Pacific Jules

Wednesday, 31 May 2017 - Winter is coming

Filling in for lucky Lisa who is now on her way to warm and sunny Bali. Well timed Lisa! But you missed out on another beautiful swim, in perfectly flat water and abundant marine life. And it didn't feel as cold as yesterday. According to the SMH, was last night was the coldest May night in 20 years.

Still dark when the early morning swimmers hit the water

Various means of staying warm at the Surf Club waiting for the 7am call:

many layers of clothing ...

hot coffee ...

a beanie

and the hot water bottle. But wait Richard, you are 1 day early, its not winter yet, shame on you

important reminder from John Bond

two charming and brave newbies

And then into the water (or more precisely walk to the point, as the low tide was quite extreme today)

Some happy faces at Shelly

 

and then, excitement at Shelly of a special kind: no birthday, no 500k or 1,000k announcement, but a dismally failed attempt from the self-proclaimed A-Team in prematurely announcing "let's go" without prior arrangement or endorsement from management. Thanks God, nobody except the A-Team paid attention to them, and instead a booeing from all other swimmers set in which could still be heard at the Surf Club.

John Kelly managed to restore order and ensured a proper start back from Shelly, in compliance with the B&B etiquette.

My suggestion to the A-Team: Why don't you consider swimming on your own with your small exclusive group, you can then set your own rules, and have your own A-Team swim caps. There are still time slots available to start from the Surf Club at 5.30 and at 8am.

Back in Manly: Sorry to tell you Lisa, but your spot on the wall is gone now. It's been renamed to the "Men of the Wall". Edwina tried to defend the spot, but she was decisively outnumbered

These blokes enjoyed their swim

 

Enjoy the rest of your day

Bernhard

 

Stats:

Swimmers: 100 < x < 200

Temperature: air colder than water

Newbies: 3

 

B&B Monthly Dinner at Bluewater Cafe

June - Special Gin and Botanical Vodka Tasting Dinner

The next B&B monthly dinner for the year will be held on Tuesday 13^th June at 6.30 pm at Bluewater Restaurant, and will include an exclusive Gin and Botanical Vodka tasting for B&B members and their friends. One of our swimmers, Vanessa Wilton, will talk about her new venture, Manly Spirits Co., which has recently launched with an award-winning range of premium Australian spirits that are crafted to showcase the finest Australian produce, sustainably sourced native botanicals and foraged marine botanicals.

 

The cost of the dinner is great value at only $25 a head, which includes the gin tasting plus shared entrees, and a selection of mains to choose from (including a vegetarian option). 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.

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.

 

 

 

30th of May 2017 - Winter is coming but not today

As sure as the Sun shines, Winter is coming. For those that missed the Thredbo shots yesterday, I can assure you it's snowing somewhere and as we edge towards the beginning of June, we may need to celebrate these warm days because they may not last. The ocean's edge today was magnificent. Nary a zephyr and only 30 cm of south swell on a 9 second cycle so as close to millpond as we have had.

A tune for you to play while you read this - Sun Sun Sun

The Sun's entrance took off the chill the moment it arrived.

Then just when it couldn't get any better Melissa and Jenny arrived.

With a low tide of only 30cm, it was a walk to the point.

Not a lot of rubber about with pretty close to 20 degree water temps as approx 100 players took the field.

The clarity was still great after a few weeks of hardly any swell.

Lots of sharks, Blue Groupers and Yellowtail.

The Shelley turn around was brief with the smaller numbers. Patrick steeling himself for a possible PB.

We were barely at 7:15 and already the Sun has lurched North for the Winter.

Sensational conditions for the home strait.

So spread out on the way home as many took a wide turn.

And then the homecoming for all those left behind.

Some more relaxed than others.

Have a great week. And Safe travels to the Bali band.

And a quick note from management to all about the Winter Badge which I know is on your minds.

Winter Badge

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

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

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

29/05/2017 - The Best Things in Life...

Happiness and fulfilment have very little to do with your circumstance. The culture conditions you to 'think' otherwise; that you can only be happy when you change your circumstances, because culture needs you to be a good consumer.

That’s the problem with thoughts, they’re like a shadow between yourself and reality. Whilst it’s true that thinking thoughts is an integral part of life, we do tend to let them run amok.  Emotions on the other hand… Well, they’re different, we are taught from a young age to keep that dangerous part of ourself under control.

Stifle those emotions! Be a good kid, "use your words" and you’ll grow up having the wherewithal to buy enough stuff to be happy.  Maybe...

Or, those emotions might also become so disabled that happiness and fulfilment seem constantly, just out of reach, regardless of the shiny things you grasp into your possession.

Have you ever noticed when people are talking about how ‘the best things in life are free’, what they’re referring to is something that actually allows them to liberate emotion from thought?

(feel free to click photos / click photos to feel free...)

 

 

 

 

 

 

With love,
Andrew 'Magichands' Maher

Gentle, Light Touch Chiropractic Manly Collaroy - mention you swim with B & B.

Stats:
Swimmers: 176
Newbies: 4
Water temp: 19.2

 

BnB swimmer Jeff Parsons sends his love from Easter Island:

B&B Monthly Dinner at Bluewater Cafe

June - Special Gin and Botanical Vodka Tasting Dinner

The next B&B monthly dinner for the year will be held on Tuesday 13^th June at 6.30 pm at Bluewater Restaurant, and will include an exclusive Gin and Botanical Vodka tasting for B&B members and their friends. One of our swimmers, Vanessa Wilton, will talk about her new venture, Manly Spirits Co., which has recently launched with an award-winning range of premium Australian spirits that are crafted to showcase the finest Australian produce, sustainably sourced native botanicals and foraged marine botanicals.

 

The cost of the dinner is great value at only $25 a head, which includes the gin tasting plus shared entrees, and a selection of mains to choose from (including a vegetarian option). 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.

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.

 

28/05/2017 Another stunning sunrise

Mornin' all. Inner Westies here. It doesn't get better than this. 

Stats: 330 swimmers 7 newbies and water 19.6 degrees.

Welcome newbie Alex!

Morning Toni!

So many fish today

I know this photo below is murky, but it'll scare our friends who all think we're crazy swimming with the duskies!

Happy couples at Shelly

There's always a photo bomber to be found!

Home again. The sun is up.

Let's do it all again next week. 

 

B&B Monthly Dinner at Bluewater Cafe

June - Special Gin and Botanical Vodka Tasting Dinner

The next B&B monthly dinner for the year will be held on Tuesday 13^th June at 6.30 pm at Bluewater Restaurant, and will include an exclusive Gin and Botanical Vodka tasting for B&B members and their friends. One of our swimmers, Vanessa Wilton, will talk about her new venture, Manly Spirits Co., which has recently launched with an award-winning range of premium Australian spirits that are crafted to showcase the finest Australian produce, sustainably sourced native botanicals and foraged marine botanicals.

 

The cost of the dinner is great value at only $25 a head, which includes the gin tasting plus shared entrees, and a selection of mains to choose from (including a vegetarian option). 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.

 

 

Another brilliant start to Saturday

I left home in near darkness this morning, cursing myself for missing the opportunity to get shots of 6am starters yet again. On arrival at the gateway to the golden dawn my frustration was quickly replaced by awe and gratitude to be witnessing such beauty. And there was the sunrise too.

 

Here's 2 photos to show that things are not always what they seem (just a bit of 'armless fun folks)

 

These 2 lovely newbies were a bit apprehensive heading into their inaugural Great Crossing.

Hope you had a wonderful first swim ladies, and that we see you again many more times.

Some of the 6:30 starters

Meanwhile, no one has to tell the WOWs to look fabulous

The 7:30 immersion begins

Cameron with his Mum and Dad, lovely to see families swim together

Living proof that you can be a blog tart anywhere, any time


And now for a preview of the undersea visuals

At Shelley with some pro blog tarting on display, also celebrating a birthday (Tony) and a 1000 (Bernard)

On the way back with some our favourite fishy friends (thanks Lainey for pointing out the scorpion fish)

Download P5270194

And the piece de resistance, the Tunnel of amazeballs - congrats again Bernard

And now... the stats

320 swimmers
6 newbies
19.5 degrees

And.....

B&B Monthly Dinner at Bluewater Cafe
June - Special Gin and Botanical Vodka Tasting Dinner
The next B&B monthly dinner for the year will be held on Tuesday 13th June at 6.30 pm at Bluewater Restaurant, and will include an exclusive Gin and Botanical Vodka tasting for B&B members and their friends. One of our swimmers, Vanessa Wilton, will talk about her new venture, Manly Spirits Co., which has recently launched with an award-winning range of premium Australian spirits that are crafted to showcase the finest Australian produce, sustainably sourced native botanicals and foraged marine botanicals.

The cost of the dinner is great value at only $25 a head, which includes the gin tasting plus shared entrees, and a selection of mains to choose from (including a vegetarian option). 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.

Have a lovely weekend

Friday 26 May 2017 Favourite Things

I look forward to Fridays because I get to go for a swim. It is a favourite thing for me. Also a favourite for me is seeing the great swimmers who swim early and are already having coffee when I arrive. What stars

John Bond No 1 and Dorsett who has hit no 60 and now has a numeral next to his photo in the Attendance sheet. The attendance Sheet is one of my favourite things too - and it may be for Dorsett as well

Bruce Time and Shaun. 

The water was measured at 19.5 but felt hot. I note a controversy during the week when there was a competition open water swim in very hot water (over 30 degrees though) and the Japanese did not let their team compete because of health concerns. Other countries were not so thoughtful.  in the article it was noted that the temperature is measured at a depth of 40 cm at a distance into the swim and not at the start of the swim.

Alison arriving

Anna

Scott

Look at that cap

 

Alan and Sam

Paul

I am pretty excited to get these guys in a photo on land. They are from the eastern suburbs of Shelly which is my favourite part

Bon Voyage to the WOW. They are going to Bali. All of them. It ill be moments in the water there before they miss the lovely water of South Steyne but I hope they can tolerate their trip all right. 

Stretching - our ligaments love to be stretched and loaded. My favourite physio Matt says so. Good work.

Encounters with the early swimmers. 

Javier

Helen and Fabio. At first I was staging my favourite shot - the handover from early swimmer (Helen) to 7 am swimmer (Fabio) but he had already swum and was entering again from the beach. Still a lovely shot.

Wait at the point for the Let's Go. These swimmers did. What lovely smiles. 

At Shelly

seeing the A team reminded me of my trip to watch the soccer match between Liverpool FC and Sydney FC this week. There were so many people wearing red T shirts with Liverpool emblems on it. a nice man sitting near me had been watching them since he was a boy and was happy to watch them live in Sydney. Obviously it was  a favourite team for so many. At the start, they played a song. I did not know it was the team's song but I know the song - You'll never walk alone - and everyone sang along, like in a rock concert. It was so moving. While Sydney FC is the winner of the A league, these players were from a Premier league and were so fabulous. While I don't know much about soccer, I marvelled at their speed, skill and stamina. They also had quite nice track suits for warming up. No CGI but they seemed to fly through the air

Ian spotted this Sea Eagle

Karen is organising a really fun 'Christmas in July' in the Blue Mountains and all B&B swimmers and friends are welcome. Its from July 28- 30 and includes 2 nights accommodation at a great Hotel in Katoomba, Christmas dinner, Gingerbread making etc. It's $372 pp and tickets are selling fast. She does need payment asap though. Please call Karen on 0429080819 or email [email protected] 

We are hoping to book out all 27 rooms and about 20 people have said they're going, a few who've paid. It should be such a great weekend! Get on to it now!

The salp are back making the swim seem gritty in parts. 

And lots of dusky whalers. Elegant swimmers

What I am reading: still going with John Safran's book. What a lot of unusual groups there are in Australia.  

 

B&B Trivia Night with 'Naughty-cal' fancy dress.

Put the date in your diaries folks for the annual Trivia Night at The Steyne Hotel, Tuesday 18th JULY !!

Get your friends together for a table or we can put you on one. If anyone has any businesses they can promote and maybe give a free voucher for the raffle or auction would be appreciated, unwanted Xmas presents etc all welcome. We'd love some help too if you can, collecting prizes etc. This year funds raised go to Dr Ray's hospital for women and children in Nepal. I'll include a couple of photos of previous years to put you in the mood. This is always a great, sell-out night so get in quick. See me, Roz Beaver or Janet Franks re tickets but we'll soon get a link going to buy!

Thursday May 25: Never going to keep us down

So it’s getting colder just 19.5 degrees today…and darker….

 

We just soldier on…some with more rubber…some with more clothes…we just adapt like good Darwinian specimens...

As those famous positive psychologists Chumbawamba sang…

I get knocked down

But I get up again

You are never gonna keep me down…

Of course they were singing about resilience …the quality of getting knocked almost down but coming back stronger than ever. Positive psychologists find resilience comes from positive attitude, optimism, the ability to regulate how you feel, and the ability to see failure as a form of helpful feedback. Even after misfortune, resilient people are blessed with such an outlook that they are able to change course and soldier on. Or in our case swim on.

 

Some of the A team don the rubber while the rest tough it out...

 

Even Newbies like Isabella here with her dad Thomas show the resilient B&B spirit...

Thank you to all the B&B community who make it so much easier no matter how dark or cold it gets.

Cheers,

Pete

B&B Trivia Night with 'Naughty-cal' fancy dress.

Put the date in your diaries folks for the annual Trivia Night at The Steyne Hotel, Tuesday 18th June! Get your friends together for a table or we can put you on one. If anyone has any businesses they can promote and maybe give a free voucher for the raffle or auction would be appreciated, unwanted Xmas presents etc all welcome. We'd love some help too if you can, collecting prizes etc. This year funds raised go to Dr Ray's hospital for women and children in Nepal. This is always a great, sell-out night so get in quick. See Lainey, Roz Beaver or Janet Franks re tickets but we'll soon get a link going to buy!

23/05/2017 - The Sky was the 'Star of the Show' today!

 Thanks Kerry for the blog title! A funny old start to the morning with thunder and lightening on my drive to Manly at 5am. I knew the rain would have stopped by 5.30am as our running coach Joey always says it does. By the time we swam back from Shelly the sky put on a great light show with sun blasting through bursts of high cloud reflecting back off a turbulent ocean. Gorgeous!

It's 7am and change over time as the 7amers cross over with the 6.30's. Always great to see Annie elated after her vitamin sea!

At The Point

Not very clear today but the Duskies were out and about and swimming not too far from the surface between the pool and Shelly.

Two gentlemen, a few decades separate them but they've become buddies through our swim...

Henry, Mike, Guy, Alanna, Lyn, Karen and Billy.

Karen is organising a really fun 'Christmas in July' in the Blue Mountains and all B&B swimmers and friends are welcome. Its from July 28- 30 and includes 2 nights accommodation at a great Hotel in Katoomba, Christmas dinner, Gingerbread making etc. It's $372 pp and tickets are selling fast. She does need payment asap though. Please call Karen on 0429080819 or email [email protected] 

We are hoping to book out all 27 rooms and about 20 people have said they're going, a few who've paid. It should be such a great weekend! Get on to it now!

 

Bruce and his 'A Team'

I've so many photos of Emma jumping in laps, here's another!

 The last of today's photos. It was fun getting back in through the waves and looking at that glorious sky!

Preloaded photos from the last 2 weeks since my last blog

Great Giant Cuttlefish experience about a week ago when lots of swimmers got to see this amazing creature...

Sid and a friendly Groper

Julia and the Groper

We've seen huge schools of Old Wives lately. If you haven't seen them yet swim over the flat rocks near the hut at halfway.

This Cuttlefish swam so close to the rocks and shallow I got a photo with water surface too.

and some lovely 'Humans of the B&B'

The very lovely Jill and John

Henrietta and Jenny

Roz and Nicky...Two friends who took a bit of encouraging to swim with us and now don't stop!

Annie and David

Always smiling Jenny

 The Mc Naughties!

 

There were round 150 swimmers today and water was pretty warm, 20 I think?

B&B Trivia Night with 'Naughty-cal' fancy dress.

Put the date in your diaries folks for the annual Trivia Night at The Steyne Hotel, Tuesday 18th June! Get your friends together for a table or we can put you on one. If anyone has any businesses they can promote and maybe give a free voucher for the raffle or auction would be appreciated, unwanted Xmas presents etc all welcome. We'd love some help too if you can, collecting prizes etc. This year funds raised go to Dr Ray's hospital for women and children in Nepal. I'll include a couple of photos of previous years to put you in the mood. This is always a great, sell-out night so get in quick. See me, Roz Beaver or Janet Franks re tickets but we'll soon get a link going to buy!

signing off

Lainey

 

23/5/17 New Mgt- Rainer Trying to control the A-Team

Rainer was in charge at Shelly Beach today?...and there were two swimmers still coming into the beach...meanwhile the A-Team were champing at the BIT...it was a struggle...BUT "LIPS" did the impossible and held back the crazy mob. 

There they go .....

Yep, they went that way...

Rainer had to jump out of the way or be engulfed by the A-Mob.
 

Beautiful WOW's Belinda, Lisa & Jenny. Looking very photogenic.

My benchies...Andre, Jo, Christophe & Matt.

Nic, surrounded by Handsome Men...needing encouragement to swim today.

Peter, Jeremy & Edwina.

Some great watershots...thanks to Roz & Edwina for your contributions.

The swell was up a bit today. Nice and clean..

Lots of surfers on the beach enjoying the waves.

 

Jenny, Robyn, Shelly and Alana. Great smiles ladies.

Martin, Dorset, Guy and Cherie. Looking very casual and relaxed.

Our Yogies...enjoying the sunrise.

Jane & Ian Just bobbing around having fun.

Fiona in the middle of the ocean.

Beautiful sunrise today.

I love this little dog. Enjoying the sunshine.

I have a soft spot for beautiful Polly.

Another fun swim with friends. Hope you all have a fantastic day.

Jenny:)

 

Stats:

210 Swimmers

20.5 Degrees in the water, 19 degrees Air Temp at 7am.

Lots of Newbies.

 

Monday 22nd May 2017

 I swam with this group at 6.05am.

Roger, Sam, Fifi, Richard, Paul & Michael.

 

6.07am Michael & I had red lights.

 

 

Shelly at 6.18am, thanks for this shot Fifi of Richard, Sam, me & Paul.

 

6.44 Pano.

 

Down the ramp at 6.50am.

 

Drinks express return @ 6.57am.

 

Matt.

 

The inter-change @7am.

 

7.01am.

 

The John Kelly

 

He's back!!

 

 

A good number of B&Bers competed in the 10km:>>>

Boys Charlie, Mark & Danny plus John (not shown)

Girls Bianca, Clair Ali & Jo

 

  Mermaids - Bianca, Ali, Jo & Clair won the "Girls Team Winner Trophy"!

 

 Danny & Charlie

 

Mermaids Pink Dolphin mascot.

 

South head traffic.

 

Capt Perks and first mate Ali A.

 

Paddlers support team.

 

 

 

 Have a great week ahead....

 Simon

 

 

ating disorder/disordered eating recovery support (f2f Manly & online)

There is a unique opportunity for anyone struggling with these issues to access free professional coaching support as part of a pilot that will be run in Manly (f2f) and online commencing in June. Brief information video here.

It really is an amazing opportunity to get professional help in this area.

Here is a video link: https://michellesparkes.com/freedom/

Michelle Sparkes

Physiotherapist, Professional Counselor, Author, Coach