Pacific Jules

31 March 2017 TGIF

Mindful (thanks to the blog of yesterday which provided good advice) that not every one works on a Monday to Friday basis but I do so TGIF. Not the least because the day on which I get to swim in the working week. It was a grey day an some people thought it would be bad to swim. NO!!! it was a great and fabulous swim. 

Happy birthday Michelle

with some sparkling birthday candles

Clouds will not stop the A team swimming fast. They don't need to see the water. It is all in the feel of the water.

Encounters with early swimmers was VERY limited today because it was so dark but high quality

The weather seemed grey but the water was hot hot hot.

The water was lovely despite the reports of 'dangerous surf' about somewhere else

A photo by me at the point means that I had to impose on a kind swimmer to take the Shelly photos. Today that was John Kelly. And that was on top of his Let's Go duties. Exhausting

At Shelly there were the traditional celebrations of Michelle's birthday. Happy birthday

And then, let's go!

I so appreciate the doublers and triplers - Inge, Chris, Anne and others. Otherwise I would be alone in the water with my technique improvement thoughts. Usually that is ok but some days, it is not. A bonus today to see Jill and John

This week i have been reading an Anne Cleeve Book called Cold Earth set in Shetland., a murder mystery. Pretty good, as expected. I have a book club book next called The Atomic Weight of Love which looks a bit sugary but we will see

For the diary

Pauline's rescheduled cake stall is on this coming Saturday April 1st from 6.30 am till 8am. All proceeds to the Banrakya kindy in The Gambia, with basic supplies for their kindy education. . Help appreciated by baking, buying, donating. All of the money raised goes directly into the kindy bank account. A big thank you to those who have already donated or offered help. We are so fortunate in having the gift of education. See photos below of our visit made to the school by Ian and myself last October.

 

B & B Monthly Dinner– Are you swimming with Elasmobranchs?

The next B&B monthly dinner will be on Tuesday 11th April at 6.30 pm at Bluewater Restaurant. Our guest speaker on the night will be Sian Liddy, a Marine Science student at the University of New South Wales, who will pose the question: are you swimming with Elasmobranchs?

Sian is looking for citizen scientists to engage with a research program she is running as part of an Internship with the Manly Environment Centre. The research aims to use non-invasive methods to assess elasmobranch biodiversity in the Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve. So come along to find out how you can be a part of this exciting new project.

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). 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.

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

For the diary

Pauline's rescheduled cake stall is on this coming Saturday April 1st from 6.30 am till 8am. All proceeds to the Banrakya kindy in The Gambia, with basic supplies for their kindy education. . Help appreciated by baking, buying, donating. All of the money raised goes directly into the kindy bank account. A big thank you to those who have already donated or offered help. We are so fortunate in having the gift of education. See photos below of our visit made to the school by Ian and myself last October.

 

B & B Monthly Dinner– Are you swimming with Elasmobranchs?

The next B&B monthly dinner will be on Tuesday 11th April at 6.30 pm at Bluewater Restaurant. Our guest speaker on the night will be Sian Liddy, a Marine Science student at the University of New South Wales, who will pose the question: are you swimming with Elasmobranchs?

Sian is looking for citizen scientists to engage with a research program she is running as part of an Internship with the Manly Environment Centre. The research aims to use non-invasive methods to assess elasmobranch biodiversity in the Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve. So come along to find out how you can be a part of this exciting new project.

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). 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.

31 March 2017 TGIF

Mindful (thanks to the blog of yesterday which provided good advice) that not every one works on a Monday to Friday basis but I do so TGIF. Not the least because the day on which I get to swim in the working week. It was a grey day an some people thought it would be bad to swim. NO!!! it was a great and fabulous swim. 

Happy birthday Michelle

with some sparkling birthday candles

Clouds will not stop the A team swimming fast. They don't need to see the water. It is all in the feel of the water.

Encounters with early swimmers was VERY limited today because it was so dark but high quality

The weather seemed grey but the water was hot hot hot.

The water was lovely despite the reports of 'dangerous surf' about somewhere else

A photo by me at the point means that I had to impose on a kind swimmer to take the Shelly photos. Today that was John Kelly. And that was on top of his Let's Go duties. Exhausting

At Shelly there were the traditional celebrations of Michelle's birthday. Happy birthday

And then, let's go!

I so appreciate the doublers and triplers - Inge, Chris, Anne and others. Otherwise I would be alone in the water with my technique improvement thoughts. Usually that is ok but some days, it is not. A bonus today to see Jill and John

This week i have been reading an Anne Cleeve Book called Cold Earth set in Shetland., a murder mystery. Pretty good, as expected. I have a book club book next called The Atomic Weight of Love which looks a bit sugary but we will see

For the diary

Pauline's rescheduled cake stall is on this coming Saturday April 1st from 6.30 am till 8am. All proceeds to the Banrakya kindy in The Gambia, with basic supplies for their kindy education. . Help appreciated by baking, buying, donating. All of the money raised goes directly into the kindy bank account. A big thank you to those who have already donated or offered help. We are so fortunate in having the gift of education. See photos below of our visit made to the school by Ian and myself last October.

 

B & B Monthly Dinner– Are you swimming with Elasmobranchs?

The next B&B monthly dinner will be on Tuesday 11th April at 6.30 pm at Bluewater Restaurant. Our guest speaker on the night will be Sian Liddy, a Marine Science student at the University of New South Wales, who will pose the question: are you swimming with Elasmobranchs?

Sian is looking for citizen scientists to engage with a research program she is running as part of an Internship with the Manly Environment Centre. The research aims to use non-invasive methods to assess elasmobranch biodiversity in the Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve. So come along to find out how you can be a part of this exciting new project.

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). 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.

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

For the diary

Pauline's rescheduled cake stall is on this coming Saturday April 1st from 6.30 am till 8am. All proceeds to the Banrakya kindy in The Gambia, with basic supplies for their kindy education. . Help appreciated by baking, buying, donating. All of the money raised goes directly into the kindy bank account. A big thank you to those who have already donated or offered help. We are so fortunate in having the gift of education. See photos below of our visit made to the school by Ian and myself last October.

 

B & B Monthly Dinner– Are you swimming with Elasmobranchs?

The next B&B monthly dinner will be on Tuesday 11th April at 6.30 pm at Bluewater Restaurant. Our guest speaker on the night will be Sian Liddy, a Marine Science student at the University of New South Wales, who will pose the question: are you swimming with Elasmobranchs?

Sian is looking for citizen scientists to engage with a research program she is running as part of an Internship with the Manly Environment Centre. The research aims to use non-invasive methods to assess elasmobranch biodiversity in the Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve. So come along to find out how you can be a part of this exciting new project.

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). 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.

Thursday 30 March: Mindfully on our way

It was a dark and stormy morning, even the clock was still out of sync. The sort of morning to be mindful. Some went in at Manly; the rest of us went halfway. But the mindful mood was all over us like the wash.

 

I wonder do you get more from your swim when you use your mind? According to the latest research, yes you do. When you practice mindfulness in any exercise, like swimming, you get an instant relaxation response and a long lasting change to how you brain is wired. We know mindfulness is the practice of purposely focusing your attention on the present moment—and accepting it without judgment. That’s why the present is called the present – it’s the greatest gift we have. It’s when you practice mindfulness when you are moving that you get the amplified benefits. Benefits like what? Reduced anxiety and depression, improved body satisfaction and (what was the last one…) that’s right better memory.

Sue shows us the mindful technique that had her clock up 1000ks in a year… a record according to our statistician Lainey.

The rest of the crew were meditating on her success…

 

Of course we celebrated with her in our customary style..

Some researchers are finding moving mindfulness gives you a ‘super brain’ but our group might challenge that finding, especially the A team contemplating the race…

How do you get mindful when you swim? Feel the water, notice where your hands are, or use a simple mantra… simple really.

A lot easier than being a champion cricketer like Alex Blackwell star of the Australian women's national cricket team the Southern Stars here with her physio Kate…

 

Thanks for being a terrific group of people to enjoy the morning with.

Your mindful blogger…

Pete Anthony

Stats

172 swimmers today

One newbie (Alex)

Temp was 22.8.

For the diary

Pauline's rescheduled cake stall is on this coming Saturday April 1st from 6.30 am till 8am. All proceeds to the Banrakya kindy in The Gambia, with basic supplies for their kindy education. . Help appreciated by baking, buying, donating. All of the money raised goes directly into the kindy bank account. A big thank you to those who have already donated or offered help. We are so fortunate in having the gift of education. See photos below of our visit made to the school by Ian and myself last October.

 

B & B Monthly Dinner– Are you swimming with Elasmobranchs?

The next B&B monthly dinner will be on Tuesday 11th April at 6.30 pm at Bluewater Restaurant. Our guest speaker on the night will be Sian Liddy, a Marine Science student at the University of New South Wales, who will pose the question: are you swimming with Elasmobranchs?

Sian is looking for citizen scientists to engage with a research program she is running as part of an Internship with the Manly Environment Centre. The research aims to use non-invasive methods to assess elasmobranch biodiversity in the Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve. So come along to find out how you can be a part of this exciting new project.

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). 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.

Wednesday 29th March 2017 The Power of Positive!

Another perfect morning!

There were smiles all round today. Energy was in abundance and camaraderie was everywhere. Despite the catastrophic cyclone that hit our northern neighbours, our bay was bathed in a glorious silver grey light that highlighted the perfectly calm and gentle sea. This morning I saw many swimmers pause and take a quiet moment to simply appreciate the beautiful conditions, some with open joy and laughter and others with a calm acceptance that today was going to be a great day. There is always a powerful sense of positivity surrounding the swim. It is contagious and invigorating. Many swimmers have felt the positive healing benefits of the ocean as they recover from ill health, surgery or emotional trauma. Its impact is undeniable, its influence is far reaching.

"In order to carry a positive action we must develop here a positive vision." Dalai Lama

"The day is what you make it! So why not make it a great one?" Steve Schulte

Mandy and Sophie

Martin, Henrietta and Dorsett

Inga and Sean

Booty Camp!

Debbie, John, Martin and Janet

Newbies Alastair from Lane Cove and Eric from Perth. Eric is here for work but has been following B and B for some time. I hope you both had a great swim.

"Being miserable is a habit; being happy is a habit; and the choice is yours" Tom Hopkins

Georgina (Swimmer of the Day!) and Emma

Wendy and Megan

Some wonderfully exuberant expressions of positivity from these ladies.

Jane with Illy and another pal

Happy Birthday Stirling

 

There were very happy groups at Shelly today

David and Holly

Alison, Jane and Illy

Emma

Marco and John

A very happy Rosemary who is swimming with a broken bone in her foot, but loving the positive healing power of being in the ocean

Tomorrow is a big day for Cheryl and several other swimmers. They are heading to Queensland tomorrow to compete in the National Surf Life Saving Carnival. Cheryl and her partner Kelly came first in the state in the First Aid category. Good luck Cheryl and all our other competitors.

I have tried to keep positive all day as I have struggled with some very frustrating technology problems . This blog is a little late and I am disappointed that I took some lovely photos  that I couldn't download but I managed to remain calm and patient and tried to turn a negative into a positive........because I have been labouring away at my computer I haven't had to think about all the other hum drum chores that need to be done....So, not all bad.

Have a great day

Lisa

Stats:

Swimmer: 133

Newbies: 4

Water Temperature:23 degrees

Pauline's rescheduled cake stall is on this coming Saturday April 1st from
6.30 am till 8am. All proceeds to the Banrakya kindy in The Gambia, with
basic supplies for their kindy education. . Help appreciated by baking,
buying, donating. All of the money raised goes directly into the kindy bank
account. A big thank you to those who have already donated or offered help.
We are so fortunate in having the gift of education. See photos below of our
visit made to the school by Ian and myself last October.

.

B & B Monthly Dinner– Are you swimming with Elasmobranchs?

The next B&B monthly dinner will be on Tuesday 11th April at 6.30 pm at Bluewater Restaurant. Our guest speaker on the night will be Sian Liddy, a Marine Science student at the University of New South Wales, who will pose the question: are you swimming with Elasmobranchs?

Sian is looking for citizen scientists to engage with a research program she is running as part of an Internship with the Manly Environment Centre. The research aims to use non-invasive methods to assess elasmobranch biodiversity in the Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve. So come along to find out how you can be a part of this exciting new project.

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). 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.

 

28/3/17 Lovely and Calm today

Lovely and calm today at Manly, which was a surprise for many as it was blowing a gale at home today.

Happy Birthday to our Ted today, with him to celebrate were his son Charlie and good friend Derek.

Our lovely Pauline and D.

Our B & B Men getting ready, Derek, Bernard, Jim, Bruce and Larry.

Larry is a special guest swimmer all the way from NW USA near Seattle.

Martin and Ian the long and the short. Impressive armful of badges there.

**Special request from Ian to book in to the Summer Badge breakfast this Sunday for catering purposes.**

For those who follow the blog, Matt received his lost jacket back today. So pleased for him. :)

Ina and Issy, ready to go ...looking very colourful.

Inge & Henrietta, lovely smiles.

Sally, it was lovely to meet you today and enjoy a swim together with you & Caroline.

Stats: 190 Swimmers, 23 Degrees, 2 Newbies.

Have a fantastic day, Jenny :))

CAN EVERYONE PLEASE RSVP TO THE BADGE BBQ ON SUNDAY (for catering).    

2017 Summer Badge Ceremony – Sunday 2nd April

You’ve done the hard yards and got your Summer Badge(s), now come and collect your badges with all the pomp and ceremony the B&B can muster. Bring along $10 for each badge you have earned (correct money appreciated). The venue is the Royal Far West Children’s Home (opposite the beach) on Sunday 2nd April, straight after the regular swim! Everyone is welcome, family, friends and swimmers alike.

A $5 donation will be payable to the RFW at the gate for hosting this event, and .... RFW will provide a FREE breakfast (sausage sandwich and a coffee/tea). Bookings are essential to ensure there is enough food. Book here for Badge Breakfast

All 2017 summer badge qualifiers will be presented with their well earned badge(s), so whether you are getting one personally or you want to enjoy the celebrations of your fellow swimmers, a great morning is guaranteed so come along, soak up the atmosphere and get inspired for the upcoming winter badges..

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

 

Monday 27th: Volleyfest & Lumières colorées avant le lever du soleil

Yesterday I enjoyed seeing the Finals of Volleyfest on Manly Beach.

 I was lucky to meet  top seeds, Australians, Chris McHugh

 ... and Damien Schumann

 ... after they staged an epic comeback to beat Americans David McKienzie

 ... and Ian Satterfield in the final of the Australian Beach Volleyball Tour Finals at Sydney’s Manly Beach.

 It was also great to watch Australian Olympians Louise Grice and Mariafe Artacho del Solar win an emphatic victory in the women’s final, beating Germans Alice and Jahannah Rohkamper in straight sets. 

 

 Men's podium shot with US silver team taking a selfie       

 

 

and Women's podium shot with medal presenter Olympian Kerry Pottharst (left).

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

LIGHT SHOW

 Lumières colorées avant le lever du soleil sounds so much nicer than Coloured lights before sunrise. 
Fifi's photographic aquatic art featuring Clair & Simon in the red zone, Fifi, Bianca and Smurf  in the blue zone, Ali & Jo in the green zone  

 

 If you'd like your own light go to:

https://activelights.com.au

Roger stepping in here.  The lights ... the lights!  Quickly - call Burt Lancaster

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

Congrats to all efforts in yesterday's North Steyne Swim - I'm sure plenty of you had a go.  Some results I heard about ...

Bianca Austin:  First in class
Clair Maguire:  First in class
Matt Hayes:   Second in class

----------

Lamplighters en pointe @ 6.10 a.m. - with a pie of moon

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

CONDITIONS

 Basically, perfect and gorgeous.  Yesterday and this morning … such a mild, tranquil feeling.
Visibility is rocketing back after the three sodden weeks.
Water is velvety, and there’s glide to be had.
Taste the coffee.
Spot the cake.
Feel the love   :)

-----------

Cae does Molokai

There is a small celebration at Reg's Bench this morning, before Nicole and Cae fly out for Hawaii this evening.

For his solo swim across a fat chunk of the Hawaiian islands.  They're spending a week acclimatising, and will pick a day early next week for the challenge.  Nicky being support paddler

Other long-distance swimmers come down especially to acknowlege Cae - and speed him on his way

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

Some twat actually manages to swim into Tardis the Yacht this morning.

-----------

Keep Ya Glutes Tight

Nick Dawkins, in background: "How do I get a copy of that photo?"

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

Kevin - Back from his Singapore posting, in order to complete his fundrasing charity swim at North Sydney pool

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

Notice to A-Team

He's always watching ... ever-ready to pounce

-----------

CAKES ON SATURDAY

Pauline's rescheduled cake stall is on this coming Saturday

April 1st from 6.30 am till 8am.

All proceeds to the Banrakya kindy in The Gambia, with
basic supplies for their kindy education. . Help appreciated by baking,
buying, donating. All of the money raised goes directly into the kindy bank
account. A big thank you to those who have already donated or offered help.
We are so fortunate in having the gift of education.

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

The Stats

Temp:     22.9º

Swimmers:    190     

Newbies:   One

Tara:    7 lb, 11 oz

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

2017 Summer Badge Ceremony – Sunday 2nd April

You’ve done the hard yards and got your Summer Badge(s), now come and collect your badges with all the pomp and ceremony the B&B can muster. Bring along $10 for each badge you have earned (correct money appreciated).

The venue is the Royal Far West Children’s Home (opposite the beach) on Sunday 2nd April, straight after the regular swim! Everyone is welcome, family, friends and swimmers alike. A $5 donation will be payable to the RFW at the gate for hosting this event, and .... RFW will provide a FREE breakfast (sausage sandwich and a coffee/tea).

Bookings are essential to ensure there is enough food. Book here for Badge Breakfast .  All 2017 summer badge qualifiers will be presented with their well earned badge(s), so whether you are getting one personally or you want to enjoy the celebrations of your fellow swimmers, a great morning is guaranteed so come along, soak up the atmosphere and get inspired for the upcoming winter badges...

----------

26/03/2017 - Sunday Playground

What a morning! Duskies, Big Jellies, Yellow Tail.. and 320 happy pink-capped swimmers amongst it all! 

Fellow Sunday Blogger Emma introduced me to Poppy, who is about to sail around Australia to raise funds and awareness for Parkinson's:

If you want to support Poppy, click here:
https://give.everydayhero.com/au/scaramouch-parkinsons

Little Sarah trying to get into an intimate photo with Drinks, whilst fighting off competing blog tarts:

Alas..

Our youngest swimmer and newbie today - Leah, aged 6, with her proud mum:

Lesbubbles and Saturday Blogger Mary:

Like clockwork.. 7am procession down the ramp:

Max complained he never gets on the blog.. you're welcome mate:

Kids waiting at the point - JK would be so proud..

It was buzzing at Shelly. And I believe there was a birthday but I happened to be at the wrong end of the beach:

Women off the Wall:

If you are a fan of Shelley K and/or appreciate the intricacies of well choreographed blog tarting (as I do), sit back and enjoy the following segment:

Slightly more subtle.. The Tardis:

I also bumped into Shaun, founder of 'Anxious Swimmers Anonymous':

Chatting to Shaun, I just missed my chance to take a group photo of today's Doublers at the point:

Luckily, Fiona offered to pose as official representative for all Doublers and Triplers today:

Named and shamed.. Peta caught entering the water at 7:42 today:

A renegade group of swimmers headed north along the shark nets this morning. Roz kindly provided these 4 photos to document their adventures:

Back at the club, everyone was busy with hair and make-up:

Lesbubbles with her BFF's Wendy & Mary:

Brad-less Lucy:

I leave you with a post-double encore from the very talented Shelley K:

That's it. Nothing more to say. Have a fantastic Sunday everyone!

Soak up the sunshine. Love life. Be nice to each other!

Lips x

 

The Stats

Temp                    22.6 degrees (up 10 basis points DoD)

Swimmers           320 (up 10 swimmers DoD)

Newbies              9 (up 8 newbies DoD)

Sunrise                 7.02am (flat DoD)

Sunset                  6:58pm (down 3 minutes DoD)

 

2017 Summer Badge Ceremony – Sunday 2^nd April

You’ve done the hard yards and got your Summer Badge(s), now come and collect your badges with all the pomp and ceremony the B&B can muster.  Bring along $10 for each badge you have earned (correct money appreciated). The venue is the Royal Far West Children’s Home (opposite the beach) on Sunday 2^nd April, straight after the regular swim! Everyone is welcome, family, friends and swimmers alike.

A $5 donation will be payable to the RFW at the gate for hosting this event, and .... RFW will provide a FREE breakfast (sausage sandwich and a coffee/tea). Bookings are essential to ensure there is enough food.  Book here for Badge Breakfast

All 2017 summer badge qualifiers will be presented with their well earned badge(s), so whether you are getting one personally or you want to enjoy the celebrations of your fellow swimmers, a great morning is guaranteed so come along, soak up the atmosphere and get inspired for the upcoming winter badges..

 

25-03-2017 – New York Times covers JK’s Birthday

Good morning! This is your sunrise today.

The pre-dawn sky teased us with promise of a magical sunrise. Grey hued clouds gradually became varying shades of rose and gold.

The women of the wall, basking in the colours of the breaking dawn, grateful to see the sun, had smiles as radiant as the sunrise.

For Jill and John it was a family affair today.

There was a bit of a buzz this morning. JK had something up his sleeve, apparently to mark his birthday – and it was more significant than cake!

Assuming the position, JK called us to order. It couldn’t be to do with conditions; gloriously warm at 22.5 degrees, gentle rolling wave about 9 seconds apart, but generally flat.

The revelation was. . . .the New York Times was there to photograph us!!  And not just any type of photography, this was to be a virtual reality shoot. The big challenge was ‘do not look’ at the camera. For some – perhaps you can guess – this was going to be a huge challenge.

Shaun had a couple of takers for his Newbie and Nervous Swimmers group. A group he leads most weekends for those who like to take it slow, see the sights and avoid being run over by faster swimmers.

At Shelly, JK kindly shared the limelight with Jeff, who today reached 1000km.

Jeff was totally chuffed to receive the ceremonial splashing before delivering the coveted ‘Let’s Go’.

Jeff is one of those swimmers who cherish each and every swim. I caught him sharing memories of his first, second and subsequent swims with well-wishers.

To make him feel just a bit special, as sadly in the birthday stakes, JK with his exclusive NY Times deal had totally topped Henrietta’s cute guys on the beach with coffee event, a mini-tunnel was clobbered together to see him on his way back to Manly.

Meanwhile, Shaun safely delivered his charges to Shelly. Much ‘High fiving’ reflected the wonderful sense of accomplishment felt after that first swim.

Elaine, the ever-generous soul, did organise a reception for Jeff at the other end.  Such a happy occasion. JK, had disappeared by this time. No doubt he had adjourned somewhere to do important media negotiations over a swank breakfast.

At the benches, Jeff continued his first swim reflections to an adoring audience. Such a thespian.

The rest of us hung around gossiping and drinking coffee – because it wasn’t raining!!!

Culture corner

A couple of really interesting shows – but you need to be quick. First up is Mark Colvin’s Kidney at Belvoir Street. The show starts and ends with a hug, but they are so disparate in their intention. Mary-Ellen Field was Elle’s brand manager – until Elle’s phone is hacked by the News of the World.  The story takes you through the trauma of being accused of ‘leaking’, the fight to restore a once brilliant reputation, and then the friendship with a journalist on the other side of the world, one who dying of kidney failure. This is a true story, which makes it all the more remarkable.  On until 2 April.

The other is The Bleeding Tree at The Wharf.  This is a remount of the Griffin Theatre production from 2015.  Gripping, gothic with very black humour. On until 8 April with limited availability.

Have a spectacular Saturday. And Happy Earth Hour

 

Mary

2017 Summer Badge Ceremony – Sunday 2^nd April

You’ve done the hard yards and got your Summer Badge(s), now come and collect your badges with all the pomp and ceremony the B&B can muster.  Bring along $10 for each badge you have earned (correct money appreciated). The venue is the Royal Far West Children’s Home (opposite the beach) on Sunday 2^nd April, straight after the regular swim! Everyone is welcome, family, friends and swimmers alike.

A $5 donation will be payable to the RFW at the gate for hosting this event, and .... RFW will provide a FREE breakfast (sausage sandwich and a coffee/tea). Bookings are essential to ensure there is enough food.  Book here for Badge Breakfast

All 2017 summer badge qualifiers will be presented with their well earned badge(s), so whether you are getting one personally or you want to enjoy the celebrations of your fellow swimmers, a great morning is guaranteed so come along, soak up the atmosphere and get inspired for the upcoming winter badges..

 

The Stats

Temp                    22.5 degrees

Swimmers           310

Newbies              9

Sunrise                 7.02am

Sunset                  7.01pm

Missing Swimmer Alert

We start today with a missing A-team member alert. Has anybody seen Jimbob? Since getting a new job at Oxford Falls Grammar School he seems to have forgotten how to get to the swim. If you see him walking aimlessly around Manly, please direct him back to the swim...

What a morning in the pond! Water is still warm, not much bump, but a little murky still from all the rain. 

You can always rely on Sterling to be there, smiling and truly believing (despite his last 1000 swims) that this could be the morning he wins. Here he is with the Ghost... both him and Sterling are wearing the super trunks at the moment!

But alas, the kid was too strong! He likes to start slowly and then mossy on up with his long, strong, lopping stroke. 

Have you met Chris and Robyn? Beautiful, funny, intelligent, emotionally aware, kind... and don't start me on Robyn!

Finally nice to see Bruce back from his cruise around Asia. Here he is in his Ray Bon Sunglasses he bought from a reputable vender in Saigon. 

Alright, I am off up the coast to teach a bunch of university students about leadership. Particularly looking at the idea of servant leadership and living your life with vision and purpose. It's lovely having so many servant hearted leaders at the Bold and Beautiful. You know who you are - thank you!

The Bishop

Thursday 23 March 2017: Everything was out to play

Today was, without doubt, the best day's swim we've had in weeks.  While even yesterday we were still dealing with the washup from storms which seem to have gone on forever, today it was perfect, very little waves, crystal clear waters and plenty of fish out to play.

Even the swimmers were out to play.  Below is not a new swimmer with Lisa and the Ladies of the Wall, but rather someone has got rid of the beard - looking great Ian.

Henrietta, JK, Anne, Pete and Maria were also out at play with all commenting about the number of things to see on today's swim.

Jenny is returning swimming after major back surgery and doing a great job.  She has been swimming with myself, Pauline and Maria.

Sheena was out with her "another batch of fellas" - gotta watch that girl (sorry its  a little blurry)

Off we all go to Shelly Beach

The water was so nice and clear and as always there was time to catch up with eachother at Shelly Beach

Reflection time for management.

Not sure what these clowns were up to but Rainer is always up for a blog photo.

And the ladies of the wall took a leisurely swim back, looking at all the sea life.

I'm not up to Lainey's standard of underwaters photos - need more practice, but this was the highlight of the morning for me.

Along with the eagle ray and dusky whalers around the point.  There was a funny story about some visitors to the area who went swimmer and rushed in quite concerned about sharks feeding of the point and who should they report it to.  They were quickly reassured that they were "friendly" sharks and to tell anyone with a camera about it.

All in all a 10 out of 10 morning.  Have a good week and remember

D from the Z's

Stats:
New swimmers:  2
Total swimmers: 168
Water temperature:  23.4

Don't forget this Sunday is the North Steyne Swim with a 1km and 2.8km swim.  The first swim starts at 9.15 with registration available on the morning.

2017 Summer Badge Ceremony – Sunday 2^nd April

You’ve done the hard yards and got your Summer Badge(s), now come and collect your badges with all the pomp and ceremony the B&B can muster.  Bring along $10 for each badge you have earned (correct money appreciated). The venue is the Royal Far West Children’s Home (opposite the beach) on Sunday 2^nd April, straight after the regular swim! Everyone is welcome, family, friends and swimmers alike.

A $5 donation will be payable to the RFW at the gate for hosting this event, and .... RFW will provide a FREE breakfast (sausage sandwich and a coffee/tea). Bookings are essential to ensure there is enough food.  Book here for Badge Breakfast

All 2017 summer badge qualifiers will be presented with their well earned badge(s), so whether you are getting one personally or you want to enjoy the celebrations of your fellow swimmers, a great morning is guaranteed so come along, soak up the atmosphere and get inspired for the upcoming winter badges..