Pacific Jules

31/01/2018 - The All Inclusive B&B

The Manly Daily got it wrong today... Murray and his Babewatch group got on front page and page 9! But...it was mentioned that 'Babewatch is billed as an alternative to Manly's popular Bold and Beautiful Swim Squad'. How dare they! As founder Murray told me today, they are an integral part of the B&B and he credits this amazing swimming community for helping him and others with anxiety and depression!

Here are some of the Babewatch crew including 2 newbies. Murray and his friends will swim alongside slower swimmers so everyone is welcome whatever their speed or fitness.

Front page of the Manly Daily... beating turtle rescues, fevers of cow nose rays, Grey Nurse Shark appearances and even the legendary Wilf Deck!

They really have started a great group so if any of you know anyone who would benefit from joining Babewatch and coming down for a swim, get them to like the Babewatch Facebook or Instagram page and come on down!

Lisa and Roz try and sign up for Babewatch!

It was a dullish morning today but perfect weather for a swim. The water was warm and silky, the crowds were down and it was actually quite peaceful! I didn't expect to blog today so not many photos of the swim but I can rustle up a few!

Swimming around the corner a few of us bumped in to some swimmers looking in wonder at a huge Eagle Ray swimming below...

Even though the water is still a bit murky, he wasn't very deep so we could see him clearly.

If you swim over The Bower you can often see Gary the Groper even on days like today...

 The often forgotten green, female Groper is also a lovely sight to see. Here's one with a trail of Mados...

 No photos of Shelly today I'm afraid but I have got this one from yesterday when amazing Nat swam with us. Here she is with Louise and I.

In the last few months this inspiring lass has had a cancer diagnosis, lost a boob, undergone chemo, gone bald and had to share all this with her hubby and 5 (yes 5!) sons. She does all this with a huge smile and incredible positivity. She won't mind me telling you all this at all because in her kind and caring way she hopes to help others. Give Nat a big smile when you see her down the swim even if you don't know her. She really is one in a million.

Lovely Bob Hayter's funeral is next Wednesday if any B&Bers can make it. (More details at end of blog). He really was such a character. Here he is with Julie Isbill who loved him dearly.

We need a fun picture next, so what about a Sophie Coombes joy jump!

As i'm a bit short on photos today I'll pull out my favourite marine life photos/sightings from 2017, starting with The Dancing Cuttlefish

Fever of Cow-nose Rays. Incidentally Derek and co saw them yesterday, so they are still around!

The Giant Cuttlefish with a blue Groper in it's mouth! Still amazed by this!

I saw my first Grey Nurse Shark last year and was lucky enough to catch him in great light swimming slowly over Yellowtail one morning.

The Cormorant chasing these tiny fish was pretty special too!

 

That's all for today folks. Numbers were really low compared to recently maybe only 250 altogether with 3 newbies and 22.2 water temp (all guesses!)

Lainey loo

(With my son Charlie, who swam with us again today toowit toowoo!)

Summer 10km swim
The proposed date for the next 10km swim is Saturday 10 February at 7 am. 

Swimmers are required to bring their own food/drink requirements which can be left at Manly. 

The swim is dependent on suitable ocean/weather conditions. 

Remember to be sensible as no badge is worth putting yourself and others in danger

Monthly Dinner – 13^th February 2018 – Guest Speakers

The first B&B monthly dinner for the year will be held on Tuesday 13th February at 6.30 pm at Bluewater Restaurant. The guest speakers on the night will be Dr Ezequiel “Ziggy” Marzinelli and Dr Adriana Verges from the Sydney Institute of Marine Science(SIMS). SIMS, in partnership with Dorset Sutton and Jenny Lim Sutton and the Manly community, propose to undertake Operation Crayweed Manly, a project to restore lost underwater forests in Manly, in particular a type of seaweed called Crayweed, which provides critical habitat for crayfish (Eastern Rock Lobster) and abalone. Ideally the restoration would take place in Cabbage Tree Bay, as an iconic and beloved place under the watchful gaze of a community of custodians who care and love this exceptional marine environment. However this will depend on gaining community support and approval from NSW Department of Primary Industries (Fisheries) due to Cabbage Tree Bay’s status as an Aquatic Reserve. The project team are keen to talk with the B&B community, as people who love and use Cabbage Tree Bay, to hear your thoughts and seek your support for this project.

The cost of the dinner is great value at only $25 a head, which includes 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.

 

 

- Note from John re Bob's funeral.

Bob Hayter’s Funeral is in the Magnolia Chapel, Macquarie Park Cemetery & Crematorium at 11am on Wednesday, 7th February.

It is with great sadness that I wish to advise members of the passing of Bob Hayter this morning (Saturday 27^th). Bob was 79.

Bob swam at Northbridge baths today, returned to his favourite bench near lane 1 and passed away peacefully.

Bob has swum with the Northbridge Swimming Club for a long time as well as being a regular at the Manly Bold and Beautiful swim squad. He swam up to 5 times per week. 

A couple of years ago he said that "I swim to stay alive." Bob loved the water and loved the baths. 

I would like to thank all those involved this morning for being so calm and controlled during such a traumatic event.

This afternoon I became aware that Bob very recently signed an order that he not be resuscitated in the event of an adverse occurrence. 

Club members have visited Bob's  wife Judith and daughter Elizabeth today. They are grateful that Bob did not suffer and passed surrounded by so many swimming mates.

 

 

 

Summer 10km swim
The proposed date for the next 10km swim is Saturday 10 February at 7 am. 

Swimmers are required to bring their own food/drink requirements which can be left at Manly. 

The swim is dependent on suitable ocean/weather conditions. 

Remember to be sensible as no badge is worth putting yourself and others in danger

Monthly Dinner – 13^th February 2018 – Guest Speakers

The first B&B monthly dinner for the year will be held on Tuesday 13th February at 6.30 pm at Bluewater Restaurant. The guest speakers on the night will be Dr Ezequiel “Ziggy” Marzinelli and Dr Adriana Verges from the Sydney Institute of Marine Science(SIMS). SIMS, in partnership with Dorset Sutton and Jenny Lim Sutton and the Manly community, propose to undertake Operation Crayweed Manly, a project to restore lost underwater forests in Manly, in particular a type of seaweed called Crayweed, which provides critical habitat for crayfish (Eastern Rock Lobster) and abalone. Ideally the restoration would take place in Cabbage Tree Bay, as an iconic and beloved place under the watchful gaze of a community of custodians who care and love this exceptional marine environment. However this will depend on gaining community support and approval from NSW Department of Primary Industries (Fisheries) due to Cabbage Tree Bay’s status as an Aquatic Reserve. The project team are keen to talk with the B&B community, as people who love and use Cabbage Tree Bay, to hear your thoughts and seek your support for this project.

The cost of the dinner is great value at only $25 a head, which includes 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.

- Note from John re Bob's funeral.

Bob Hayter’s Funeral is in the Magnolia Chapel, Macquarie Park Cemetery & Crematorium at 11am on Wednesday, 7th February.

It is with great sadness that I wish to advise members of the passing of Bob Hayter this morning (Saturday 27^th). Bob was 79.

Bob swam at Northbridge baths today, returned to his favourite bench near lane 1 and passed away peacefully.

Bob has swum with the Northbridge Swimming Club for a long time as well as being a regular at the Manly Bold and Beautiful swim squad. He swam up to 5 times per week. 

A couple of years ago he said that "I swim to stay alive." Bob loved the water and loved the baths. 

I would like to thank all those involved this morning for being so calm and controlled during such a traumatic event.

This afternoon I became aware that Bob very recently signed an order that he not be resuscitated in the event of an adverse occurrence. 

Club members have visited Bob's  wife Judith and daughter Elizabeth today. They are grateful that Bob did not suffer and passed surrounded by so many swimming mates.

30th January 2018 - A Cracker

Morning all, and what a spectacular morning it was. High tide and about a meter of ENE swell with 23.5 degrees in the water. Very hard to find a good excuse except for the cancellation of the T3 lane and for all those ferrying kids to schools over the small bridge or big one, it would have meant leaving an hour earlier.

We can expect the nor easter to pick up today then get totally blown away tomorrow with a South Easter and a nice increase in swell to 2 metres by Thursday. I didn't see any Bluey's despite the gatherings yesterday but Ros Appleby managed to find one attached to her Bicep when she came in. Not a happy camper but definitely has a special attraction with those Bluey's.

The Sun was already burning a hole in my film at 6:45am.

I'm taking a wild guess at 173 people combined including newbies today, well down on the weekend scores I'm sure due to the first day back to school. Amazing to hear that we are up to 16,000 people having sampled the swim.

The water was a sensational 23 degrees but with the usual Noreaster turbidity.

 

Terry McJannett getting a jump on the pack.

Some fine form being displayed this morning.

And they're away, well some.

The group went well wide today



At halfway I found Melissa doing the Teabag due to the broken arm. 

And some Art to round out the morning



Wishing you all a great week people.

PS - Note from John re Bob's funeral.

Bob Hayter’s Funeral is in the Magnolia Chapel, Macquarie Park Cemetery & Crematorium at 11am on Wednesday, 7th February.

It is with great sadness that I wish to advise members of the passing of Bob Hayter this morning (Saturday 27^th). Bob was 79.

Bob swam at Northbridge baths today, returned to his favourite bench near lane 1 and passed away peacefully.

Bob has swum with the Northbridge Swimming Club for a long time as well as being a regular at the Manly Bold and Beautiful swim squad. He swam up to 5 times per week.

A couple of years ago he said that "I swim to stay alive." Bob loved the water and loved the baths.

I would like to thank all those involved this morning for being so calm and controlled during such a traumatic event.

This afternoon I became aware that Bob very recently signed an order that he not be resuscitated in the event of an adverse occurrence.

Club members have visited Bob's  wife Judith and daughter Elizabeth today. They are grateful that Bob did not suffer and passed surrounded by so many swimming mates.

Monday 29th January 2018 - Vale Robert "Bob" Hayter

 Yesterday, 

Bob swam at Northbridge baths today, returned to his favourite bench near lane 1 and passed away peacefully.  

 

I swam at 5:55 with Jo and Ali, after this shot with Miles.

 

6:30’s swim in pairs.

 

Jo got to hold 14 wk old Jack while mum Lynette waited for coffee.

 

Stats 320 swimmers, 13 newbies, water temp 23.3 degrees.

Ian with two newbies.

 

6:53

 

Rare hats.

 

“Seven o’clock”

 

Fathers & sons.

 

Jim & Trevor Lainey’s Dad.

 

Miles smiles.

————————————————-/——————————————-

 

Vale Robert "Bob" Hayter

It is with great sadness that I wish to advise members of the passing of Bob Hayter this morning (Saturday 27^th). Bob was 79.

Bob swam at Northbridge baths today, returned to his favourite bench near lane 1 and passed away peacefully.

Bob has swum with the Northbridge Swimming Club for a long time as well as being a regular at the Manly Bold and Beautiful swim squad. He swam up to 5 times per week. 

A couple of years ago he said that "I swim to stay alive." Bob loved the water and loved the baths. 

I would like to thank all those involved this morning for being so calm and controlled during such a traumatic event.

This afternoon I became aware that Bob very recently signed an order that he not be resuscitated in the event of an adverse occurrence. 

Club members have visited Bob's  wife Judith and daughter Elizabeth today. They are grateful that Bob did not suffer and passed surrounded by so many swimming mates.

Sunday, January 28, 2018

 The long and winding road

 

I've seen that road and it leads me here.

Apologies to Gen X & Y as this sentimental baby boomer reminisces about song lyrics from the 70s.

Because of the carnival at Manly this morning, Guy provided directions and advice, in his own very special way.

Using both hands, I think it meant "go that way and then dive under the water", but who knows.

  

Anyway, most seemed to understand and made it to Shelly for the start. 

Amongst them was Adrian. He has been swimming for years but first time making it into the blog.

Ian signing up two of the 32 newbies today.

Bernhard and family.
 

Claire and friends.

Emma, Michelle and Martin. Today is Michelle's birthday.

Happy Birthday !!!!!!!!

These two guys, Chris and Allen are amazing.

They left Penrith at 4:30 this morning to make it to the swim.

 

 

 

Michael suiting up to blitz me once again.

  

Nick and David.

Nick is about to become a blogger and will be a welcome addition to our rambling correspondent team.

We are always on the lookout for regular or guest bloggers.

Who and why??????

 

A bit chaotic at the start.

All good by the time we got to the point.

Anne maintaining control of this wayward group.

After a rousing Happy Birthday to Michelle, she got to call "Let's Go".

She did so with great gusto, the residents of Fairy Bower are still complaining.

 

Back to Shelly.

3 for the Sea. Lesbubbs and Roz collected rubbish during the swim.
 
The stars of the Australia Day weekend were Roz, Lainey and all their helpers.

Over $1,000.00 was raised from the cake stall. All proceeds going to "Australians for Women's Health".

The money is going towards building a hospital in one of the poorest areas of Nepal for women and babies.

Stats:

Swimmers: 439

Newbies: 32

Temp: 23.6

 

 

Summer 10km swim
The proposed date for the next 10km swim is Saturday 10 February at 7 am. 

Swimmers are required to bring their own food/drink requirements which can be left at Manly. 

The swim is dependent on suitable ocean/weather conditions. 

Remember to be sensible as no badge is worth putting yourself and others in danger

Monthly Dinner – 13^th February 2018 – Guest Speakers

The first B&B monthly dinner for the year will be held on Tuesday 13th February at 6.30 pm at Bluewater Restaurant. The guest speakers on the night will be Dr Ezequiel “Ziggy” Marzinelli and Dr Adriana Verges from the Sydney Institute of Marine Science(SIMS). SIMS, in partnership with Dorset Sutton and Jenny Lim Sutton and the Manly community, propose to undertake Operation Crayweed Manly, a project to restore lost underwater forests in Manly, in particular a type of seaweed called Crayweed, which provides critical habitat for crayfish (Eastern Rock Lobster) and abalone. Ideally the restoration would take place in Cabbage Tree Bay, as an iconic and beloved place under the watchful gaze of a community of custodians who care and love this exceptional marine environment. However this will depend on gaining community support and approval from NSW Department of Primary Industries (Fisheries) due to Cabbage Tree Bay’s status as an Aquatic Reserve. The project team are keen to talk with the B&B community, as people who love and use Cabbage Tree Bay, to hear your thoughts and seek your support for this project.

The cost of the dinner is great value at only $25 a head, which includes 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.

A different kind of start

Good morning everyone, and what a gorgeous morning it is. The past few days have been still and close - humid and not much wind. It almost feels as though late summer is holding its breath in anticipation of the transition towards autumn with its crisp, clear air and cool nights. Bring on the cool nights I say.

Today and tomorrow we start at Shelley because Manly is holding surf carnivals. I found it quite a relaxing start, with no parking hassles and a flat water entry. 

The wows originally bagged a table but then decided to move closer down the beach for security.

Sir Laurence in waiting

This is Naomi (white cossie) who is getting married today and is doing a pre wedding swim. As one of our number said, enjoying her last day of freedom. Naomi also got to do the lets go and a fine job she did of it

Bright and happy and eager to swim.

The brush turkeys are probably wondering what happened. Don't get too relaxed guys, we are back tomorrow

Who is this newbie? She looks familiar and I reckon she might be a good swimmer

 

Naomi waiting for her big moment and I mean doing the lets go

Here is Nat looking positively overjoyed to be in the water

JK scanning the surrounds and Roz looking on intently

More happiness on show. What's going on?

Here's Danny with another newbie. I'm sure I've seen him before too

I asked for names and can I remember? Sorry ladies!

At the point

Watching over us and reminding everyone not to swim in to Manly. Thank you!

The way back

I took the reverse scenic route in the hope of finding a fishy story. 

These little stripeys were cute enough

But then I heard "It's still alive" and I knew I had a David Attenborough moment

This cuttlefish had managed to snare a feed.

Not sure if I had the wrong camera setting for this photo or if it was trying to blend in with the seaweed.

 

I could have looked at the cuttlefish all day but sensed it wanted to get on with breakfast and moved on

This might look grim and I do feel sorry for the poor little fish, but this beautiful aquatic reserve we are so fortunate to swim in is a wilderness where for most of the species the struggle for survival is real.

Here are Rainer and Jo. Jo originally spotted the cuttlefish

These yellowtail could be holding a wake for their buddy.

On the way back I was lucky to spot this wobbegong hiding in the seaweed.


As I was leavingthe water I saw Sue and Lea. What are they trying to tell us?

Stats

390 swimmers
28 newbies
22.8 degrees

Enjoy the rest of your Saturday.

On SSunday 28^th January, our swim will commence and end at Shelly Beach at 7 am. This is necessary due to Surf Carnivals being held at Manly SLSC. Please do NOT leave your belongings at the surf club, as they will obstruct the running of the events. 

Due to the large number of swimmers this weekend, we urge you to take particular care in the water. Remember, we are not racing; we are here to enjoy our swim. Please be mindful of our swimming etiquette, and avoid swimming on top of other swimmers. If you do collide with someone else, please stop and make sure that they are not injured. Let’s make this a great weekend for all involved.

 

Summer 10km swim
The proposed date for the next 10km swim is Saturday 10 February at 7 am. 

Swimmers are required to bring their own food/drink requirements which can be left at Manly. 

The swim is dependent on suitable ocean/weather conditions. 

Remember to be sensible as no badge is worth putting yourself and others in danger

Monthly Dinner – 13^th February 2018 – Guest Speakers

The first B&B monthly dinner for the year will be held on Tuesday 13th February at 6.30 pm at Bluewater Restaurant. The guest speakers on the night will be Dr Ezequiel “Ziggy” Marzinelli and Dr Adriana Verges from the Sydney Institute of Marine Science(SIMS). SIMS, in partnership with Dorset Sutton and Jenny Lim Sutton and the Manly community, propose to undertake Operation Crayweed Manly, a project to restore lost underwater forests in Manly, in particular a type of seaweed called Crayweed, which provides critical habitat for crayfish (Eastern Rock Lobster) and abalone. Ideally the restoration would take place in Cabbage Tree Bay, as an iconic and beloved place under the watchful gaze of a community of custodians who care and love this exceptional marine environment. However this will depend on gaining community support and approval from NSW Department of Primary Industries (Fisheries) due to Cabbage Tree Bay’s status as an Aquatic Reserve. The project team are keen to talk with the B&B community, as people who love and use Cabbage Tree Bay, to hear your thoughts and seek your support for this project.

The cost of the dinner is great value at only $25 a head, which includes 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.

 While BB swims this will never be how Shelly Beach looks

Friday 26 January 2018 Bold and Beautiful Australia Day

The national anthem, Australian flags and symbols and a cake stall raising money for  Australians for Women’s Health Hospital for Women and Babies. And swimming at the beach. And openly discussing your opinion about the date and the day without fear of anything but possibly social awkwardness or a different view. Australia Day Bold and Beautiful style  - we all come together some from Manly and some from elsewhere, from all different walks of life and ages, to swim. 

860 people swam today  - a new record for BB!

80 newbies

 

The early swim surging through the water 

Dorset and Henrietta

Our Ian with some newbies

Jim, Alan (holding Mia) Kathy, and Sheena

























 

Javier and some visiting Spaniards

Have trouble spotting the Southern Cross? Not today:

Australians all let us rejoice for we are young and free...

Our land is girt by sea...

Cathy singing well for us to sing along

Bernahard, Rainer, Eva and Rainer's mum and dad visiting from Germany. Welcome.

Are they still the women of the wall even though on the beach? 

 

gold gold gold

At the point 

John and Jeff keeping an eye on the swimmers

Can you spot yourself. I saw some excellent swimming

Thank you to Jim on a board and this life guard on a jet ski helping swimmers. In my opinion, it is a truly Australian thing to do to volunteer, to help others, to lend a hand to others.

Swimmers - Always make your own assessment before swimming. But swimming is like life, if you need help, ask. Almost always, people will help if they can. 

Look at that technique - i made an exception from my rule of not photographing underarms in the blog for this.

Look at this synchronisation

This is a swimmer that swims without goggles. ever. 

see the swimmer who swam with a flag on his head

Larry Hutchinson - swimmer of Australia Day

Nat and Sue

Big eagle ray at the point

Swimming for the joy of it

Jeremy and his lovely daughter
 

Post swim - the big walk in the humidity made my husband Malcolm soaked before he even got in the sea.

On Saturday 27^th January and Sunday 28^th January, our swim will commence at Shelly Beach at 7 am. This is necessary due to Surf Carnivals being held at Manly SLSC. Please do NOT leave your belongings at the surf club, as they will obstruct the running of the events. There will be no 6 km swim on Saturday due to the surf carnival.

Due to the large number of swimmers this weekend, we urge you to take particular care in the water. Remember, we are not racing; we are here to enjoy our swim. Please be mindful of our swimming etiquette, and avoid swimming on top of other swimmers. If you do collide with someone else, please stop and make sure that they are not injured. Let’s make this a great weekend for all involved.

 

Summer 10km swim
The proposed date for the next 10km swim is Saturday 10 February at 7 am. 

Swimmers are required to bring their own food/drink requirements which can be left at Manly. 

The swim is dependent on suitable ocean/weather conditions. 

Remember to be sensible as no badge is worth putting yourself and others in danger

Monthly Dinner – 13^th February 2018 – Guest Speakers

The first B&B monthly dinner for the year will be held on Tuesday 13th February at 6.30 pm at Bluewater Restaurant. The guest speakers on the night will be Dr Ezequiel “Ziggy” Marzinelli and Dr Adriana Verges from the Sydney Institute of Marine Science (SIMS). SIMS, in partnership with Dorset Sutton and Jenny Lim Sutton and the Manly community, propose to undertake Operation Crayweed Manly, a project to restore lost underwater forests in Manly, in particular a type of seaweed called Crayweed, which provides critical habitat for crayfish (Eastern Rock Lobster) and abalone. Ideally the restoration would take place in Cabbage Tree Bay, as an iconic and beloved place under the watchful gaze of a community of custodians who care and love this exceptional marine environment. However this will depend on gaining community support and approval from NSW Department of Primary Industries (Fisheries) due to Cabbage Tree Bay’s status as an Aquatic Reserve. The project team are keen to talk with the B&B community, as people who love and use Cabbage Tree Bay, to hear your thoughts and seek your support for this project.

The cost of the dinner is great value at only $25 a head, which includes 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.

 

 While BB swims this will never be how Shelly Beach looks

 

What I have been reading

Angel's Flight by Michael Connelly, continuing the Harry Bosch series. The Old Ways (a Journey on Foot)  by Robert McFarlane. A book about walking and walkers (including writers who are walkers) and walks mostly in the UK but broader. It makes me want to find out more about John Muir. Next on my list!

 

 

Thursday 25 January - Big bubbles no troubles

After spending 10 days  in arctic temperatures in the US it is a delight to be back as your humble correspondent in balmy Manly. And since on Australia Day tomorrow we will be hearing a lot (dare I say too much) about 'lands girt by sea' and 'loving a sunburnt county' let’s celebrate our little piece of Australia in Manly. And what is more Manly than the B&B? Having the B&B without Manly would be like Rock without Roll, like Batman without Robin like Champagne without the bubbles. Of course the bubbles in our Champagne are the people. Here a just a few of the bubbliest this morning:

And one of the bubbliest of our bubbles is the gorgeous Barbie who celebrated her 50th with the a big splash and happy birthday at Shelly:

 

Its great to be back with the bubbles.

Pete Anthony

 

Stats

Swimmers: 330

Newbies: 24

Temperature: 22.1 (felt like 23.45)

Monthly Dinner – 13^th February 2018 – Guest Speakers

The first B&B monthly dinner for the year will be held on Tuesday 13th February at 6.30 pm at Bluewater Restaurant. The guest speakers on the night will be Dr Ezequiel “Ziggy” Marzinelli and Dr Adriana Verges from the Sydney Institute of Marine Science (SIMS). SIMS, in partnership with Dorset Sutton and Jenny Lim Sutton and the Manly community, propose to undertake Operation Crayweed Manly, a project to restore lost underwater forests in Manly, in particular a type of seaweed called Crayweed, which provides critical habitat for crayfish (Eastern Rock Lobster) and abalone. Ideally the restoration would take place in Cabbage Tree Bay, as an iconic and beloved place under the watchful gaze of a community of custodians who care and love this exceptional marine environment. However this will depend on gaining community support and approval from NSW Department of Primary Industries (Fisheries) due to Cabbage Tree Bay’s status as an Aquatic Reserve. The project team are keen to talk with the B&B community, as people who love and use Cabbage Tree Bay, to hear your thoughts and seek your support for this project.

The cost of the dinner is great value at only $25 a head, which includes 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.

 

23/01/2018 - This swim...Best 'Happy Pill' around...

 It wasn't as sunny and sparkling today as last Saturday when I took the photo above, but it was a lot quieter with only 330 of us in Cabbage Tree Bay! (620 of us last Saturday). Australia Day Friday will be huge. I started swimming with the B&B on 26 Jan 2011 and there was actually a big crowd that day including Dawn Fraser who joined us. We're expecting record numbers on Friday. (Please come with a few coins for our charity cake stall, empty bellies and even a plate of something for us to sell please!)

Murray having a stretch before his swim... He's a lovely lad and the Baywatch crew are raising awareness and funds for youth mental health issues. Him and his friends are trying to get more young people down to the swim too, as we all know it's the best 'Happy Pill' around...

I met Neeva and Ben today. Ben has just started swimming with us and is amazing according to his friend Neeva. He is visually impaired, only 15, runs and swims and is a great babysitter for her kids.

Lovely ladies, Annie and Henrietta

Lesbubbs and John Kelly were regular swimmers when I started swimming a lot in late 2011, Rainer and Wendy have been around a long time too!

Michele comes back from her early swim before rushing off to her job as head of Emergency at Manly Hospital. I'm actually writing this blog from the hospital at the moment! (Grandpa Trevor over from England is just checking out something, sure he'll be ok...) We were looked after SO well. Thank you, thank you

A few waves today but it was a warm 21.9 in the water.

The Wow ladies were a bit late getting in today, too much chatting at the wall!

Eva and Sterling, (a couple and in lurv),  with two of the 16 newbies that started today.

Maddie in the middle shares a swim with her Grandma and Aunty :-)

Gemma and Lesbubbs try and give Lips a lift but it doesn't work out as planned!

Our fearless leader, Sarah and Turbo. Ian had so m

Ben and Neeva again

Kyle

Dorset

Karen enjoying a swim with her lovely daughter Hoebe, whom she hopes will become a regular. Come back soon Hoebs!

Post-swim coffee with Sue, Trevor and Janet. Sue will be swimming her 2000 km on Australia Day so please be around for an arch. She goes down in history as reaching the 2000 km mark in the fastest time!

Fish photos from the last time I blogged 2 weeks ago, not very clear today. 

George the Groper at the Bower about 10 days ago

Old Wives

Lesbubbs and Anne looking pretty...

 Lesbubbs and Anne looking... pretty awful ;-) !!!

 

IMPORTANT NOTICE - AUSTRALIA DAY Weekend

As usual, Australia Day, next Friday, will be a huge event. We will be meeting at the surf club as normal but, please try to arrive early, allow time for parking, and wait on the beach if possible to avoid congestion on the walkway. At 7 am we will gather together to sing the national anthem on the beach before we enter the water. For safety reasons, we request that when you reach Shelly Beach you wait for the “Let’s go” before returning to Manly. Also, if the regular swimmers could help by ensuring the many new swimmers make it to Shelly and back safely please. Every year, we encourage swimmers to wear our national colours/flags or other paraphernalia. It should be an impressive sight.

CAKE STALL Drop offs so welcome!

On Saturday 27^th January and Sunday 28^th January, our swim will commence at Shelly Beach at 7 am. This is necessary due to Surf Carnivals being held at Manly SLSC. Please do NOT leave your belongings at the surf club, as they will obstruct the running of the events. There will be no 6 km swim on Saturday due to the surf carnival.

Due to the large number of swimmers expected next weekend, we urge you to take particular care in the water. Remember, we are not racing; we are here to enjoy our swim. Please be mindful of our swimming etiquette, and avoid swimming on top of other swimmers. If you do collide with someone else, please stop and make sure that they are not injured. Let’s make this a great weekend for all involved. 

I was asked to put this on end of blog below

And the results from yesterday;

WOW..... We had just under 50 people attend out first beach clean!!!!  

Firstly we just want to say a huge thankyou to every single one of you who came out this morning - battling through car park nightmares, hangovers, heat and long drives to do something amazing for our environment  

Collectively you all picked up…

- half a bucket of bottle caps

- a quarter bucket of cigarette butts

- 2 full bags of glass bottles 

- 3 full bags of general waste [food packaging etc] 

- half a bucket of cutlery 

- 38 straws 

- Full bag of plastic cups and bottles

- full bag of cardboard 

- 18 coffee cups

- 6 pieces of rope/netting 

- a pair of heels 

- undies 

- 4 socks 

- 13 hair accessories 

Well done!!! You should all be so proud of the huge impact you have made on the area of Shelly beach today, potentially saving hundreds of animals from ingestion and entanglement in this debris. We will be submitting the data collected today to the Australia Marine Debris Initiative to add to the database of debris collected from beach cleans all over Australia!  

Have a great day folks

Lainey

With my gorgeous friend Aly, who's over from Germany for a couple of weeks. We used to swim together 3 times a week and swam with the whale together :-)

It's Tuesday for your guide - Tuesday 23 Jan 2018

Morning all, not a splendid day by any means but spectacular in its own way. A Low tide, 3k's of N/E wind, 1 metre of N/E swell pitching into the point and a reasonably strong rip that had punters playing on the periphery.  22.5 degrees not unlike a bath and more of the same for the rest of the week. 

The ladies debating the best plan of attack.

Straight out was the easiest call.

Seemed like not a breath of wind but the odd angry set scattered the players.

As you can see the Rip took us quite wide.

280 optimists and a handful of first timers by the looks of things finally took off from the point.

Sheet of glass conditions in the bay.

And the push home was great value.

 

Have a good week.

Brian

IMPORTANT NOTICE - AUSTRALIA DAY Weekend

As usual, Australia Day, next Friday, will be a huge event. We will be meeting at the surf club as normal but, please try to arrive early, allow time for parking, and wait on the beach if possible to avoid congestion on the walkway. At 7 am we will gather together to sing the national anthem on the beach before we enter the water. For safety reasons, we request that when you reach Shelly Beach you wait for the “Let’s go” before returning to Manly. Also, if the regular swimmers could help by ensuring the many new swimmers make it to Shelly and back safely please. Every year, we encourage swimmers to wear our national colours/flags or other paraphernalia. It should be an impressive sight.

On Saturday 27^th January and Sunday 28^th January, our swim will commence at Shelly Beach at 7 am. This is necessary due to Surf Carnivals being held at Manly SLSC. Please do NOT leave your belongings at the surf club, as they will obstruct the running of the events. There will be no 6 km swim on Saturday due to the surf carnival.

Due to the large number of swimmers expected next weekend, we urge you to take particular care in the water. Remember, we are not racing; we are here to enjoy our swim. Please be mindful of our swimming etiquette, and avoid swimming on top of other swimmers. If you do collide with someone else, please stop and make sure that they are not injured. Let’s make this a great weekend for all involved. 

And the results from yesterday;

WOW..... We had just under 50 people attend out first beach clean!!!!  

Firstly we just want to say a huge thankyou to every single one of you who came out this morning - battling through car park nightmares, hangovers, heat and long drives to do something amazing for our environment  

Collectively you all picked up…

- half a bucket of bottle caps

- a quarter bucket of cigarette butts

- 2 full bags of glass bottles 

- 3 full bags of general waste [food packaging etc] 

- half a bucket of cutlery 

- 38 straws 

- Full bag of plastic cups and bottles

- full bag of cardboard 

- 18 coffee cups

- 6 pieces of rope/netting 

- a pair of heels 

- undies 

- 4 socks 

- 13 hair accessories 

Well done!!! You should all be so proud of the huge impact you have made on the area of Shelly beach today, potentially saving hundreds of animals from ingestion and entanglement in this debris. We will be submitting the data collected today to the Australia Marine Debris Initiative to add to the database of debris collected from beach cleans all over Australia!  

PRIZE WINNERS 

1st place: Ash Cant (4pines brewery tour) 

2nd place: Billie Telva (4pines brewery tour) 

3rd place: Dylan kovacevich (sea glass necklace from tide jewels) 

4th place: Michaela Epsilis (clear tides Tshirt) 

5th place: Antonia murphy (sea glass artwork) 

6th place: Brod Brennan (double pass to BLUE the film) 

THANKYOU so much again for coming and for your support We hope to see you at future events and don’t forget to spread the word about keeping our environment, and our oceans clean! 

22/01/18 - Clarity to Adapt

Mild chop, a decent swell, temperature changes and a rough rip around the point... Sounds like another swim with the BnB (or a questionable Friday night on the town).

The variance across 700 odd meters of ocean this morning reminds us that it isn't so much the fittest who will survive, or the smartest, not even those with the most followers on Instagram. Nothing stays the same, change is inevitable, occurring at every instant. Thus the ability to survive (and therefore to thrive) always falls to those most able to adapt... Possessing the space to experience life's perturbations in a healthy manner and create successful responses.

Having room to embrace what's new and respond accordingly relies on surrendering the ballast of what was, but only after first extracting and integrating what was helpful.

Which of course, requires the clarity to know the difference...

(Click photos to enlarge...)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With love,
Andrew Maher.

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

Stats:
Swimmers  337
Newbees  3
Water  22.4 degrees C

 

Summer 10km swim
The proposed date for the next 10km swim is Saturday 10 February at 7 am. 

Swimmers are required to bring their own food/drink requirements which can be left at Manly. 

The swim is dependent on suitable ocean/weather conditions. 

Remember to be sensible as no badge is worth putting yourself and others in danger.

Volunteers Needed
The upcoming Cole Classic is coming to Manly and the surf club wishes to apply as many Bronze Medallion qualified lifesavers as they can to water safety. Those interested and able to help out with the running of this years event - if you can donate any time to help with beachside activities such as bag control, registrations, lost children etc.

Can you please email our own Jim Stackpool who will coordinate with the club.

email Jim - [email protected] or talk to him during the swim.

Ask at the desk to point out Jim if you do not know him.