worst of all suicide. These kids are 'usually' living at home, but not in safe environments. They struggle for funds and like most charities are held together but a dedicated few doing a lot in their spare time. We'll have one of the guys from StreetWork (they have two counsellors now and trying to get another - they can't meet demand) at the gig giving a really quick story about what they do. As many B&B's that want a night out dancing to us playing 1970's, 1980's rock'n'roll (three chords only) with drinks at pub prices.

 

Sat 30th: Jimble Horror Show

Conditions

Air Temp:                    7º
Water:                       16.4º
Vis:                            Crystal-clear at the beach
Jimbles:                    24 (cordon on The Point)
Sunrise:                    Beautiful
Injuries:                    24 persons copped a stinging
Swim plan:                Stick to the rocks … or head north
Drinky’s pool:            Nearly there

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

Scary Movies this Sunday - Running from Dusk til Dawn!

One: Mars Attacks

Two: Freddy De Krueger - A Nightmare on Bower Street

Three: The Fly

Four: They Only Come Out at Night

Five: The Coneheads

Six: Camel from the Black Lagoon

It's a Bank Holiday Feature:  Movies run from tomorrow Sunday at midnight - through til dawn Bank Monday.

All for the low low price of - ten units the lot

(See your local finance officer Jim Stackpool - one note issued free to each certified swimmer who's done more than 405 kms)

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

News News News

My pick for Best Dressed the other week goes to Brad ...

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

Yoga Sam has finally had a swim with the Bolds ...

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

Dorset: Everything is going to plan ...

----------

John-Paul at 6.40 a.m: Feeling quietly confident ...

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

Kevin: About to have his very last swim with us in five minutes' time (Transfering to the Tropics tomorrow)

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

 On the Kitchen Front:  Booty Camp Commandant displays logo from Ian's home-made marmalades ...

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

Grass Status:  That other boot camp continues to flog and denude the median grass - with their heavy weights and cable rope ... bastards.

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

Clare, Belinda and Caroline: Busting to get their gear off at next Solstice (late August)

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

A-Team's third leg of Winter Triple Crown is today.  It has already been won by Tim's brother James (the one with hair) - as; best two of three count.  Today's race will be won by J-P (brown Uggies)

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

Seven a.m. crowd getting the pre-swim Jimble Update from John Kelly ... (As with all pics - click to enlarge)

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

Jimble Strike of the day

6.15 swimmer Danny's cheek is well-welted ... and his lips are closing over

(Fireman Kenny is a close second - he's also copped a flogging)

Special Event – Guest Speaker!

Monthly dinner

Tuesday 9^th August

6.30 pm at Bluewater Restaurant

The guest speaker for the night will be John Sear, a keen local SCUBA diver who has been diving at Shelly Beach for over 25 years and made over a thousand dives there.  In recent years his interest as an amateur photographer has driven him to start recording the fish species that can be found in the Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve (CTBAR). He shares his passion through his website www.ctbar.wordpress.com which aims to help educate divers, snorkelers and swimmers as they explore our local biodiversity hotspot. His talk is titled "What Lies Beneath".

 

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 please BOOK HERE NOW, 

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

Who had one of these back in the day ..?

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

Streetwork are  raising money (and awareness) of StreetWork Manly and to do this Jim Stackpool is helping organise a gig at North Manly Bowlo Saturday night 13th August. $35/head (best beforehand using the trybooking site - https://www.trybooking.com/206959)or will also take money at the door - the fees includes food, not drinks and music from the 2WS playlist - i.e. three chord songs - we don't know any others!

Come prepared to dance.

Fundamentally StreetWork work with kids in Manly 'under pressure' or on the street. They mentor kids one-on-one until they are 'out of danger' of self-harm, crime, drugs, or worst of all suicide. These kids are 'usually' living at home, but not in safe environments. They struggle for funds and like most charities are held together but a dedicated few doing a lot in their spare time. We'll have one of the guys from StreetWork (they have two counsellors now and trying to get another - they can't meet demand) at the gig giving a really quick story about what they do.

Dancing to us ... playing 1970's, 1980's rock'n'roll (three chords only) with drinks at pub prices!

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

Our good ship Tardis ... on the harbourside last week ...

Have a good weekend, everyone ... you have all started out well   :)

A-team finally recognised

Well stunning morning down at the swim. The water is getting colder but the enthusiasm for a dip stays strong!

Well, the rumours are true... the A-team did leave Manly yesterday evening... suited and booted...

...to receive our Order of A-team at the Australia Club. 

Bottom Right: Sterling Scroll Back Halfway Brain, Julie 'the stare' Bishop, Dave 'no rubber' Panton, Hon Bruce 'Mr Olympiad' Baird.

Standing Right: The Bishop, Woody, JP, Scrappy Scotty, Todd 'most handsome man at the swim until Zac turned up' Baker, Big John.

There was a triple crown race this morning. 

1st Jimbob
2nd Spanaird
3rd Irish Alex
4th JP
5th Sterling
6th Scotty
7th Vinnie
8th Dave
9th Sophie
10th Bruce

I think that means that Brother Jimbob has won the winter triple this year! Good to keep it in the family... For any questions please refer them to the stewards...

Have a great day and here is something for your screensaver...

Brilliant Sunrises for about a week.... is winter coming to an end ?

 

When you see Panda you know Derek is back from his great family reunion.

These two seen sneaking off for a cosy brekkie ??? maybe.

Amazing Blogger & all-round lovely person Lisa just loves her friends & swims.

Nurse's Nurse's everywhere, no matter what ails you we have somebody who can fix you up. 

 Blogger extraordinaire Roger soaking up the perfect weather.

Lainey Loo who's a blogger too ! gives Gayle a cuddle as she is not feeling the best with the Flu.

Special Event – Guest Speaker!

The next B&B monthly dinner will be on Tuesday 9^th August at 6.30 pm at Bluewater Restaurant. The guest speaker for the night will be John Sear, a keen local SCUBA diver who has been diving at Shelly Beach for over 25 years and made over a thousand dives there. In recent years his interest as an amateur photographer has driven him to start recording the fish species that can be found in the Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve (CTBAR). He shares his passion through his website www.ctbar.wordpress.com which aims to help educate divers, snorkelers and swimmers as they explore our local biodiversity hotspot. His talk is titled "What Lies Beneath".

 

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 please BOOK HERE NOW, 

These guys aren't swimmers or even have a swimming parent they were just cute.

Noddy even swims  with us or is Ian just got cold ears like the rest of us.

The only Jimble in the bay latched itself onto Martin (according to him)

Lyndall filling in for Lips in the blog tart dept at Bluewater with Patrick, Ted, Derek & Lainey loo

Quick catch up with the boys, Drinky & his mate John at Manly Wine

a bit of quiet Bro time or is it bromance ?

 

Streetwork are trying to raise money (and awareness) of StreetWork Manly and to do this Jim Stackpool is helping organise a gig at North Manly Bowlo Saturday night 13th August. They're charging $35/head (best beforehand using the trybooking site - https://www.trybooking.com/206959) or will also take money at the door - the fees includes food, not drinks and music from the 2WS playlist - i.e. three chord songs - we don't know any others!
Come prepared to dance.
Fundamentally StreetWork work with kids in Manly 'under pressure' or on the street. They mentor kids one-on-one until they are 'out of danger' of self-harm, crime, drugs, or worst of all suicide. These kids are 'usually' living at home, but not in safe environments. They struggle for funds and like most charities are held together but a dedicated few doing a lot in their spare time. We'll have one of the guys from StreetWork (they have two counsellors now and trying to get another - they can't meet demand) at the gig giving a really quick story about what they do. As many B&B's that want a night out dancing to us playing 1970's, 1980's rock'n'roll (three chords only) with drinks at pub prices.

 

Walk for Pancreatic Cancer - Sydney 2016

Our own Caroline Kelly is excited to announce the 8th annual Sydney walk on Sunday 7th August which saw a large contingent of the Bold & Beautiful take part. Due to recent storm damage to the pathway between Shelly Beach and Manly, the start/end point has been changed this year. It will now commence about 200 metres north of the North Steyne SLSC.  Come out and support this very good cause by registering and walking or doing some extra fundraising. To register Click here. Or you can Continue Reading more.

 

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

27/07/2016 - Jumping for Joy!

Before any of us had heard about The B&B or started this bizarre ritual... did we ever ever imagine that we would be getting up in the dark, in the middle of Winter to try and jump as high as we could on the sand before throwing ourselves in cold water and swimming 1 and half k?!!! I know I didn't, but like the rest of you, am so glad I am! There were 140 of us this morning experiencing the joys and benefits of 17 degree water. Well done guys!

Maybe I'll leave you to guess the identity of the first 2 female jumpers. Sorry about the lateness of the blog folks. My half a day teaching turned out to be a full day so for the first time in around 150 B&B blogs  I was too late for the 1pm email send out.

More and more blog tarts got in on the action...

...and then Derek appeared after his reunion with brother and sister in Hawaii. The first time they had all got together in over 40 years. Welcome back Derek!

Sue does an amazing photo bomb!

I'm so sorry John Bryan, I was too late to get to Shelly for your big birthday song and splash but a very Happy B'day!

Robyn, Mel and David get in on the joy jumping too. (Kerry would have made it if she hadn't been taking around 20 minutes to get her wet suit off! I think you should ditch it Kerry :-)

Phil (of the 25 year old wet suit is back but with a more modern version). Kerry still hasn't got her wet suit off...

That's all from today's swim but a few photos from sea life at the weekend. and a bit of pre-blogged blog. 

 

A few of us B&Bers went to a 'Celebration of Marine Sanctuaries' on Saturday night hosted by the legendary Valerie Taylor. It was a great evening, a couple of videos were shown and we were encouraged to try and push for the whole of Sydney to become a Marine Park. We know how Cabbage Tree Bay has benefitted from being declared a no take Aquatic Reserve in 2002. Imagine how fantastic it would be if the most beautiful harbour in the world was declared a Marine Reserve! There would be so many different species of fish and Sydney coastline would be teeming with marine life!

 Winter is the time of year we see Port Jackson Sharks and Giant Cuttlefish! A lot of the marine life like Gropers, Old Wives, Fiddler Rays and Wobbegong seem to be around throughout the year.

Old Wives

The captivating Giant Cuttlefish putting on a great display on Saturday.

The Gropers seemed particularly blue at the weekend...

 and the sea grass green.

 

Just a reminder the purple walk for Caroline Kelly's Avner Pancreatic Cancer Research Foundation is on soon!The first Sunday in August I think. Keep your eyes on the blog or ask Caroline. A load of us did it last year along Manly beachfront, a great thing to do and can be done after the swim!
 

Special Event – Guest Speaker!

The next B&B monthly dinner will be on Tuesday 9^th August at 6.30 pm at Bluewater Restaurant. The guest speaker for the night will be John Sear, a keen local SCUBA diver who has been diving at Shelly Beach for over 25 years and made over a thousand dives there. In recent years his interest as an amateur photographer has driven him to start recording the fish species that can be found in the Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve. He shares his passion through his website www.ctbar.wordpress.com which aims to help educate divers, snorkelers and swimmers as they explore our local biodiversity hotspot. His talk is titled "What Lies Beneath".

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 please BOOK HERE NOW, 

  

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

The Stats

Regulars:   142

Newbies:   1

Temp:         17 degrees

Sunrise:      6.48am

Sunset:       5.14pm

love

Lainey

 

26/7/2016 Sun kissed

The path to swimming with the lovely sunrise, always gives me a lift.

At 7am, Manly is waking up. A golden sun kissed  winters day.

Still chilly with air temp about 13 degrees.

A little warmer 17.4 degrees in the water.

 

Our little cove. Quiet & peaceful.

 

Water temp has dropped to 17.4 degrees.

Winter Badge ceremony, Sunday Sept 11. Save the date!

Still a few winter without wetsuit swimmers.

The water was clear and fresh, a little choppy but much calmer than yesterday.

View from the point, waiting for the "lets go".

Great start to the day.

Jenny :))

Stats:
Swimmers 125
Newbies 0
Water temp 17.4

Staying safe - a timely reminder!
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.

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

WWW badge.
Please be aware that to obtain the coveted WWW badge, the only part of the body that is allowed to be covered by wet suit material. Are the feet (booties allowed). Apart from the feet, the body should be covered in non-wet suit material.

Also, a reminder that the philosophy of the B&B group is that we are a group activity and that swims are only to be logged for swims made between the hours of 6am and the final 7am swim (or double or triple or other sanctioned swims). Swims are NOT to be logged outside of these times for social and safety reasons. Management.

 

 

 

25/07/16 - Ecstasy and the Ocean

Ecstasy has it's origins in the Greek ekstasis, meaning 'standing outside oneself'.  Philosopher Plotinus saw ecstasy as a connection back to oneness, the highest expression of human potential, identifying with that which is the best in the universe and key to attaining 'the perfect life'.

For Thoreau ecstasy was experienced as 'all walls and barriers dissipate, and I float in the midst of an unknown and infinite sea, or else heave like a vast ocean of thought'.

Maslow describes this peak experience as 'exciting, oceanic, deeply moving'.  Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi's single word for ecstasy, 'the state of mind when one is using their full potential', was simply Flow.

Every morning connection awaits, right there, in the flow, just beyond our self imposed barriers. Every morning, in the ocean.

 

(click photos to enlarge)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kind Regards,
Andrew 'Magichands' Maher

Unique, gentle, Light Touch Chiropractic Manly - for Bold & Beautiful Swimmers 

Stats:
Swimmers  136
Newbies  1 (...it gets warmer)
Water temp  17.3⁰ 

Staying safe - a timely reminder!
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.

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

WWW badge.
Please be aware that to obtain the coveted WWW badge, the only part of the body that is allowed to be covered by wet suit material. Are the feet (booties allowed).  Apart from the feet, the body should be covered in non-wet suit material.

Also, a reminder that the philosophy of the B&B group is that we are a group activity and that swims are only to be logged for swims made between the hours of 6am and the final 7am swim (or double or triple or other sanctioned swims). Swims are NOT to be logged outside of these times for social and safety reasons. Management.

24/07/2016 - Liberating!

What a morning! A total of 220 swimmers, including 8 newbies, braved the wind chill and were rewarded with what has to be the best start to a Sunday. Well, to any day really..

Solstice Swim Report:

The morning kicked off at 6:20 with leg #2 of the Drinks Express solstice swim. Near perfect conditions for a nude swim really - superb visibility, ice cold water, and the odd jimble to keep things interesting.

Henrietta managed to capture the 6:20 nudies mid-flight on their way to Shelly Beach. If you zoom in closely, you can see Andrew's butt cheeks at the very front of the pack:

I arrived around 6:40, just in time to catch some of the brave solstice swimmers arriving back at the surf beach.

Some still a little bit camera shy..

Others less so..

Love these ladies - it's moments like these that remind me how lucky I'm to be a blogger..

Some of the nude swimmers later that morning - don't let their winter wardrobe fool you. They are still utterly nude underneath:

Andrew looking pleased with the morning:

For those of you who still contemplate joining one of the solstice swims, there will be one more chance around end of August. The solstice swims are strictly non-denominational and you don't have to be a practicing pagan to join.

I joined for the last one on 22nd June and loved it. In fact, if it wasn't for my blogging duty, I probably would have disrobed for today's installment too. I just couldn't figure out where to store the camera on the way over. Please submit suggestions in the comments section at the bottom of this blog.

The 7am Main Event:

With the nudies arriving back, the 7am regulars were getting ready..

Mark, Michael & Julie:

Lovely Lisa with daughter Georgie:

Legends Greg & Bill - the latter wearing his flesh-coloured undies in a show of support for the solstice swimmers: 

Fiona was in top form today..

Best thing about winter swimming (apart from occasional nudity) - the 7am sunrise!

Michael thought it was hilarious to splash me with 16.7 degree water. From behind. From the safety of his wetsuit. What's wrong with people!

Dispiriting: The A-Team, once again, narrowly beating me to Shelly. I blame the wetsuits..

Capless Dave feeling the cold:

Now, I know a talented blog tart when I see one - Marco pulled out all the stops:

Fellow Sunday blogger and part-time magician Michael - wasn't sure who's turn it was to blog today. Note to self - really need to clean up that Sunday blogging roster..

Getting people to clown was a bit like pulling teeth today. I blame the cold water.

Ironically, experienced ocean swimmers know that excessive clowning is one of the best ways to maintain body temperature in cold water conditions..

..as is cuddling Michael Christie:

A textbook 'Let's Go!' executed by Julie Isbill:

Jason - always has time to stop for a friendly chat with the blogger:

Winter-swimming veterans Luca & Lexi:

Shower Scenes:

There are few things more pleasing to the eye than beautiful swimmers taking a shower. And I don't mean that in a creepy way.

In fact, I plan to dedicate a whole blog on post-swim showers in the not-so-distant future.

Two of today's favorites below:

Coffee Culture:

Apart from that, I love watching swimmers drink their post-swim coffee:

And the lovely people that make it all possible:

Another way to keep warm - grab a dog:

Margot from to Blue Mountains was back to take a break from the blizzards and catch up with her favorite swim group:

Public Safety Notice:

Warning - this is not Jill Rankin. Someone has hacked Jill's social media profile and is pretending to be her:

If you are approached by this woman, do not - under no circumstances - buy discounted Viagra or Ray-Ban sunglasses from her. She has been seen operating around the surf club toilet block earlier this morning.

BTOTD: 

I leave you with another shot of Fiona, who, together with Marco, was competing for BTOTD ('Blog Tart of the Day')..

In the end, I had to call it a tie..

Have a great Sunday. If you haven't done so already, put some clothes on. Have a hot beverage. Hug someone.

Lips x

 

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

The Stats

Regulars:   220

Newbies:   8

Temp:         16.7 degrees

Sunrise:      6.52am

Sunset:       5.10pm

 

 

 

23/07/2016 - More than enough

This past week has been exceptionally beautiful - especially when you consider that this mid winter.  When the weather blesses you with days like this,  you can't help but be reminded of your good fortune. 

It was also a bit of a Celebrity Saturday with the surprise arrival of Jules and Michael.

Chatting with Jules after the swim, she remarked on having enough. When you think about it, we really do have more than enough precious, priceless gifts on our morning swim.

We have enough sun rises to keep our attitudes bright.

Enough amazing sights to continually renew our wonder in the world.

Enough kindness from friends who are willing to lend a hand.

Enough joyous hellos (and hugs) to make you feel welcome.

More than enough company to share in the adventure.

Enough happiness to keep your spirit alive.

Enough opportunity to allow yourself to have fun being very silly.

Warm enough water to celebrate the joy of making it to Shelly, in winter, and still being able to able to smile. Mind you with the temperature at 18.5 that is enough to make you grin from ear to ear.

Having enough time to cruise across the bay and see beautiful marine creatures.

Enough hot water to shower alone. . .

or share with friends :-)

And enough courage to be prepared to take a challenging pose!  Well done Anna.

 

Have a spectacular Saturday.

Mary

 

Opening for Saturday Bloggers

Would you like to share your view of the swim and the wonders of Cabbage Tree Bay with the world? Are you comfortable with simple technology? Then consider joining the Saturday Blogging Team!!  Join regulars – Nat, Roger and Mary – to do a one in four Saturday blog.  See JK for details.

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

 

The Stats

Regulars:   140 (or there abouts)

Newbies:   6 (ish)

Temp:         18.5 degrees

Sunrise:      6.53am

Sunset:       5.10pm

Translators crossing boundaries

I was listening this morning to an interview with the translator who translated the phenomenal Ferrante books from Italian into English and she talked about the challenges of getting across the sense of the original narrative as well as just translating the words. It made me think of all of the people that are the first to learn a language or travel to a new place or discover a new thing - such as those who first went into the dark of Jenolan caves to map them for the rest of us. I feel that bloggers of the swim are doing a bit of that for the people who did not swim as well. It is through the bloggers eyes that you get the swim. Personally, I like to see all of the swimmers enjoying the group and the lovely Manly / Shelly Beach and that is why I am glad that all the gorgeous swimmers agree to a photo.

 

 

Sam and Jo heard a buzz. It was possibly the excitement of the swim or possibly the many flies that have hatched on the ceiling area of the awning of the club

Alan Kathy and Emma are like ninjas - they sit very still and the flies do not notice them

Some newbies joined us today. Welcome

Happy birthday Suzie

where are he rest of my usual photo subjects from this bench? These swimmers were ready for a great swim

We all sometimes need a helping hand and there are lots of helpers in BB

Michael joined me to get going a little before 7 am

 

Encounters with the early swimmers. And there were LOTS of early swimmers

At Shelly

 

Richard is an experienced ocean swimmer and has lots of knowledge that he happily shares. It is so good to have BB otherwise where would we get that knowledge?

The A team. Very. Fast. Swimmers. I think they should be commended for coming along to swim when they take only seconds to cover the return journey. I get lots more value because I get 45-50 minutes swim for my trip! A team is very dedicated 

Nick is swimming but it was Luca's birthday yesterday! Happy 7th birthday Luca. A fantastic age. See you soon

Luckily this photo has no tongue.

 

 

a serious discussion about how to change swim technique. When you develop your own technique it comes naturally. When you are changing some element, it is challenging - This swimmer with Nickki and Louise was swimming without a snorkel. Quite different. 

I saw the new AMEO power breather this week. I thought that it would be great if I had a power breather and that I do not have one. Power. Pretty good. https://shop.ameo.cc/us/powerbreather/ameo-powerbreather-wave-snorkel-2.0

 

210 swimmers

2 newbies

Temp - as above

Flies - more than necessary

What I have been reading this week - The Lost Boy by Camilla Lackberg (still on a break from Barkskins)

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.