Pacific Jules

30/11/2016 - Jumping and Swimming with Joy!

Awesome Sophie opens our blog today (and her legs ;-)). Love her star jumps, but most of all her warm, kind and huge heart! (If anyone needs the best Marriage Celebrant she's your lady.) A huge turn out today on the last day of Spring! 

The sunrise when I saw it during my run, over Freshy.

So lovely to Have Ian Foster back after his extended holiday. He counted 80 6.30am swimmers today and reckoned there were around 250 swimmers altogether. A lot left early for a Boulderdash.

Lucy tries to hide her baby bump behind Drinky!

Lisa and Edwina warm Katrina up as she comes in from her early swim.

Amanda and Sarah find they are sporting the same cozzies.

I manage to catch a photo of Henrietta and hubby Richard together. Thanks again Richard who organised the hot choccies at Shelly for Henrietta's birthday swim last week!

Nicky's hubby Ronald is a bit reluctant to swim with us, hopefully he'll get hooked soon!

Lovely to see new Mum Naomi glowing after her early swim!

The 7am make their entrance in calm 20 degree waters!

 

Lots of wives and hubbies swimming together today! Victoria and John on the left and Kerri and Charl on the right. We wish Victoria luck for her full ironman event in Busselton on the weekend!

Gorgeous sun reflections as we head to The Point...

Lorrae and friends at Shelly.

Great photo bomb from Mel in background!

Don't like to inflate their super size egos but 'The A Team' are looking pretty good hot!

The 'A Team' can't top this guy though, the amazing Sebastian Therry author of '100 Things to do before you die'. Another inspiring swimmer... He is  connecting people to help others from Australia to USA, Europe and all over now. Organising skydives for terminally ill kids, wishes coming true for deserving people all over the world...

Lisa, Robyn, Nicki and Candice. A lot of their friends are off Boulderdashing today. Three groups went out at 6am, 6.10 and 6.20am, around 30 in total.Well done guys!

Howard and Mike

The Duskies are back yay! (admittedly I took that photo last year but did look a bit like the one I saw today!)

A beautiful Leatherjacket showing off his 'horn'.

Hulafish

I don't usually include photos of the Luderick we see all the time but I didn't see anything jaw dropping today, so I'll show him!

It's great to have Greg McDonaugh back fighting fit after his heart surgery. He was even spotted Booty Camping on Monday!

The Manly Hospital group. Edwina, Lisa and Kath with Isobel, the German Doctor who enjoyed her last swim with us today.

Guess the butterflyer!

 

SUMMER TRIPLE BADGE

Please don't forget our Summer Triple badge this summer! If you can't make the 6 km distance, or want to warm up for the 6 km swim, why not do a triple Manly-Shelly swim any day and you earn a badge (don't forget to log it on i-log). Due to popular demand, this year you will be able to earn the Summer Triple as well the 6 km badge. Everyone is eligible for two badges in any combination (triple/6km, 6km/10km, triple/10km), so start training!!

23rd Ocean Care Day Festival - This Sun 4 Dec - Manly Beachfront 10.30am - 4.30pm
Fun activities for everyone - seaside scavenge, a touchable ocean lab, live music, roving artists, eco talks and lots of great eco exhibitions and stalls celebrating our oceans and raising awareness about the threats to our oceans. 

https://www.facebook.com/somanly/?ref=br_rs

Boomerang Bags Manly Launch - 23rd Ocean Care Day Festival

Date: This Sunday 4 Dec @ 12.30pm

Time: 12.30pm

Location: Southern Stage Manly Beachfront (opp Royal Far West)

Join us in the celebrations of launching this exciting initiative into the community of Manly at the 23rd Ocean Care Day Festival.

Boomerang Bags is a bag share initiative driven by our community to reduce single use plastic pollution in our community.

From next week, look out for the bright red boomerang bag boxes located in local businesses throughout Manly’s shopping precinct.

The boxes will be stocked with FREE reusable fabric shopping bags for customers to borrow when they forget to bring their own.

Simple borrow a bag when you need it most and return to a red BB box along with any extras you have at home.

The availability of free reusable bags reduces the amount of plastic materials entering our landfills and waterways and encourages a mentality of re-use in our community.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/905475572932227/

 

The B&B Christmas calendars are on sale! Grab one for yourself, and many more as stocking fillers!  

B&B Christmas Party – don’t miss out – BOOK EARLY

The B & B Christmas Party this year will be held on Tuesday 13^th December at 6.30 pm in the Moonshine Bar (2^nd Floor) at the Steyne Hotel. All swimmers and partners/friends are welcome (no under 18s unfortunately). The theme again this year is simply “Christmas”. So come dressed in your finest Christmas paraphernalia. Lots of fun and dancing are guaranteed, with music by a fantastic rock band “Gluteus Maximus”. The cost is $10 per head, with all proceeds going to the running costs of the B&B. Book HERE now! Don’t miss out on this fun event, numbers are limited.

Summer Badge focus

Summer Swims 6k and 10k. The 6k swims run on any Saturday during summer from December to February. There is only one 10k swim in each of the months of December, February and March (not in January). The proposed date for the first 10k swim is Saturday 10th December 2016.

Enjoy the last day of Spring folks1

Lainey

P.S. Janet found goggles and cap in changing room. Will give to Ian.

 

 

 

The B&B Christmas calendars are on sale! Grab one for yourself, and many more as stocking fillers!  

B&B Christmas Party – don’t miss out – BOOK EARLY

The B & B Christmas Party this year will be held on Tuesday 13^th December at 6.30 pm in the Moonshine Bar (2^nd Floor) at the Steyne Hotel. All swimmers and partners/friends are welcome (no under 18s unfortunately). The theme again this year is simply “Christmas”. So come dressed in your finest Christmas paraphernalia. Lots of fun and dancing are guaranteed, with music by a fantastic rock band “Gluteus Maximus”. The cost is $10 per head, with all proceeds going to the running costs of the B&B. Book HERE now! Don’t miss out on this fun event, numbers are limited.

Summer Badge focus

Summer Swims 6k and 10k. The 6k swims run on any Saturday during summer from December to February. There is only one 10k swim in each of the months of December, February and March (not in January). The proposed date for the first 10k swim is Saturday 10th December 2016.

Enjoy the last day of Spring folks1

Lainey

P.S. Janet found goggles and cap in changing room. Will give to Ian.

 

B&B Christmas Party – don’t miss out – BOOK EARLY

The B & B Christmas Party this year will be held on Tuesday 13^th December at 6.30 pm in the Moonshine Bar (2^nd Floor) at the Steyne Hotel. All swimmers and partners/friends are welcome (no under 18s unfortunately). The theme again this year is simply “Christmas”. So come dressed in your finest Christmas paraphernalia. Lots of fun and dancing are guaranteed, with music by a fantastic rock band “Gluteus Maximus”. The cost is $10 per head, with all proceeds going to the running costs of the B&B. Book HERE now! Don’t miss out on this fun event, numbers are limited.

Summer Badge focus

Summer Swims 6k and 10k. The 6k swims run on any Saturday during summer from December to February. There is only one 10k swim in each of the months of December, February and March (not in January). The proposed date for the first 10k swim is Saturday 10th December 2016.

Enjoy the last day of Spring folks1

Lainey

P.S. Janet found goggles and cap in changing room. Will give to Ian.

Tuesday 29 November 2016 - A Pacific Jewel you need to see to believe

I woke this morning in a panic as the morning light had already beaten a path through the window and up the wall. I bounded out of bed with the prospect of an early swim. Ian Mcknight had warned me the night before he would be banging on my window at 5:30am to make sure I was awake. It was like trying to stop your alarm going off but like clockwork the banging started. But then I woke in a sweat and realised I was home and there was no Ian at my window. 

Such was the start to a typical day in Lord Howe Island with the B&B crew on tour. While this mornings swim at Manly was enjoyable, I need to impart to you a sense of the magnificence of a Lord Howe morning and the prospect of immersing yourself in the blue pacific coral filled waters of the offshore lagoons and open ocean. I do this to suggest, in the event you havent done it yet that you put it on your list (fairly high up I suggest).

The days start with of course the Mcknight led early swim which for some was around the buoy and back, a mere matter of 100 meters while for others meant heading for one of the islands and turning back when you realised it might have been a bit far. Either way the return to shore meant breakfast was next. As you can see Ian was in his element in the clean Lord Howe water.

After the sensational breakfast fuel up, it was off to the swim boat, to the other end of the island, a trip that took 5 minutes by bike. This was followed by some swim tips by the local swim captain Trevor Hendy and his merry band. From there out to sea to find an ideal start mark for a few K's of swim.

The start was usually just behind the breakers to the lee side of the island depending on wind direction. So many choices.

The swim usually ended up with a choice from offshore and return to base by boat though some days we just swum back to shore and headed back by bike again to Pine Trees for a for a lunch that was always exciting followed by a trek somewhere. With so many choices we just ticked them off 1 by 1 and still after a week had many left on the list.

With an island only 4 km in length everything usually included some up but all close at hand and usually a few hours round trip. The treks required another swim on return of course so we usually ended up on a lee beach somewhere cooling off and sleeping in the afternoon sun.

The afternoon cool down was usually followed by a relaxed ride back for a cuppa and some wind sown before meeting at the boat house for some strategy discussions ready for the next day.

Then back for another sensational dinner and do it all again.

Let me say it was one of the best breaks we have had. No internet, no mobiles and no worries mixed with an island I had to visit to believe.

We are planning another visit as soon as we can so if you are interested get in touch and let us know so we can get some details to you well ahead as it books out fast.

And now to business - This morning we were greeted by a very high tide and some lightly choppy conditions and low visibility. We had about 180 participants and 8 newbies, 4 of which we caught up with at breakfast still buzzing from the experience. Thats what its all about folks - get into it when you can.

Have a great week and see you at the christmas party.

Brian

The B&B Christmas calendars are on sale! Grab one for yourself, and many more as stocking fillers!   B&B Christmas Party – don’t miss out – BOOK EARLY The B & B Christmas Party this year will be held on Tuesday 13th December at 6.30 pm in the Moonshine Bar (2nd Floor) at the Steyne Hotel. All swimmers and partners/friends are welcome (no under 18s unfortunately). The theme again this year is simply “Christmas”. So come dressed in your finest Christmas paraphernalia. Lots of fun and dancing are guaranteed, with music by a fantastic rock band “Gluteus Maximus”. The cost is $10 per head, with all proceeds going to the running costs of the B&B. Book HERE now! Don’t miss out on this fun event, numbers are limited. Summer Badge focus Summer Swims 6k and 10k. The 6k swims run on any Saturday during summer from December to February. There is only one 10k swim in each of the months of December, February and March (not in January). The proposed date for the first 10k swim is Saturday 10th December 2016

 

 

Monday 28th November 2016

6amers said lets go to the harbour.  

 

 

Angel B

 

 

It's 6.05am and 5 went to the toilet roll and 5 went to Little Manly.

 

 Derek and Sarah swam at 6.10 to Shelly without bluebottles.

 

Guess the 6.30 swimmer who got stung!  Jumbles ???

 

The Spaniard who recently added another Coolangatta Gold!!   

 

Five  7  o'clockers.

 

Matty got the thumbs up!

 

 

Options

Walk to Shelly and swim home.

 

Ash, Rebecca and Ellie swim to Shelly & walk home.

 

Meet my mate Gary from Bulli who introduced me to ocean swimming. Happy 37th Anniversary!!

 

Shells at Shelly.

 

 

Colour at Shelly.

 

The Bishop had no chance today  because.....

 

...Scotty and Brad were on fire and dead-heated.

 

 Fifi's aquatic art.

 

Sarah and I had ring side seats to write todays'  blog.

 

 Have a great week ahead.

Simon 

 ========================================================================================================

The B&B Christmas calendars are on sale! Grab one for yourself, and many more as stocking fillers!  

B&B Christmas Party – don’t miss out – BOOK EARLY

The B & B Christmas Party this year will be held on Tuesday 13^th December at 6.30 pm in the Moonshine Bar (2^nd Floor) at the Steyne Hotel. All swimmers and partners/friends are welcome (no under 18s unfortunately). The theme again this year is simply “Christmas”. So come dressed in your finest Christmas paraphernalia. Lots of fun and dancing are guaranteed, with music by a fantastic rock band “Gluteus Maximus”. The cost is $10 per head, with all proceeds going to the running costs of the B&B. Book HERE now! Don’t miss out on this fun event, numbers are limited.

 

Summer Badge focus

Summer Swims 6k and 10k. The 6k swims run on any Saturday during summer from December to February. There is only one 10k swim in each of the months of December, February and March (not in January). The proposed date for the first 10k swim is Saturday 10th December 2016.

 

B&B Christmas Party – don’t miss out – BOOK EARLY

The B & B Christmas Party this year will be held on Tuesday 13^th December at 6.30 pm in the Moonshine Bar (2^nd Floor) at the Steyne Hotel. All swimmers and partners/friends are welcome (no under 18s unfortunately). The theme again this year is simply “Christmas”. So come dressed in your finest Christmas paraphernalia. Lots of fun and dancing are guaranteed, with music by a fantastic rock band “Gluteus Maximus”. The cost is $10 per head, with all proceeds going to the running costs of the B&B. Book HERE now! Don’t miss out on this fun event, numbers are limited.

 

Summer Badge focus

Summer Swims 6k and 10k. The 6k swims run on any Saturday during summer from December to February. There is only one 10k swim in each of the months of December, February and March (not in January). The proposed date for the first 10k swim is Saturday 10th December 2016.

27/11/2016 The blog with no title

Yep that right! There's no title today. Lainey asked me at breakfast what I would be calling the blog today and agreed that sometimes it's even hard to come up with a title!

We had a cracking 280 swimmers today, of which 18 were new and John Bond confirmed the water temperature as a balmy 21.1 degrees.

The B&B Christmas calendars are on sale! Grab one for yourself, and many more as stocking fillers!

Tonal swimmers told me that they confirmed colour of outfits by text before arriving :)

Sterling told me he was listening to "something by Britney Spears" as he was walking down to the swim (The author may or may not have exaggerated parts of this quote for the humorous factor only)

Family pic time!

The water was high today, making for a long swim to the point

Ted's triangle reported sighting of a large turtle today! Apparently spotted when heading North 'looking for the shark nets' - sounds like the Wildlife Warriors party!! Reports state that's its not one of our usual Cabbage Tree Bay members either :)

Shelly beach was crowded with wetsuits diminishing day by day

If you dont want to swim back, how about hitching a ride?

Always a couple of obliging swimmers at Shelly ready for a photo opportunity.

"Back" we go

I spotted at least three catfish today - are the numbers of them increasing ? Time of year for them ?

Bottom of the blog
B&B Christmas Party – don’t miss out – BOOK EARLY
The B & B Christmas Party this year will be held on Tuesday 13th December at 6.30 pm in the Moonshine Bar (2nd Floor) at the Steyne Hotel. All swimmers and partners/friends are welcome (no under 18s unfortunately). The theme again this year is simply “Christmas”. So come dressed in your finest Christmas paraphernalia. Lots of fun and dancing are guaranteed, with music by a fantastic rock band “Gluteus Maximus”. The cost is $10 per head, with all proceeds going to the running costs of the B&B. Book HERE now! Don’t miss out on this fun event, numbers are limited.
Summer Badge focus
Summer Swims 6k and 10k. The 6k swims run on any Saturday during summer from December to February. There is only one 10k swim in each of the months of December, February and March (not in January). The proposed date for the first 10k swim is Saturday 10th December 2016.

signing off: Snorkles

Saturday 26 November 2016 - Satisfaction guaranteed

I am keen on online shopping. Sitting on the couch and surfing the net, finding lots of things I don't already have. But very often when it arrives - unless it is a book - I will have forgotten that I have ordered it or if I remember it is not as good as I thought.

 

That is never the case with a swim! It is a bigger effort for some than others but you never regret a swim. Shows in the happy faces around the swim.

Hi Margot, from Katoomba. Yes, in the Blue Mountains and not a new suburb named something that sounds like something else so you can't know where it is. She finds the swim very satisfactory so comes along all that way!

Lots of swimmers coming along now that we are approaching summer. You know, it is fantastic but try winter swimming some time. It is even better

Mother and daughter. 

Which goggles to wear. Goggle choice is a personal thing. Some feel comfortable and some do not regardless of what Michael Phelps wears. Even though these look identical to me, best to take both pairs in case you pick the wrong pair

Graham and - sorry I forgot - are of an English back ground and are back after a year's absence. Welcome back! Even though it took a while, I am sure the swim was calling you back. A great day to return. We laughed as we shared rescue stories. Good to ask for help when you need it

Look at that eye catching tape. This tape is fantastic. It has not been around for long  but how have we ever managed without it

The WOW extended play version

The swimmer is wearing a full wetsuit. Better than swimming in Qld we agreed where the jelly fish can be lethal. Ours a just annoying. Luckily none today

Here are 2 guys back after an absence: On the left James who swam about a year ago and has not been able to rest until returning today. So good.

on the right, fresh from Morrocco with his lovely wife Pauline is Ian. Can't stay away.

Good temps John. 

These two were in primary school together 58 years ago in 1958. Isn't that so special. Alan and Dorset are glad to be swimming today too

 

3 swimmers - Arlo does not yet have his cap on

Rob

Magnificent hair - I had to photograph it

Look at this colour! What a pop for the eyes

Encounters with early swimmers

One mo for Movember

These are not for Movember

So many swimmers. So satisfying to swim

Early swimmers trying to forge through the 7 am - hardy than a strong swell

 

I was a teen in the 1970s and love Movember for bringing back the moustache. How long can it be before cardingans a la Starsky and Hutch start appearing - being worn ironically of course

In the pinkc caps we are all equal. But some are more equal than others

Lisa et al at Shelly. 

The swimmer in the middel is moving for 6 months to France ski resort: Champagny-en-Vanoise - if I got it down correctly. Bon voyage. Your companion will have to swim without you. It is interesting that lots of swimmers also ski. 

Hold off for a photo even though John called Let's Go

players from the Ryde water polo squad swam with the BB today. An honour. It is a great sport to watch. 

Here is Dermott visiting family from London

And Graeme who moved from Canberra. What is the latest stat? So many swimmers have found the swim beyond expectations that they have moved to Manly. My husband and I will move there on retirement although you have to borrow so much to buy in Manly that you can never retire....

 

And Malyse

the water polo players waiting for another member to join. Water polo was the first team sport in the Olympics. They do a special water treading technique and throw a big ball with one hand. So much to praise

On my way back I hit a swimmer head on. In exchange he agreed to stop his lightning speed swim back for a photo

Flotaing the water: one glove. Did you lose it? I will bring it in. Or is it all that is left of a swimmer ....

 

I am swimming at Coogee tomorrow as are many others. I enjoy that swim as it is a nice location with the best water safety. Satisfaction guaranteed.

Remeber, if you see rubbish, especially plastic, take it out of the sea. Recycling plastic is important but to make it work, you have to also buy things made from recycled plastic. Instead of virgin plastic. 10 points to Addidas:

http://www.businessinsider.com.au/adidas-shoe-from-plastic-ocean-waste-2016-11#/#-1

 Stats@ summer level

Newbies - yes

Stongers - nil

temp 20.2

NOTICES

B&B Christmas Party – don’t miss out – BOOK EARLY

The B & B Christmas Party this year will be held on Tuesday 13^th December at 6.30 pm in the Moonshine Bar (2^nd Floor) at the Steyne Hotel. All swimmers and partners/friends are welcome (no under 18s unfortunately). The theme again this year is simply “Christmas”. So come dressed in your finest Christmas paraphernalia. Lots of fun and dancing are guaranteed, with music by a fantastic rock band “Gluteus Maximus”. The cost is $10 per head, with all proceeds going to the running costs of the B&B. Book HERE now! Don’t miss out on this fun event, numbers are limited.

Summer Badge focus

Summer Swims 6k and 10k. The 6k swims run on any Saturday during summer from December to February. There is only one 10k swim in each of the months of December, February and March (not in January). The proposed date for the first 10k swim is Saturday 10th December 2016.

Have a great day. fill in blog by Asterius of Amasia 

B&B Christmas Party – don’t miss out – BOOK EARLY

The B & B Christmas Party this year will be held on Tuesday 13^th December at 6.30 pm in the Moonshine Bar (2^nd Floor) at the Steyne Hotel. All swimmers and partners/friends are welcome (no under 18s unfortunately). The theme again this year is simply “Christmas”. So come dressed in your finest Christmas paraphernalia. Lots of fun and dancing are guaranteed, with music by a fantastic rock band “Gluteus Maximus”. The cost is $10 per head, with all proceeds going to the running costs of the B&B. Book HERE now! Don’t miss out on this fun event, numbers are limited.

Summer Badge focus

Summer Swims 6k and 10k. The 6k swims run on any Saturday during summer from December to February. There is only one 10k swim in each of the months of December, February and March (not in January). The proposed date for the first 10k swim is Saturday 10th December 2016.

Friday 25 November 2016. Reality and shows

ABC Radio was lucky to have a brush with fame this morning. A call from Management no less! "John" called in to mention the swim at Manly and also put in a guess for the mystery song. 

 

This got me thinking about celebrity and reality shows which I somehow know lots about without actually watching any. Perhaps we can, as a random act of kindness, create our own reality 'show'- I'm a Celebrity. Get me into Here and let even more people know about this wonderful swim activity  and get them to join. This is the cast so far

And what about the conditions on offer - you can imagine but don't have to - people from the Northern Hemisphere wishing they were here today

Here are some people checking the swim out and maybe coming back to audition

I am not sure what the dramatic tension would be for this show. However, what I do know is in such programmes, there is a little bit of something happening but the participants talk about it before and then afterwards. Sometimes they talk about how it was for a longer period than it actually took to do the action whether it is cooking or some other challenge. That is just like BB. Talk and preparation before. What are the conditions. Any stingers. Where are the early swimmers swimming today. Is it time for a spring suit or just swimmers. 

Here are some swimmers multi tasking - looking forward to this swim but also thinking about the swim around Wedding Cke island on Sunday. 

Getting a swim in before work. 

Maryanne was - like her swimming friend - looking forward to the swim and wondering where Karen is

Here are some judges - judging the conditions before getting in. They thought it looked pretty fabulous

Encounters with the early swimmers. There were loads of them today. i saw some leaving the water but I got in the way of many more trying to swim out. They are strong and fast - yikes - being in the way 

A report of a sighting of a huge ray. Demonstrated. Something to look for.

 

I was lucky to spot a faded swim cap surging back with the early swimmers - it could only be Alan!

Maybe the key part of the show - getting to Shelly Beach

Hot topic opening up - lots of caps missing today. is it a summer trend?

 

No rose ceremony, no talking stick but a turn doing "Let's Go!" Today it was Lisa's turn (no re-created scenes in this blog)

Nick and Sam setting off 

This swimmer is looking for a turn at the Let's Go. Auditions close soon

Here is a proposed participant, Mark,  in the BB reality chatting with the famous John - I hope to see him tomorrow

Lots of swimmers, particularly early ones. 

Some newbies

No stingers

One big ray.

Visibility - sort of like a public pool at the end of a busy weekend summer day. 

 

What I am reading - this week I read a short book called "Running Man"by Charlie Engle. He beat a drug and alcohol addiction by running. Across the Sahara and similar extreme events. An interesting story as it gave an insight into his addiction. Seems to have moved from a bad addiction to a new one. Food for thought for me

B&B Christmas Party – don’t miss out – BOOK EARLY

The B & B Christmas Party this year will be held on Tuesday 13^th December at 6.30 pm in the Moonshine Bar (2^nd Floor) at the Steyne Hotel. All swimmers and partners/friends are welcome (no under 18s unfortunately). The theme again this year is simply “Christmas”. So come dressed in your finest Christmas paraphernalia. Lots of fun and dancing are guaranteed, with music by a fantastic rock band “Gluteus Maximus”. The cost is $10 per head, with all proceeds going to the running costs of the B&B. Book HERE now! Don’t miss out on this fun event, numbers are limited.

 

Summer Badge focus

Summer Swims 6k and 10k. The 6k swims run on any Saturday during summer from December to February. There is only one 10k swim in each of the months of December, February and March (not in January). The proposed date for the first 10k swim is Saturday 10th December 2016.

Perfection again.

Today is my hump day, and after yesterday's rough surf and choppy swimming conditions, I"m glad Manly is back to it's normal perfect self.

Anne welcomed two new swimmers and they agreed to do whatever she said!

This lovely lady is heading back to Miami after two swims with us and promises to return.

I snuck up on the yogi's and snapped them in the zone: blissfully unaware.

Henrietta shared this photo with me of a water dragon laying eggs one morning recently-

On the way around to half way yesterday I spotted a bird fishing- so cute!

I saw a huge wobbegong today, but he hid in the weeds, so giving you a look from two months ago:

I found a sting ray and cute little fish to talk to on the way over-

We had a little chill factor with the wind today, waiting for everyone at Shelly, some huddled in the water and others were happy to jump about as per usual.

I came across Merrilee and her dog patiently waiting for her to finish her swim. I can't resist the dogs and animals everyone :)

back to the surf club to do what we all enjoy: coffee and chats!

thanks to manly point cafe for all the great coffee's and that yummy fruit and nut loaf.

there were two newbies, water was a beautiful 20 degrees and 138 swimmers today.

 

 

The B & B Christmas Party this year will be held on Tuesday 13th December at 6.30 pm in the Moonshine Bar (2nd Floor) at the Steyne Hotel. All swimmers and partners/friends are welcome (no under 18s unfortunately). The theme again this year is simply “Christmas”. So come dressed in your finest Christmas paraphernalia. Lots of fun and dancing are guaranteed, with music by a fantastic rock band “Gluteus Maximus”. The cost is $10 per head, with all proceeds going to the running costs of the B&B. Book HERE now! Don’t miss out on this fun event, numbers are limited.

 

Wednesday 23/11/2016 Hump Day Bump Day

 

I was in a slight panic this morning. I hadn't had time to plan my blog and I felt very uninspired with no idea for a theme.

I shouldn't have worried. There was no need for a theme today. There was so much to celebrate, experience and enjoy so I'll let the morning and all its glory unfold with the great variety of happenings in these photos.

First of all A very happy Birthday to Henrietta. She is one of the most beautiful women of the Band B and always so happy and delightful. She is celebrating a big birthday today so I'm glad we were all able to celebrate with her. More of her birthday celebrations to follow.

As the 6.30's started to arrive there were some very happy faces but some very nervous glances out to the ocean which was putting on a spectacular display of rolling, heaving, bumping, bouncing waves

Sue and Nat

Charlotte and Sophie trying to decide to swim or not to swim. That is the question!

You know its going to be a tough swim when the Drinksy Express are gathered for a team talk.

Regardless of the challenging conditions, they all head out with a smile

Into the churning maelstrom they go!

Meanwhile back at the wall with Robyn and Henrietta who starts to get all her birthday hugs

Henrietta, Dorsett, Martin, Peter and Jill

After his 6am swim, Mark was looking a lot healthier then when I last saw him on Sunday night after his bluebottle encounter and was happy to report no pesky stingers this morning. Mark enjoyed a post swim chat with John and Sean or should I say Fabio. Donations welcome for his Movember fund raising!

Adam, Sabina, Toby and Sanna

John, Shelley, Robyn and Richard

Michael, James and Penny take time out to peruse the new calendar

Fiona also enjoying the pictures

Caden and Luca issuing a shark alert

John and his WOW team

Dave, Rob and Scotty's dad Craig. Craig came for the swim to help Scotty celebrate his 1000k swim. Brilliant effort!

Scotty celebrating his 1000 and being first back, I believe

We gathered to listen to our wise leader who suggested a walk to Shelly might be a good idea. 

Whilst half the group heeded his advice the other half braved the waves

Gemma, Caroline and friend enjoyed the walk over whilst others still pondered what their best option was

More pondering

Louise, Emma and Michael did the Can-Can on the way over

This gorgeous group of swimmers were enjoying a calm stroll to Shelly...until...

There seemed to be more gazing out to sea when we got to Shelly, than actual swimming today. For a good reason - we were waiting for the birthday girl Henrietta as she and Richard had ordered hot chocolates all round

Cheers Henrietta!!

Great shot of Jill, Mary, Rainer and Sarah

After finally getting into the water Anne, Emma, Caroline and I made it to the buoy before a quick turnaround back to Shelly. The water was a warm 20.8 with quite a swell and limited visibility but still a fabulous swim.

On the walk back we were treated to this acrobatic aerial show with loop the loops, barrel rolls, stalls and other stunts. Very impressive.

Melissa, Emma, Robyn, James, Alison, Georgina and Jane

I met James, Ed and Katie today. James has been coming for a while, Ed not that long and Katie enjoyed her first swim with B and B today. Great effort and welcome Katie! These were tricky conditions for your first swim so we will look forward to seeing you back again.

John, Danny, Marco and Brian

Caroline David, Mel, Bails and Me

 Was there a complaint of disturbing the peace? No! It was just the regular chat and coffee on the wall

"It wasn't us Officer believe me! It must have been that mob at the Benches"

Having sorted out the riffraff at the Wall off they head to fight more crime....on the beach?

So to recap, we had a special birthday, a 1000k swimmer, a lovely stroll to Shelly, hot chocolate at Shelly and cakes at Manly, an acrobatic airshow, new swimmers and large difficult seas, police on horseback and this was all before 8am. What a brilliant start to the day!

Stats: (Completely fabricated)

Water temp: 20.8

Swimmers: 119

Walkers and swimmers: 83

Newbies: at least 1 (Katie)

Police on Horseback: 2

 

Enjoy the rest of your day

Lisa 

B&B Christmas Party – don’t miss out – BOOK EARLY

The B & B Christmas Party this year will be held on Tuesday 13th December at 6.30 pm in the Moonshine Bar (2nd Floor) at the Steyne Hotel. All swimmers and partners/friends are welcome (no under 18s unfortunately). The theme again this year is simply “Christmas”. So come dressed in your finest Christmas paraphernalia. Lots of fun and dancing are guaranteed, with music by a fantastic rock band “Gluteus Maximus”. The cost is $10 per head, with all proceeds going to the running costs of the B&B. Book HERE now! Don’t miss out on this fun event, numbers are limited.

(I'm sorry I have no idea how to activate the booking site and my technical advisor (my son) is not home)

 

 

22/11/16 Tuesday Happiness & Cheryl's 500km

Nice and warm today air temp 25 degrees, water temp 21.5 degrees.

Congratulations to Cheryl on completing her 500km, well done.

 

Cheryl - Celebrating with her B & B friends at Shelley.

 Waves were up a bit today.

Some of the happy faces of 6.30am swimmers returning.

Greg enjoyed his swim.

Smiling Andrew on hi 6.30am return, and spectacular blog drop in by Lyndal.

Water looking wonderful.

These two beasties, waiting patiently for their dad to return from the 6.30swim.

About 150 swimmers today and 21.5 degrees.

Have a great day, Jenny :))

B&B Christmas Party – don’t miss out – BOOK EARLY

Xmas

The B & B Christmas Party this year will be held on Tuesday 13th December at 6.30 pm in the Moonshine Bar (2nd Floor) at the Steyne Hotel. All swimmers and partners/friends are welcome (no under 18s unfortunately). The theme again this year is simply “Christmas”. So come dressed in your finest Christmas paraphernalia. Lots of fun and dancing are guaranteed, with music by a fantastic rock band “Gluteus Maximus”. The cost is $10 per head, with all proceeds going to the running costs of the B&B. Book HERE now! Don’t miss out on this fun event, numbers are limited.

 

Mon 20th: Cool Hand Luke

Cool Hand Luke is a 1967 prison drama starring Paul Newman and featuring George Kennedy in an Oscar-winning performance.  Newman stars as Luke, a prisoner in a Florida prison camp who refuses to submit to the system.

Cited as an anti-establishment film and shot during the time of the Vietnam War, with Newman's character enduring "physical punishment, psychological cruelty, hopelessness and equal parts of sadism and masochism."  His influence on his prison mates and the torture that he endures is compared to that of Jesus, and Christian symbolism is used throughout the film.  It has a rare 100% rating on the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes.  The quotation used by the prison warden in the film, which begins with "What we've got here is failure to communicate," was listed at No. 11 on the American Film Institute's list of the 100 most memorable movie lines.

6.05 Monday wake-up call for Booty Camp crew

Below: Mark and daughter Alana are the first to test waters this morning, circa 6.05 a.m. (Meanwhile we the Viber crowd are strung up at the pegs - about bluebottles ...)

Confession:  This blogger does not swim today

Below: Andrew swims to North Steyne at 6.15.  Didn't see a bluebottle.  "Lots of stingtays and whiting," he reports.

More on blubber:  "I've surfed these beaches all my life - the jimbles have only been here for five years."

Meanwhile, out on Lord Howe Island, a bunch of swimmers are enjoying their first full day on swim hols "Ocean Swims with ironman Trevor Hendy".  (Brian was buying goggles at the new supermall on Saturday for Lord Howe)

Fifi aqua shot: Richard Agius (pronounced 'Ages') is a regular Queenscliffer, and volunteer lifesaver.  Often runs to pipe of a morning for warm-up.  At one with this ocean

Mark's looking surprisingly young and handsome this morning, despite spending half the night in hospital after being stuck up 'n' struck down by a banana-sized bluebottle yesterday arvo.  Alana and Suzie tending.  (Suzie raced 2.5 kms in the 'Dawny to Cockatoo Island' harbour race on weekend ...)

Fifi aqua: weekend jelly

Melissa and Andy take kids to ramp; turn back for pedestrian crossing and harbour; and, a few mins later, return to ocean ramp.  "One boy got a sting on wrist," he says, after swim.

Ian (pictured), Simon, Steve and Mark raced the Snowy Mountains ITU Cross Triathlon World Champs on weekend.  'Cross' meaning across country on a mountain bike, and bush trails for running leg.

Swim leg was in Lake Crackenjack, and it was there only that they all experienced oxygen starvation from high altitude.  (Didn't happen when cycling or running.)  "I was reduced to breaststroke in first 200 metres, trying to get my breath back," says Simon.

Triathlete Rochelle is today's bluebottle blogstar - being tended by triathlete Paul and middleman Shaun

Dapper Dude of the day is John - transforming into corporate kit.  Whatever happens from now on this day, he's already been in the ocean at sunrise   :)

B&B Christmas Party – don’t miss out – BOOK EARLY

The B & B Christmas Party this year will be held on Tuesday 13^th December at 6.30 pm in the Moonshine Bar (2^nd Floor) at the Steyne Hotel. All swimmers and partners/friends are welcome (no under 18s unfortunately). The theme again this year is simply “Christmas”. So come dressed in your finest Christmas paraphernalia. Lots of fun and dancing are guaranteed, with music by a fantastic rock band “Gluteus Maximus”. The cost is $10 per head, with all proceeds going to the running costs of the B&B. Book HERE now! Don’t miss out on this fun event, numbers are limited.

Temp: 21.4º