Pacific Jules

Thursday 21 March: Big worm rising predicted for the morning

Like you, most mornings when I come down for a swim I’m not thinking about a big worm rising. So you can imagine my surprise when I heard about what the Spring Equinox Moon does to worms. It’s all about supermoons, and there have been a few recently. In January, we enjoyed the Super Wolf Blood Moon Eclipse. A special one because it was also a total lunar eclipse so we had a red rising moon. Then we had February’s Super Snow Moon.

But tonight we get the Spring Equinox Moon. This marks the point in Earth's year-long orbit of the Sun, when the Earth's axis is at a sideways angle to the Sun. It's also when the Sun rises due east and sets due west. Tonight, a pale orange moon will appear due east, and quickly become pale yellow.

But with all this talk about Moons what about the worm? So the Spring Equinox Moon coincides with the time of year when earthworms begin to emerge from the thawing soils in the Northern Hemisphere. So if you were in the US you could wake up watch the worms emerging. Now there’s lot’s of debate in the Southern Hemisphere about whether worms are more likely to emerge tomorrow morning. So as John Howard liked to say ‘Be alert but not alarmed.’ You may come down for a swim and see a sea of rising worms. And be careful if you are an early swimmer because you know what the early bird gets.

A total of 122 swimmers braved the 24 degree calm conditions this morning, including two lucky newbies. Here a selection of today's swimmers and the hotly contested selected cover shot.

And finally these were left in the ladies change room, you can collect them from John Kelly.

 

I'll see you in the water.

Pete Anthony

 

Stats 

Swimmers 114 (felt like 123.8796)

Temperature 24 (felt like 25.98531)

Newbies 2 (felt like 3)

The Monthly Dinner– 9^th April 2019 – Guest Speaker

The Next B&B monthly dinner for the year will be held on Tuesday 9th April at 6.30 pm at Bluewater Restaurant. Our guest on the night will be Dr Amy Smoothey, who is a fisheries scientist in the government’s Shark Research Group.  Amy’s shark research will provide scientific-based guidelines for minimising the risk of shark bites within estuaries such as Sydney Harbour, as well as, some of the necessary information to ensure species of sharks in NSW are effectively managed in an ecologically sustainable way.  In her role, Amy is also responsible for investigating the movements of Bull Sharks in NSW waters, shark bites, community engagement and education and is involved in various aspects of the new $16 Million NSW Shark Management Strategy.

Please book early for this event as it is sure to be popular. 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 at www.boldandbeautifulmanly.com.au/bb-bluewater-monthly-dinner.html .

2019 Summer Badge Ceremony – Sunday 24^th March

You’ve done the hard yards and got your Summer Badge(s), now come and collect your badges with all the pomp and ceremony the B&B can muster.  Bring along $10 for each badge you have earned (correct money appreciated). The ceremony will be held at the Royal Far West’s new Centre for Country Kids at 14-18 Wentworth St (opposite Rialto Square) on Sunday 24^th March, straight after the regular swim! Everyone is welcome, family, friends and swimmers alike.

A $5 per person donation will be payable to the RFW at the gate for hosting this event, and .... RFW will provide a FREE breakfast (sausage sandwich and a coffee/tea). Bookings are essential to ensure there is enough food. Book here NOW  https://www.boldandbeautifulmanly.com.au/2019-summer-badge-ceremony.html

All 2019 summer badge qualifiers will be presented with their well-earned badge(s), so whether you are getting one personally or you want to enjoy the celebrations of your fellow swimmers, a great morning is guaranteed so come along, soak up the atmosphere and get inspired for the upcoming winter badges...

20 March 2019: No tea at the Tardis

The morning got off to a great start when David Champion announced to the pink caps entering the water on the dot of 7am, that Janet 'was really easy to pick up'. We all fell about laughing while David, with an armful of Janet, considered his remark momentarily and Janet, mid air, choked and spluttered! 

 

For some reason, many people (not including Lainey and Sooze) seemed to become shy about having their photos taken with their pink caps on this morning.  While they may not be the most flattering piece of attire ever created, we are all in it together and the fish certainly can't tell us apart so there is really no need to worry!

 

Speaking of worry - we thought we had a camera malfunction after only one photo had been taken! At least it was a cracker shot of our fearless leaders and the white board and not a shot of someone's foot or something.

 

It was a little too easy to get mesmerised by the beautiful light, the flat conditions and the warm water this morning but had to remember that there was a job to be done. Photos for the blog!

 

This is what happens when you ask Michael Stacey and Henrietta to make a splash for the camera!

 

The aftermath! The camera and blogger were not the only ones that caught the splash! With all this mucking around we missed JK's "Let's Go!" at the point so made a dash to Shelly.

 

Dashing to Shelly.

 

Meanwhile, on the way to Shelly, Jenny was enjoying a moments quiet and the spellbinding light, while waiting for her swim buddy, Jane.

Jenny and Jane are reunited, showing their delight, with the Tardis unaware it is making a delightful backdrop in the background. Meanwhile it was business as usual at Shelly. 

 

Business as usual at Shelly. Paul was trying to work out which finger was touching his nose without looking. (Ok - he wasn't really. I  snapped the shot after he closed his eyes - blogger mistake - sorry Paul!)

 

Pictures paint a thousand words! This swim is the world's best therapy! 

 

Please excuse the tongue and green cap! :-)

 

The way back to South Steyne provided an opportune time to visit the Tardis and see whether we could score a freshly baked muffin or the like for the long swim back. Or even just a cuppa with a milk arrowroot biscuit would have been sufficient! But sadly - no morning tea was forthcoming no matter how much we splashed about complaining of hunger pains. The radio was on but no-one was home! Maybe tomorrow!?

 

Then the rain started.

 

People huddled.

 

Derek pointed.

 

Then Maisie came to confirm that all was good in our part of the world.

Happy hump day and have a great week.

Lucy

 

Stats:

Swimmers: way more than Monday and Tuesday - maybe 180

Newbies: Around 3 or 4

Water temp: 23.6

2019 Summer Badge Ceremony – Sunday 24^th March

You’ve done the hard yards and got your Summer Badge(s), now come and collect your badges with all the pomp and ceremony the B&B can muster.  Bring along $10 for each badge you have earned (correct money appreciated). The ceremony will be held at the Royal Far West’s new Centre for Country Kids at 14-18 Wentworth St (opposite Rialto Square) on Sunday 24^th March, straight after the regular swim! Everyone is welcome, family, friends and swimmers alike.

A $5 per person donation will be payable to the RFW at the gate for hosting this event, and .... RFW will provide a FREE breakfast (sausage sandwich and a coffee/tea). Bookings are essential to ensure there is enough food. Book here NOW  https://www.boldandbeautifulmanly.com.au/2019-summer-badge-ceremony.htm

NOLAN – special film night in Manly

This Saturday 23 March, 5 – 7pm

Three generations of the Nolan family will be in attendance at the screening of NOLAN, the documentary on the life of Sidney Nolan, being screened at MAG&M as part of its Brilliant Artists Film Series. Sidney Nolan’s daughter Amelda, and his granddaughter Elizabeth will also contribute to the Q&A about the film, alongside its executive producer, Sharyn Prentice.

Book Now: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/brilliant-artists-film-series-2019-tickets-52948362979

Tickets: $20 MAG&M Members or $30 Adults (includes wine and nibbles)

 

 

 

2019 Summer Badge Ceremony – Sunday 24^th March

You’ve done the hard yards and got your Summer Badge(s), now come and collect your badges with all the pomp and ceremony the B&B can muster.  Bring along $10 for each badge you have earned (correct money appreciated). The ceremony will be held at the Royal Far West’s new Centre for Country Kids at 14-18 Wentworth St (opposite Rialto Square) on Sunday 24^th March, straight after the regular swim! Everyone is welcome, family, friends and swimmers alike.

A $5 per person donation will be payable to the RFW at the gate for hosting this event, and .... RFW will provide a FREE breakfast (sausage sandwich and a coffee/tea). Bookings are essential to ensure there is enough food. Book here NOW  https://www.boldandbeautifulmanly.com.au/2019-summer-badge-ceremony.htm

NOLAN – special film night in Manly

This Saturday 23 March, 5 – 7pm

Three generations of the Nolan family will be in attendance at the screening of NOLAN, the documentary on the life of Sidney Nolan, being screened at MAG&M as part of its Brilliant Artists Film Series. Sidney Nolan’s daughter Amelda, and his granddaughter Elizabeth will also contribute to the Q&A about the film, alongside its executive producer, Sharyn Prentice.

Book Now: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/brilliant-artists-film-series-2019-tickets-52948362979

Tickets: $20 MAG&M Members or $30 Adults (includes wine and nibbles)

 

Tuesday 19/3/19: The calm after the storms

Good morning! This blog will be short n sweet, as unfortunately there was only 4 babewatchers there this morning, limiting my content for the tuesday blogging.. 

 

It must have been the general consensus this morning, after the huge weekend storms and seemingly never ending rain, that a swim was not on the agenda for many as numbers were low. For those that did swim, it ended up being beautiful! There was a lovely sunrise peeping out from the point at around 7, very warm water (which suprised me after the rain) and calm, glassy conditions. The only thing missing was the usual clarity, and so I missed seeing the friendly duskies at the point. 

 

 

Hard not to be this happy out here! 

 

 

Anika providing some excellent advertisement for Babewatch! 

 

We ALMOST made it in time to Shelly for the "Let's go", but were about two minutes too slow. No one knows true fear until you're faced with the speedy swimmers at the front sprinting towards you on the race back to South Steyne.. 

 

Got caught out taking sneaky shots in this photo- nice technique mysterious bnb swimmer! 

 

The last two left at Shelly, a very small group Babewatch photo this week! 

Hope this blog encouraged anyone who slept in today to get out there tomorrow, the rain and storms hasn't changed the beauty that is cabbage tree bay. Another perfect start to the day. 

 

Until next week, 

Ali xx 

 

Stats

Newbies: 1 

Swimmers: 190 all together

Water temp: 23 degrees! 

 

2019 Summer Badge Ceremony – Sunday 24^th March

You’ve done the hard yards and got your Summer Badge(s), now come and collect your badges with all the pomp and ceremony the B&B can muster.  Bring along $10 for each badge you have earned (correct money appreciated). The ceremony will be held at the Royal Far West’s new Centre for Country Kids at 14-18 Wentworth St (opposite Rialto Square) on Sunday 24^th March, straight after the regular swim! Everyone is welcome, family, friends and swimmers alike.

A $5 per person donation will be payable to the RFW at the gate for hosting this event, and .... RFW will provide a FREE breakfast (sausage sandwich and a coffee/tea). Bookings are essential to ensure there is enough food. Book here NOW  https://www.boldandbeautifulmanly.com.au/2019-summer-badge-ceremony.htm

 

Different Kind of Calm - 18/03/19

Society, like nature, is a self organising system. One of the defining qualities of such a system is the ability to establish order following a critical phase of chaos.

From the turbulence emerge new properties, new synergies and new information. This results in a system wide shift, a refinement on what was, communicated through higher coherence.

From sounds of thunder back to butterfly wings. A little less fragile, a different kind of calm.

(Click photos to enlarge)

 

 

 

 

 

With love,
Andrew Maher.

Gentle, Neuro-Structural Chiropractic Collaroy (mention you swim with B&B)

Stats:
Swimmers:  157
Newbees: 3
Water: 19.8 deg C (and calm)

2019 Summer Badge Ceremony – Sunday 24^th March

You’ve done the hard yards and got your Summer Badge(s), now come and collect your badges with all the pomp and ceremony the B&B can muster.  Bring along $10 for each badge you have earned (correct money appreciated). The ceremony will be held at the Royal Far West’s new Centre for Country Kids at 14-18 Wentworth St (opposite Rialto Square) on Sunday 24^th March, straight after the regular swim! Everyone is welcome, family, friends and swimmers alike.

A $5 per person donation will be payable to the RFW at the gate for hosting this event, and .... RFW will provide a FREE breakfast (sausage sandwich and a coffee/tea). Bookings are essential to ensure there is enough food. Book here NOW  https://www.boldandbeautifulmanly.com.au/2019-summer-badge-ceremony.htm

Congratulations to all who participated in the Head Above Water 24hr charity swim this weekend.
They ended up having 500 people register, 100 volunteers and raised $82,000 for Gotcha4Life a non-for-profit foundation dedicated to taking action and having a positive outcome on men’s mental health.

2019 Summer Badge Ceremony – Sunday 24^th March

You’ve done the hard yards and got your Summer Badge(s), now come and collect your badges with all the pomp and ceremony the B&B can muster.  Bring along $10 for each badge you have earned (correct money appreciated). The ceremony will be held at the Royal Far West’s new Centre for Country Kids at 14-18 Wentworth St (opposite Rialto Square) on Sunday 24^th March, straight after the regular swim! Everyone is welcome, family, friends and swimmers alike.

A $5 per person donation will be payable to the RFW at the gate for hosting this event, and .... RFW will provide a FREE breakfast (sausage sandwich and a coffee/tea). Bookings are essential to ensure there is enough food. Book here NOW  https://www.boldandbeautifulmanly.com.au/2019-summer-badge-ceremony.htm

Sunday March 17, St Patrick's Day

It was so tempting to stay in bed this morning, but like every day, the B&B swim is always a Blue Sky Day no matter what the weather.

 

 

**DON'T FORGET TO BOOK FOR THE BADGE CEREMONY**

**DETAILS AT BOTTOM OF THIS BLOG**

 

Stats:

Temp: 23.4

Swimmers: 197

Newbies: 2

2019 Summer Badge Ceremony – Sunday 24^th March

You’ve done the hard yards and got your Summer Badge(s), now come and collect your badges with all the pomp and ceremony the B&B can muster.  Bring along $10 for each badge you have earned (correct money appreciated). The ceremony will be held at the Royal Far West’s new Centre for Country Kids at 14-18 Wentworth St (opposite Rialto Square) on Sunday 24^th March, straight after the regular swim! Everyone is welcome, family, friends and swimmers alike.

A $5 per person donation will be payable to the RFW at the gate for hosting this event, and .... RFW will provide a FREE breakfast (sausage sandwich and a coffee/tea). Bookings are essential to ensure there is enough food. Book here NOW  https://www.boldandbeautifulmanly.com.au/2019-summer-badge-ceremony.htm

In other news:

The Medibank Free + Active Swimmer of the Month for February was Joel Smouha, who receives a $100 Rebel voucher. Remember, to be in the draw for the swimmer of the month, just log your swims. The more you swim each month, the more chances you have of winning. Joel was interviewed by Julie Isbill, founder of B&B.

Congratulations Joel, can you tell me why you swim?

I have many previous sports injuries from playing AFL, so I can't really run or jump or do any other sort of explosive training or sports. 
I swim because it's an amazing form of exercise and is easy on my body! I also love it and enjoy the different conditions the ocean has in store every day. 

And why do you swim with B&B?

A friend asked me down about 2 years ago, it was the first time I had done ocean swimming. I did it once and was addicted, I have tried doing it every day since then!

I really enjoy the community atmosphere and everyone just getting out there every morning and doing it. Really keeps you motivated with so many others doing it. 
The swim route is also incredible and the sea life you get to see all the time is pretty special. 

Lastly, what you will spend your voucher on to help support your health and fitness?

Either a new pair of sneakers for my walk down the the B&B, or maybe a couple of new pairs of goggles. 

 

Moody Morning

The smallish crew who showed this morning were in for a treat - below the gloomy clouds was warm clear water with sea creatures a-plenty for us to interact with.

Sunrise was a muted affair

I saw these ladies leave the water and re-enter shortly after - not enough of a good thing, right?


Meanwhile the preparations for the 7am

Steve, who has mastered the lifter and the leaner roles - he lifts spirits with his loving demeanor and he loves to lean on humans. 

Edwina and Michael deep in conversation

Still a bit sparse for a Saturday. Is summer really over?

Alanna going back for her second single

At Shelley, the joint was jumping

The A team, who shortly after this photo was taken caused confusion and general discombobulation by giving a pre-emptive let's go 

And now for the fishies, in no particular order

Fiddler ray aka banjo shark even though it's not a shark, near the yellow shed

A common stingaree, a crimson banded wrasse and a photobomber who we'll call Rainer

A kingfish and some nervous looking yellowtail

This beauty needs no introduction

A puffer fish close to the Point

Eagle Ray

When too many duskies are barely enough

Duskies and an eagle ray. I saw one of the duskies sizing up the ray - and it seems making a meal of it was too much work.

I caught up with Ian and Ros and can confidently say we hit dusky pay dirt.

A squid near Shelley

Is this pink fish a wrasse? It has whiskers like a catfish

Mados aka LSTs

Napoleon joined the WoWs for coffee and a chat

My guess at the stats

water temp let's say 23

Swimmers 200 maybe

Newbies 15

2019 Summer Badge Ceremony – Sunday 24^th March

You’ve done the hard yards and got your Summer Badge(s), now come and collect your badges with all the pomp and ceremony the B&B can muster.  Bring along $10 for each badge you have earned (correct money appreciated). The ceremony will be held at the Royal Far West’s new Centre for Country Kids at 14-18 Wentworth St (opposite Rialto Square) on Sunday 24^th March, straight after the regular swim! Everyone is welcome, family, friends and swimmers alike.

A $5 per person donation will be payable to the RFW at the gate for hosting this event, and .... RFW will provide a FREE breakfast (sausage sandwich and a coffee/tea). Bookings are essential to ensure there is enough food. Book here NOW  https://www.boldandbeautifulmanly.com.au/2019-summer-badge-ceremony.htm

What am I listening to? Today I am torn - a few weeks ago I went to a very lovely performance by the multi dimensional Ralph McTell. Alte Kukkes may remember a pretty big hit of his in the 1970s called Streets of London, but he is also a very fine songwriter and guitarist and a blues aficionado with a significant back catalog. Not a one hit wonder by any means. This is not a blues piece but I like it because it evokes a summer in a green and pleasant land - quite unlike the relentless heat and humidity we have experienced recently

And here's the other one. Later this week a tribute film to Joni Mitchell will be played globally to celebrate her 75th birthday. Here is a live version of one of my favourites of her songs. A gorgeous live performance but then she always had fabulous musicians playing with her. A unique creative force.

2019 Summer Badge Ceremony – Sunday 24^th March

You’ve done the hard yards and got your Summer Badge(s), now come and collect your badges with all the pomp and ceremony the B&B can muster.  Bring along $10 for each badge you have earned (correct money appreciated). The ceremony will be held at the Royal Far West’s new Centre for Country Kids at 14-18 Wentworth St (opposite Rialto Square) on Sunday 24^th March, straight after the regular swim! Everyone is welcome, family, friends and swimmers alike.

A $5 per person donation will be payable to the RFW at the gate for hosting this event, and .... RFW will provide a FREE breakfast (sausage sandwich and a coffee/tea). Bookings are essential to ensure there is enough food. Book here NOW  https://www.boldandbeautifulmanly.com.au/2019-summer-badge-ceremony.htm

Friday 15 March 2019 Life goes on

Today was the last swim for Triple Crown trophy holder, Christoph. He is going to Denmark. Bon voyage. This is an end for him but it opens up the first place position for a new swimmer. It will not be me - I could not even capture his speedy strokes with my camera! Now that the badge season is over, it gives everyone something to work towards. 

Another swimmer from Lane Cove. There is a clear nexus between Manly and Lane Cove (I am from Lane Cove and so are Bernhard and Rosemary and Carolyn)

Welcome back Gayle - here with lovely mermaid Elaine. thanks for sharing your great photos

 

The A tree was a hive of activity. Wishing Christoph farewell while eyeing off the trophy and dreaming  of a super fast swim and getting techniques just right. Michael Phelps uses visualisation and is very successful so I think the A team must too.

 

Then into the water. It was a lovely swim. after the storms last night i thought the swim might be electrifying but it was just lovely.

Shower scene

Christoph was too fast for my camera

A tip. Christoph had swedish goggles. Maybe will give the next winner the edge

 

 

Management notices:

Water temp:  23.0
Newbies: 2
Total swimmers: 90

2019 Summer Badge Ceremony – Sunday 24^th March

You’ve done the hard yards and got your Summer Badge(s), now come and collect your badges with all the pomp and ceremony the B&B can muster.  Bring along $10 for each badge you have earned (correct money appreciated). The ceremony will be held at the Royal Far West’s new Centre for Country Kids at 14-18 Wentworth St (opposite Rialto Square) on Sunday 24^th March, straight after the regular swim! Everyone is welcome, family, friends and swimmers alike.

A $5 per person donation will be payable to the RFW at the gate for hosting this event, and .... RFW will provide a FREE breakfast (sausage sandwich and a coffee/tea). Bookings are essential to ensure there is enough food. Book here NOW  https://www.boldandbeautifulmanly.com.au/2019-summer-badge-ceremony.htm

 

What I have been reading. 

Good Bait by John Harvey. Just started. 

I also watched Afterlife with Ricky Gervais on Netflix

 

2019 Summer Badge Ceremony – Sunday 24^th March

You’ve done the hard yards and got your Summer Badge(s), now come and collect your badges with all the pomp and ceremony the B&B can muster.  Bring along $10 for each badge you have earned (correct money appreciated). The ceremony will be held at the Royal Far West’s new Centre for Country Kids at 14-18 Wentworth St (opposite Rialto Square) on Sunday 24^th March, straight after the regular swim! Everyone is welcome, family, friends and swimmers alike.

A $5 per person donation will be payable to the RFW at the gate for hosting this event, and .... RFW will provide a FREE breakfast (sausage sandwich and a coffee/tea). Bookings are essential to ensure there is enough food. Book here NOW  https://www.boldandbeautifulmanly.com.au/2019-summer-badge-ceremony.htm

Thursday 15 March 2019: Shelly Beach swimming etiquette

What a difference a day or two can make.  From nice flat, clear swimming earlier in this week, this morning with the southerly change coming through yesterday swimming was a little sub-optimal.  And to top it off when I rocked up for my regular swim this morning the 6am bait - I mean swimmers - had reported bluey's at the point.

What should we all do.  Everyone was surveying the situation and making their decision, including this motley lot!!!

Even the surf lifesavers were having difficulty getting their craft back to shore.  If they couldn't stay upright I was pretty sure there was little hope for me!!!!  My philosophy is that I swim for enjoyment, so if waves are a little messy I just don't have to go through that, so half way or Shelly are my preferred option.

There was plenty of discussion near sunrise on what we should do.

But the yogi's just kept focused on their downward dog's and warrior pose.

A nice warm cuppa was in order for Annie and Laney to make up their minds.

Sean was telling us he didn't see anything when he went out in the dark.  Carol was swimming with us today, along with Pauline.

We decided to head to to Shelly Beach along with the masses (well okay a handful of other swimmers).  Much more my style!!

Jean swam with us today and celebrated her birthday with the normal in tune singing - no splashes this morning though.

While management (aka Ian) told us of the etiquette for the times we need to swim from Shelly (those naughty A-Team boys please read).

When swimming out from Shelly Beach please stick to the Bower Break side of the beach.  When swimming into Shelly Beach you should stay closer to the wall or Boat House side of the beach.  This flow has changed in recent years following discussion about the rip that can occur off the Bower Break.  If all swimmers follow this flow it will keep us all safe and avoid collisions in the bay.

Even though conditions weren't great this morning, there's still opportunity following the swim for coffee, breakfast and catching up with friends.  I like your style girls.

Till next time - keep swimming!!

Management notices:

Water temp:  23.2
Newbies: 3
Total swimmers: 90

2019 Summer Badge Ceremony – Sunday 24^th March

You’ve done the hard yards and got your Summer Badge(s), now come and collect your badges with all the pomp and ceremony the B&B can muster.  Bring along $10 for each badge you have earned (correct money appreciated). The ceremony will be held at the Royal Far West’s new Centre for Country Kids at 14-18 Wentworth St (opposite Rialto Square) on Sunday 24^th March, straight after the regular swim! Everyone is welcome, family, friends and swimmers alike.

A $5 per person donation will be payable to the RFW at the gate for hosting this event, and .... RFW will provide a FREE breakfast (sausage sandwich and a coffee/tea). Bookings are essential to ensure there is enough food. Book here NOW  https://www.boldandbeautifulmanly.com.au/2019-summer-badge-ceremony.htm

 

2019 Summer Badge Ceremony – Sunday 24^th March

You’ve done the hard yards and got your Summer Badge(s), now come and collect your badges with all the pomp and ceremony the B&B can muster.  Bring along $10 for each badge you have earned (correct money appreciated). The ceremony will be held at the Royal Far West’s new Centre for Country Kids at 14-18 Wentworth St (opposite Rialto Square) on Sunday 24^th March, straight after the regular swim! Everyone is welcome, family, friends and swimmers alike.

A $5 per person donation will be payable to the RFW at the gate for hosting this event, and .... RFW will provide a FREE breakfast (sausage sandwich and a coffee/tea). Bookings are essential to ensure there is enough food. Book here NOW  https://www.boldandbeautifulmanly.com.au/2019-summer-badge-ceremony.htm

13/03/2019 - Swimming with Sharks

A lot of our friends may be away on holidays but us lucky swimmers who've stayed around Manly, have been swimming with sharks for a week! Such a privilege to share the ocean with these graceful creatures each morning. Elated swimmers have reported seeing up to 12 or more of them , just in 'Let's Go' area at the point!

Those of you who woke up to the sound of rain and then decided to stay under the doona...you missed a beautiful swim. We had pretty much perfect conditions, fairly flat, warm 23 degree water, clear and lots of marine life!

Here's Ian, our fearless leader who never misses a day (when he's not on holidays), whatever the weather. Here he is in his new budgies with Jess.

A smaller group of us today. Watch out for the little Stingarees as you walk in at the moment guys, there are lots around...

Just a short blog from me today as I'm dashing off to the school I teach at casually. (Manly West is the best!)

More Dusky Whaler photos!

Six in one shot. Amazing to see. They are harmless and quite timid and shoot away if you dive down to get a closer look.

They have been swimming in closer to the rocks though and if you follow them you might be lucky to see one a bit closer up! (Good photobomb Mado!)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIyyqGtWOc4

Click on the link above to see a very short video clip I made a couple of days ago.

We've also been lucky to have had a Spotted Wobbegong around the rocks near the point recently. There have been quite a few sightings. This was him on Monday :-)

Beautiful light as we swam back in today!

Last night was the monthly Bluewater dinner when Brian and Melissa picked up their 1000 km badges...

...and we had an interesting presentation by Helen Pitt with Wilf giving a speech too. Helen is a Sydney Morning Herald journalist who won the 2018 Walkley Book Award for her book The House, the dramatic story of the Sydney Opera House. In 2016, she wrote a story about the Bold and Beautiful swim club, which is where she met veteran B&B swimmer Wilf Deck, a former Opera House engineer with Arup’s who features in the book. Copies of the book are on sale at Humphreys now!

2019 Summer Badge Ceremony – Sunday 24^th March

You’ve done the hard yards and got your Summer Badge(s), now come and collect your badges with all the pomp and ceremony the B&B can muster.  Bring along $10 for each badge you have earned (correct money appreciated). The ceremony will be held at the Royal Far West’s new Centre for Country Kids at 14-18 Wentworth St (opposite Rialto Square) on Sunday 24^th March, straight after the regular swim! Everyone is welcome, family, friends and swimmers alike.

A $5 per person donation will be payable to the RFW at the gate for hosting this event, and .... RFW will provide a FREE breakfast (sausage sandwich and a coffee/tea). Bookings are essential to ensure there is enough food. Book here NOW  https://www.boldandbeautifulmanly.com.au/2019-summer-badge-ceremony.htm

Have a great day

Lainey

2019 Summer Badge Ceremony – Sunday 24^th March

You’ve done the hard yards and got your Summer Badge(s), now come and collect your badges with all the pomp and ceremony the B&B can muster.  Bring along $10 for each badge you have earned (correct money appreciated). The ceremony will be held at the Royal Far West’s new Centre for Country Kids at 14-18 Wentworth St (opposite Rialto Square) on Sunday 24^th March, straight after the regular swim! Everyone is welcome, family, friends and swimmers alike.

A $5 per person donation will be payable to the RFW at the gate for hosting this event, and .... RFW will provide a FREE breakfast (sausage sandwich and a coffee/tea). Bookings are essential to ensure there is enough food. Book here NOW  https://www.boldandbeautifulmanly.com.au/2019-summer-badge-ceremony.htm

Tuesday 12/3/19 - Another blogworthy swim

Ahh another Tuesday with Babewatch, and it seems we have newbies joining the joy that is ocean swimming every week! If you were new this week, you chose a perfect morning to get your dose of Vitamin Sea and experience the aquarium along the way. 

It was a lovely swim to recap this morning, with sea life everywhere, glassy conditions and lots of happy faces to photograph. 

 

 

It began, as it does every week with Babewatch entering via the ramp whilst putting on our fave pink caps, always a few minutes late..

 

Today the tide was so low, I felt like we were still walking at the point! 

 

 

 

There was a beautiful suprise at the point- a big Wobbegong, just sitting peacefully on the bottom. I actually managed to capture him, and felt a little bit like David Attenborough (or Manly Mermaid- Lainey!). 

 

 

We all enjoyed a chat at Shelly, got the obligatory group photo before making our way back across the lake that was Cabbage Tree Bay. 

 

 

Matt and Tessa - Siblings experiencing their first bnb! 

 

 

And after the Wobbegong encounter on the way over, we were lucky enough to also catch a few duskies around the point on the way back! Here is a less impressive attempt of photographing underwater. 

 

 

Until next week, 

Ali 

 

Stats:

 

Swimmers: 280!

Newbies: 13 (even after summer and on a regular Tuesday!) 

Water temp: 22 degrees

 

 

Monthly Dinner– 12^th March 2019 – Guest Speaker

Tuesday 12th March at 6.30 pm at Bluewater Restaurant. Our guest on the night will be Helen Pitt, a Sydney Morning Herald journalist who won the 2018 Walkley Book Award for her book The House, the dramatic story of the Sydney Opera House. In 2016, she wrote a story about the Bold and Beautiful swim club, which is where she met veteran B&B swimmer Wilf Deck, a former Opera House engineer with Arup’s who features in the book. Helen will talk about the book and will have copies for sale on the night.

Please book early for this event as it is sure to be popular. 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 at www.boldandbeautifulmanly.com.au/bb-bluewater-monthly-dinner.html

2019 Summer Badge Ceremony – Sunday 24^th March

You’ve done the hard yards and got your Summer Badge(s), now come and collect your badges with all the pomp and ceremony the B&B can muster.  Bring along $10 for each badge you have earned (correct money appreciated). The ceremony will be held at the Royal Far West’s new Centre for Country Kids at 14-18 Wentworth St (opposite Rialto Square) on Sunday 24^th March, straight after the regular swim! Everyone is welcome, family, friends and swimmers alike.

A $5 per person donation will be payable to the RFW at the gate for hosting this event, and .... RFW will provide a FREE breakfast (sausage sandwich and a coffee/tea). Bookings are essential to ensure there is enough food. Book here NOW  https://www.boldandbeautifulmanly.com.au/2019-summer-badge-ceremony.htm