Pacific Jules

21/05/2017 - Another epic Sunday sunrise

A pretty spectacular sunrise to welcome us into the ocean this morning (but to be fair it might be like that most days and I just sleep through it). Thank you everyone for the tips,advice, extroversion and obliging smiles that got me through my first blog picture taking sesh with only moderate awkwardness (I hope).

Despite my ultimate conscientiousness, taking down everyone's names etc. I managed to delete all my notes, so I might guess at a few and apologies to the rest.

The lovely WOW (Women of the World) ladies. They had no idea that there is an entire week-long festival is named after them.

 

The Bunkers (named after their fav post-swim brekkie spot)
next time I'll have the superpowers to crop images like these and make them acceptable

Almost got in a biff with these guys after I told them the first pic was rubbish.
Scrubbed up gold in the end though

Cheeky towel drop there! 

The Willoughby Waders - caught you at an awkward moment sorry ladies, but loved your energy.

Katie (on the left) about to have her first crack at B&B. Joined by her mate who kept seeing all the marine creatures that I didn't.

Also Ramona's (on the left) first B&B - she's from somewhere overseas, so welcome!

More regulars - just stoked to be up at 6.30am on a Sunday

 Lesbubs looking slightly less stoked (kinda fierce) with her MATE Tim

wading in - how bloody beautiful is that!?

Gotcha - (expert edge of finger over lens there, top right - you're welcome)

The trio with the same wetties and their +1/escort

 

babe'n Manly

My first shot in the water with waterproof camera - thank you renaissance clouds and magical sunrise 

That was the only marine life shot I got, but apparently there were quite a few dusky whalers out, including one unnervingly close to the surface.
Working out how to swim with a camera was about as much as I could manage.

Striping down

shower queue shenanigans

Gratitude - we live in paradise.

If you see this big mup face (me) around, say hi! 

Until next time,
Hats x

Surf Safety

Do you know how to identify rips and what to do if you are ‘caught’ in one? Do read these wonderful safety tips.
Safety Tips - Click here

The Stats

Temp 20 degrees
Swimmers: 327
Newbies: 11

 

 

 

 

20-05-2017 – Grey dawn

This morning's fluffy blanket cloud cover delivered us a mild morning with little or no chill. However with gentle rain falling it looks like the majority of the weekend swimmers chose the ‘under the covers’ option this morning.

Sue’s brightly coloured outfit provided welcome relief in the varying tones of grey.

Shaun was there overseeing the gathering and ensuring all management processes were followed - even though the crowds were definitely down today.

He did mention that due to the extended absences of the upper management – especially on the weekends – there is the opening for a keen intern to provide admin support.  Shaun did suggest that double degree in Event Management and Business Administration would be welcome. . .

The sea brought out its choppy mood this morning. Many swimmers commented that the swim to Shelly was much more challenging than the return. 

Deep discussions at Shelly. . .

Jim being deeply suspicious of anyone with a camera.

Amidst the choppy conditions, the only fishy sightings were of the Duskys – today they were quite close to Shelly.

The usual Saturday post-swim, coffee swilling gathering outside the Surf Club was non-existent today. The delight is that Bluewater is always a welcome spot for a delicious breakfast, and they even let us have our usual table.

Have a spectacular Saturday.

Mary

Surf Safety

Do you know how to identify rips and what to do if you are ‘caught’ in one? Do read these wonderful safety tips.

Safety Tips - Click here

The Stats

Temp                  20.3 degrees

Swimmers         not as many as yesterday

Newbies             not sure

Sunrise               6.43am

Sunset                 5.00pm

Friday 19 May 2017. Word of Mouth

 

In today's world sometimes you don't know what to believe - is a celebrity endorsement what they really think? is a recommendation in a commercial real or scripted? does Nutribullet really blend ingredients at the cellular level? Does the twitching lure really catch fish because it aligns with their DNA?  At BB though we do rely on word of mouth as the recommendations come from swimmers. Many people come for the first time because they have had a recommendation from a trusted source. The early swimmers tell us about the conditions. Today one told us about the blue bottle out there. Just one. Sorry about the welts Nan but thanks for the heads up

Here we all are - swim conditions, coffee recommendations, investment advice, health hints etc are swapped. Because word of mouth is most reliable.

 

John - always managing us - thank you - tells us about the one blue bottle. Now it is over to us to decide

some are always keen to serve

Bon voyage Robin - have a great time in the UK





 

A distance shot of Shelly beach. It is too grey for people to wait for me 

 

So I was looking at lots of dusky whalers

Hi Dorsett

And then the call. A huge wobbie

as long as John Kelly is tall. Just a beauty. Thanks Emma. Best word of mouth!

And here is a recommendation from me. Be a citizen scientist

What I have been reading this week: John Safran's book, Depends What You Mean By Extremist. Pretty good stuff and luckily some funny bits for such a topic

Stats

About 120 swimmers

Water - a hot 20.5

 

Thursday 18 May 2017 - Another spectacular Autumn morning

This morning was yet another spectacular sunrise, spectacular conditions and spectacular company as we celebrated Gemma and Nicola's birthday's, spotted plenty of duskies, old wives, flatheads, wobbys and other sealife.

With Ian and Pauline away celebrating the wedding of their son, JK was doing on management duties, welcoming new swimmers and making sure they knew the rules - wait at the point for the let's go, swim to shelly, sing happy birthdays and on the lets go we all head back to Manly.

Nicola (on the left) celebrated her birthday in style today with a lovely swim.  Sadly she will be returning home in a couple of months but will have plenty of fond memories of our B&B.  Especially some of these special folks.

On the way over to Shelly there was plenty to see.

Then at Shelly we love to catch up and talk about what we saw.

And of course sing Happy Birthday to Nicola and Gemma and give them a bit of Bold and Beautiful love.

Looks like even the sea life were in groups in this morning.

This is my favourite time - when Maria and I are swimming back, the masses have gone and we are at one with the sun, the sea and our own thoughts.

Have a fab day everyone and remember:

D from the Z's

 

Wednesday 17/5/2017 Beautiful.....Again!

This morning dawned with so much promise. The sunrise was spectacular as it breached the narrow band of cloud on the horizon. The water was relatively warm, certainly over 20 degrees and continues to feel like smooth silk as you make your way to the point. Clarity has returned to almost 100% perfect status and after weeks of completely flat seas there was a very gentle swell which almost went unnoticed as we headed around the point. The air temperature was a chilly 10 degrees but the absence of a breeze made it that little bit more bearable. It was definitely worth while getting out from under my cosy duvet this morning.

Aussie Johnnie, John, Jim and Martin discussing pre swim tactics

It was very obvious very early that we were without the upper tiers of management today, The table remained leaning against the tree until Andrew took charge. Shaun masterfully stepped in to welcome all the newbies of which there were about 3 and I finally managed to find the blog camera.

Andrew and Jenny who was very excited to be using her Mother's Day Go Pro present for the first time.

Thanks for sharing this beautiful photo of a dusky Jen, I can tell you are going to have a fantastic time using your new toy

Isabelle and Anne looking very chilly as they sat on the wall pre swim. Sitting close together for body warmth helps but I think Isabelle was very happy she had her wet suit on

Andrew and his Drinksy Express head out at 6.30 with huge enthusiasm

Jo and Anna

Lindsay and Cath

Cathie, Annie and Mathew

Andrew, Ian who has just done the Rottnest swim, Julie, Lauren, Holly, Mel and David, before making the cold plunge and below, regrouping at the Point with a beautiful sunrise as a backdrop

Selma from France, who has been swimming with B & B since September 2015, brought along her friend Herve (Pronounced Errvay) also from France. I hope you had a great swim Herve. Selma seemed so excited to be able to introduce you to the experience

Debbie, Rosemary, Edwina, Roz, Alison, Georgina and Jane 

Barb and Matt

Lisa and Lainey

Craig, David and Lisa. David reached his 500 kms today. He set himself a target to be able to swim the distance by September. Congratulations David you are well ahead achieving this milestone in May

John and his darling Robyn

Guy handled the immense responsibility of taking charge of the "Let's Go" magnificently. Management would be so proud. I think those in Lower Middle management had better watch out as Guy has his sights firmly fixed on your coveted positions

Alanna, Georgina, Robyn and Jane at Shelly

I met so many friendly, happy swimmers at Shelly today, I'm just sorry I can't remember all your names. But everyone looked happy and relaxed, enjoying the pause before the return journey.

Charl and his friend

Jacqui super excited, especially as she is on 6 days off work and heading off to Darwin. Enjoy the time off Jacqui.

Roxanne, Michael and Kara

The thrill of the blog camera. It was fun today I encouraged this group to leap out of the water 4 times even though I knew I had the perfect shot in the first photo. It was just fun to see what everyone will do when the camera is around!

I love these photos of Kara swimming back to Manly. She looks so peaceful and is effortlessly enjoying the ocean

Howard and Alanna getting prepared for their double

I met Bibian from Columbia as I was arriving back at Manly. She is staying with her sister while she studies.  She had a fantastic swim and is loving staying in Manly as you can tell by her beautiful smile. So much so, she is hoping to return to work here one day.

Congratulations must go to Shaun, for very effectively organising our leaderless group this morning. We were like a herd of sheep without our shepherd. Shaun is organising a recruitment drive to fill in those lower middle management positions. Greg seemed very eager to apply for any vacancies.

Col had a great swim this morning and enjoyed warming up in the beautiful sunshine after.

 

Nicky, Jill, Roger and Greg

Guy feeling the support of all his mates who were enthusiastically congratulating him on a job well done. 

Mary, Edwina and Rosemary

Alison, Anne, Georgina and Jane

Mary, Louise, Robyn, Greg, Chris and Lainey  enjoying the sunshine

Bernhard, Lainey, Michael, Louise, Robyn, Nicki and John

Guy continuing to enjoy his moment of leadership success, striking an authoritative pose with Richard and Brian

Meanwhile the renegades of the group were delighted to pose as Janet was trying to prove that she was taller than Louise. Great hats ladies.

I hope everyone continues to have a wonderful day today.

Lisa

 

 

16 May 2017 - Somewhere between Sunrise and Sunset

A pristine morning with the slightest West South West zephyr angling through the pines. One of those days when the water and air temperature are so very close that its hard to tell if you are in or out. At 7 we were just off the bottom of a low tide, warnings were out for those close to the point to ensure the undercarriage was up.

Just got to the wall as the gold started to spill.

The change was sparkled up with Karens birthday today.

And the point turned on a candle to remember.

Close enough to 20 degrees and mid May - how good.

With the birthday girl in the rear guard, we had about 180 lucky swimmers.

The Drummer were out in force to see us off.

All the clouds had burnt off and we were left with a spectacular day.

This little guy needs some work on his sand camo technique.

Meanwhile back topside Nicola was celebrating her friend Claire's first return trip. I'm sure we all remember that moment.

And back at the point, the aquarium was awash with fishy friends hiding in the haze.

Truly a beautiful swim and not worth a wetsuit yet for those wondering if its time.

And to all the Mums out there, on behalf of all the kids, thank you for everything because, without you, we wouldn't be here to enjoy this. Below is my daughter Lara's pressie to her mum. She hand drew lots of little Melissa's in her Pink cap and blue swimmers and digitised it into wrapping paper which she used to wrap a new bright yellow wet shirt for winter. Her attempt to make sure she isn't confused with a seal. The wrapping paper was really special.

On a final note we have 25 booked for the Vivid twilight cruise on Tuesday the 6th of June. If anyone else is interested we can take up to 38 people, so some spare spots. We will leave Manly Wharf at 6:30 and be back at 9:30. We will be also doing a pick up at McMahons Point in case you are train bound. The cost is $60 and includes a drink and finger food while we cruise the lights. If you are interested go to https://www.trybooking.com/PZVT. Any questions mail me at [email protected].

Have a great week everyone.

Brian

 

Monday 14th May 2017 - Midge proves Whale Sharks do NOT eat devon.

 

Ali asked Sam, Clair, Bianca and I  to meet at 5.40 because she needs to swim before commuting to work @6.45am. The crowd in the background was Lainey's running group. 

 

Brett and Hasko joined us in their neoprene @5.44am.

 

Clair's red light.

 

Bon voyage to Jonathan & Sarah on their way to the airport @6.13am. We look forward to their return from HK sometime in October.

 

 

Plenty of colour on the beach @6.14am.

 

Lights up the beach @6.18am.

 

Tricia joined the 6.23am crew.

 

Sam joined the 6.25am squad for a second lap of the bay.

 

 Greg gave a  pre-swim blessing to the Drinks express.

 

Jimmy & Johnnie arrived next. 

 

I captured this shot of the clubbers with their boards @6.26am.

 

Michelle and Martin entered the water hand in hand.

 

A fully equipped Nikki.

 

 

Lips was all over these jammers.

 

Physio David joined Annie and the Drinks Express and later congratulated Johnnie on gaining Australian Citizenship Today!!

 

Yeh, Aussie Johnnie!!

 

The new whiskers on this Guy made him a Bruce Willis look a like.

 

I just had to share an extract from what I judge to be the best written tribute to the Bold & Beautiful Manly Swim Squad yet. 

Julia said, “..For me, the swim is a reminder of the vastness of the ocean and all it contains. We spend a lot of time in life trying to make ourselves feel bigger….."

 "..So much so that we seem to have forgotten how comforting it can be to feel small — and the awe that comes from being silenced by something greater than ourselves, unfathomable, unconquerable and mysterious.

This is what it is to swim in the sea. We become small. And when we shrink in significance, we become better at living alongside and caring for others.”

 Julia Baird Forget Calories. Exercise for Awe. New York Times, MAY 6, 2017. Check out Julia's full article here::

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/06/opinion/julia-baird-australia-sea-swimming.html?mc=adglobal&mcid=facebook&subid1=au&subid=pay&mccr=aboutLAL&ad-keywo&_r=0

 

Some photos of BnBers who just returned from swimming with Whale Sharks:

 

Midge (apparently the Sharks do not eat Devon).

 

 

 

Maxine with the go pro.

 

 

 

Midge, Maxine, Wendy and Veena.

 

 

 

Midge, Maxine, Wendy, Veena and Nan.

 

 

 

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

STATS

Swimmers:still >100

Newbies:?

Water Temperature:20+

 

 

Have a great week ahead.

 

Simon

 

 

To all Mums, have a happy bold and beautiful Mothers day

This morning's sunrise was a muted affair compared to yesterday's sky-on-fire show, but gorgeous nonetheless with its muted, subtle tones.

But first, the 6am group starting out

The view from the steps above the surf club. Manly comes awake

The 6.30 group starting to make its way past the early surf club board trainers

The pinks and greys were lovely. Each morning is a gift.

The fund raiser continues. Figures are not in yet but hopefully we smashed the target.

In case you'd forgotten...

The WoWs looking gorgeous as always

Robyn and Edward

A moment's contemplation

The sprint to the water

The Changing of the Guard

Some of the Drinks Express back on shore

And in we go

Tiffany swimming en famille

The gathering at Shelley. No shortage of blog tarts and photo bombers this morning

The water was quite milky today and I didn't see as much as in the past few weeks.

In case you were wondering this is a nudibranch - Confectionery Nudibranch-Glossodoris Atromarginata

There were quite a few beautiful big blue gropers to be seen today

Watching the watchers

This shore break looks massive but it's a matter of perspective and camera placement

To all mothers of human and fur (and scale) kids, have a great rest of the day and take any spoiling on offer. I would like to give a special Mother's Day nod to our friend the Dusky Whaler. I found this information on The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (gulp). The Dusky gives birth to live babies in litters ranging from 3 to 16 pups (what? what?). Gestation is thought to be up to 22 months. That is a looooong pregnancy. Happy Mothers Day to all the Dusky mums. I don't think any of them will be getting breakfast in bed, or even a cuppa but we appreciate their sharky presence.

Stats

320 swimmers
10 newbies
20.2 degrees

Happy Mother's Day Eve

Tomorrow marks the celebration of Mothers. I felt it was only fitting to feature some of our beloved mothers who are regulars down here at The Bold and Beautiful Swim Squad. As a mother myself I have been pondering a lot about my role in life. Being a parent is a massive deal. MASSIVE. It is up to us to keep another human alive. But not just to keep them alive but to make them feel loved, cared for, nurtured and to help them be the best that they can be. This is no simple feat. There is no recipe. There is no right way or wrong way. Each parent brings their own flavour to parenthood and this is what makes life beautiful. I truly love being a mother. I usually say it isn't always rainbows and unicorns but those short glimpses of absolute, unparalleled joy are worth all the sleepless nights, labour pains, full dirty laundry baskets, noise (oh the noise), dirt did I mention dirt? and mess. Yes motherhood is totally worth it! Why do you think I went back FIVE times. I am often asked "How are you sooooo sane?" My answer is, everyday I give myself a moment or an hour of mindfulness and my favourite thing for myself at the moment is coming to swim with the Bold and Beautiful Swim Squad. Thank you for keeping me sane. Happy Mother's day x

(Today is a dry blog because I had to get my 4th son to his rugby league game by 7:45am because MOTHERHOOD/CHAUFFEUR DRIVER ETC ETC. However, in true Jakey form he likes to cheer on his team mates from the sideline for most of the game and volunteer to be benched. But as a good mama we show up and we support his team because MOTHERHOOD, need I say more). 

6:20am What a gorgeous sunrise marking Mother's Day Eve (oh the serenity, serenity now)

 Absolutely luscious (How could anyone sleep in when this is going on?)

It was a matter of seconds between the above photo and this photo. I am loving all the different colours. I loooooove clouds, I could cloud watch all day if I had the time but I can't because MOTHERHOOD......

I cannot even deal with this mornings majestic sky show. Seriously Mother nature really came to the party this morning #skyshowonpoint #thankyoumothernature

6:30am The Drinks Express head into the water with all their regulars. Lots of Mama bears in this crew because they all need to get home early because children need to be fed and brought to various Saturday morning sporting events......MOTHERHOOD

 7amers Heading in 310 strong this morning. Lots of mamas enjoying their kid free time by joining the BnB on a Saturday morning because they can't during the week because MOTHERHOOD

Cloud Show on fleek (that means onpoint aka amazing)

Bravo Bravo the 7amers waiting at the Point

 Human's of the Bold and Beautiful Swim Squad

 I asked a couple of mum's who swim with the Bold and Beautiful swim squad "What is the thing you love most about being a mother?"

Shelley "I love that one has moved out and the other is working 12 hours a day hahahahaha." 

Roz "They give me so much joy. Even though I have one here in Australia and one in England. I talk to him all the time. But I miss him. I miss his hugs and his fragrances. I love their smell." 

Roz and Lainey are still fundraising for the Dr Ray Hodgson's Women and Children's Hospital Hospital in Nepal. Today they ran another cake stall with the help of Shelley. There is more information at the bottom of the blog for some other ways you can help out with their fund raising endeavours.  

Sofia "They say or do something to make me smile EVERY SINGLE DAY. It could be something as simple as 'mummy I love you'." 

Sue "Being a mummy is my favourite thing in the whole wide world. You get to be so proud and get lots of cuddles. But I am also a grand mummy which is a bonus. Kids grow up and leave home and you have all those exciting years and then you get the joy of beautiful grandchildren too. I have 3 beautiful children and 3 beautiful grandchildren."

Lisa (right)-  "I rejoice in the fact that my three babies have grown into amazing, caring, loving, funny, kind adults. I have enjoyed seeing them learn from their many mistakes and witness their amazing achievements. I love that I have helped mold them into such uniquely different people. I have loved all the cuddles along the way. I have tried to teach them that love is kindness, caring, acceptance, patience, devotion, loyalty, encouragement, resilience, showing strengths but acknowledging weaknesses, sharing funny hysterical times where laughter echoes around every corner, but also being able to comfort and offer calm reassurance when problems seem too unbearable. Being a mother is without a doubt my most treasured role." 

Alison (middle)- "They were the biggest change in my life but the best change in my life. My life has never been the same."

Paloma (left)- "I like my kids when they aren't around hahahaha. I do like them but it is nice when they aren't around ALL the TIME." 

Pauline (left) "Becoming a mother has made me more accepting, understanding and encouraging of difference. As a mother I have tried to be a role model. Becoming a mother has provided the opportunity for great personal growth. From flying solo as a young adult to becoming a couple then a family. What I really love most is the connections my children have given me, with each child marrying I have become a member of a small village, extending and sharing the love, joy and challenges."

Maria (Right) "I love that every time we would leave our home we would go looking for adventure everyday. I have two children and 3 grandchildren." 

Lainey "Being a mother can be incredibly joyful one moment and really difficult the next...some of my best memories with my kids have been in and around the water...we spent a lot of time at the beach! Swimming, sand castling, making human pyramids in pools on holidays, snorkeling with manta rays with Soleil in Lembongan and now chasing sharks with Charlie. As with life motherhood is made up of awesome  moments, shitty moments and okayness in between. Enjoy and treasure those special moments. I love my kids to bits." 

(Pic taken 23 April when Lainey completed her 2000kms. I forgot to take a pic of her this morning, my bad)

Bottom of the Blog

Temp 20.2

Newbies 8

Swimmers 310

Natasha was at the Bold and Beautiful today collecting for a wonderful cause Heart Research Australia. The type of first-stage research they fund does not receive any government funding, they are 100% reliant on the support from the community to help them fund these inspiring researchers. If you didn't get the chance to donate this morning you can donate online by going to www.heartresearch.com.au/donation

 

Dr Ray Hodgson's Women and Children's Hospital

"Most of you will know Roz Beaver and I are trying to raise funds for Dr Ray Hodgson's women and children's hospital in the most disadvantaged part of Nepal. We really appreciate the buying, donating and baking that many of you have done for our cake stalls. All of you that have attended one of Ray's presentations will know that many communities in remote Nepal are torn apart when mothers suffer prolapse and can't work, walk or look after their families. They often become incontinent and are left in isolation to die. Just a simple operation can give them their dignity and life back... Dr Ray performs life saving ops but a hospital is desperately needed. To learn more about this charity click here http://www.a4wh.org/

We are having another cake stall this Saturday so any baked items are so welcome and please bring coins for a snack after your swim.

We are also having a Trivia Night on 18th July and we NEED your help. Anything that can be used in a raffle (chocolates, bottles,unwanted Xmas presents) or silent auction, especially vouchers of any kind would be most appreciated. Please  think about anything you could donate and write the date in your diary. It will be a great night! In true B&B style we will make it a touch of fancy dress. The theme will be "Naughty-cal' (nautical) so think Pirates, Sailors, wenches from the gallows, mermaids and mermen etc!!!"- Lainey

NY Times Article

The now famous Bold and Beautiful Swim Squad were featured in the New York Times. If you haven't had a chance to see it here is the link https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/06/opinion/julia-baird-australia-sea-swimming.html?mc=adglobal&mcid=facebook&subid1=au&subid=pay&mccr=aboutLAL&ad-keywo&_r=0

 

Happy Mother's Day to all the beautiful mothers

Nat xx

Friday, 12/05/2017 - Another superb late autumn swim

Our good fortunes with seasonally mild water temperatures, abundant marine life, good visibility, and calm water, continued today. Only downside was that despite a beautiful and promising sunrise, the sun very quickly disappeared behind thick clouds and did not make a return during our swim.

I missed the start of the 6am crew and was a bit disappointed when I saw them coming back. Only two brave swimmers. Shaun, what have you done to the rest of the usual 6am swimmers, that they did not show up today? But judging by the smile on your faces, you must have enjoyed the swim - good on you, the fact that is was still dark for most of your swim, did not deter you.

Then change of guards to the 6.30am crew. Look at their numbers (Shaun), very impressive, and well done Drinky.

Meanwhile, in front of the surf club, the usual pre-swim conversation is getting under way, discussing the Federal Budget, last night's major events, sharing last minute swimming tips, stretching, hugging

greeting two newbies

and appreciating water temperature back over 20 degrees

7am, and time for some showing off before heading into the water

Impressions from Shelly beach (welcome back Michael S)

and back at the Surf Club. The guys enjoying the morning coffee whilst displaying some fashionable leg wear (Richard, very impressive)

 

Have a great day and enjoy your weekend

Bernhard

 

 The stats:

220 swimmers

5 newbies

20.1 degrees

 

SWIM WITH ALL YOUR HEART – TOMORROW

Don’t forget - join the Bold and Beautiful Swim Squad, Manly TOMORROW, Saturday 13th May in support of Heart Research Australia by wearing something red. ALSO, please show your support towards this life-saving organisation by making a cash donation either before your swim (cash buckets provided) or online at www.heartresearch.com.au/donation using ‘Swim’ as your reference.