Pacific Jules

LAST DAY OF WINTER SWIMS, PLEASE ENTER THEM IN THE SYSTEM

Apologies for the upper case (not really), please log them today - this was a message management asked me to include in the blog.

It's so nice to be back after a month away on the other side of the world, especially when Manly turns on its best conditions (huh?) and there is plenty of parking (huh? why were all those beachfront spots blocked off? which reminds me, there's some fun run (and we know that's a lie - whoever thought of juxtaposing those words?) tomorrow and there will be road closures

Where are the WOWs? Where is everybody?

Annie and Peter were here, having their morning cuppa

Management and a WOW.

Someone was due for a pedicure and didn't want their feet on display today, so mad skills were employed

That's more like it

Martin and Roger

While a sizeable contingent of WOWs is wowing it up in Greece, the task of defending the wall fell to us 4

JK  suggested a Shelley Beach entry and was ignored by everyone except 5 people (Anne E, Edwina, Gillian, Jonathan and me)

Even in the shallow water the visibility was truly awful, so I amused myself by taking photos of Anne E's flippers

I was heading to the point when I saw swimmers heading towards me and remembered I was today's blogger and really should get back to Shelley pronto. (still jet lagged)

I rinsed my lens repeatedly  but still my perspective was blurred

Back at the point most of us prepared for the swim through the break while watching the board paddlers

Jo on the left was in a celebratory mood after making the 20 swims - congrats Jo.

The doublers waiting for their lets go

It was round about now that I saw a wobbegong at the point but by the time the message had made it from my eyes to my one functioning brain cell it had gone on its way.

Still, I have to include a fish photo, so here's one I prepared earlier. This was off a Red Sea beach on the Israel side of the border with Egypt. As you can see the visibility was ridiculously amazing. The fish at this beach are used to being fed despite signs in several languages saying not to. An elderly gentleman was sitting on the steps of the pier, feeding them cheezels (or the Middle Eastern equivalent). 

Ian and Gayle having fun in the surf

Surfers doing the same (but differently)

Back on shore Lainey alerted me to celebrations on the new steps. Dave had just completed 500km and he and his buddies were celebrating with espresso martinis and carrot cake

oopsie

Back on shore

WOWa featuring Izzy and honorary WOW David C

Bindi waiting patiently for her Daddy

 

Other stats - 1 brave newbie and 180 swimmers

SOCIAL NOTES

The Monthly Dinner – 10^th September 2019 – Guest Speaker

 

Next B&B monthly dinner:

Tuesday 10th September at 6.30 pm

at Bluewater Restaurant

Our guest on the night will be Emily Kempson

Australia’s 2019 Ultraman Female Champion.

 

After suffering a fractured sacrum in the lead up to the 2018 event, Emily managed to overcome her injury and win the 2019 Female Ultraman title. This was no mean feat, as the event is conducted over 3 days and includes a 10 km swim, 421 km bike ride and a double marathon (84.3 km). Emily will talk about why she was attracted to the event, what her lead up training was like, the number of people who helped her in the race and their roles (it takes a village), her nutrition during the event and recovery each day, how she kept focus, dealing with injury and disappointment to come back stronger and what’s next.

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 Winter Badge Ceremony – Sunday 22^nd September

You’ve done the hard yards and earned your Winter Badge(s), now come and collect your badges with all the pomp and ceremony the B&B can muster.

Bring along $10 for each badge you have earned (correct money appreciated).

The venue is the Royal Far West Centre (Wentworth Avenue, Manly) on Sunday 22^nd September, straight after the regular swim! Everyone is welcome, family, friends and swimmers alike.

A $5 donation will be payable to the RFW at the gate for hosting this event, and .... RFW will provide a FREE breakfast (sausage sandwich and a coffee/tea).

Bookings are essential to ensure there is enough food.  Book here for Badge Ceremony.

All 2019 winter 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 summer badges.

In conjunction with the badge ceremony, Royal Far West will be holding a raffle with great prizes, so don't forget to bring along extra money for the raffle (credit card payment facilities will be available for the raffle).    

 

What am I listening to? While writing the blog I was listening the 1980 Ry Cooder album, Borderline. Here is Across The Borderline off that album. Quite possibly even more apt today .

Adios amigos

 

SOCIAL NOTES

The Monthly Dinner – 10^th September 2019 – Guest Speaker

 

Next B&B monthly dinner:

Tuesday 10th September at 6.30 pm

at Bluewater Restaurant

Our guest on the night will be Emily Kempson

Australia’s 2019 Ultraman Female Champion.

 

After suffering a fractured sacrum in the lead up to the 2018 event, Emily managed to overcome her injury and win the 2019 Female Ultraman title. This was no mean feat, as the event is conducted over 3 days and includes a 10 km swim, 421 km bike ride and a double marathon (84.3 km). Emily will talk about why she was attracted to the event, what her lead up training was like, the number of people who helped her in the race and their roles (it takes a village), her nutrition during the event and recovery each day, how she kept focus, dealing with injury and disappointment to come back stronger and what’s next.

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 Winter Badge Ceremony – Sunday 22^nd September

You’ve done the hard yards and earned your Winter Badge(s), now come and collect your badges with all the pomp and ceremony the B&B can muster.

Bring along $10 for each badge you have earned (correct money appreciated).

The venue is the Royal Far West Centre (Wentworth Avenue, Manly) on Sunday 22^nd September, straight after the regular swim! Everyone is welcome, family, friends and swimmers alike.

A $5 donation will be payable to the RFW at the gate for hosting this event, and .... RFW will provide a FREE breakfast (sausage sandwich and a coffee/tea).

Bookings are essential to ensure there is enough food.  Book here for Badge Ceremony.

All 2019 winter 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 summer badges.

In conjunction with the badge ceremony, Royal Far West will be holding a raffle with great prizes, so don't forget to bring along extra money for the raffle (credit card payment facilities will be available for the raffle).    

Going to get wet anyhow, right?

"Sure Elizabeth... I'll fill in for you for your blog next Friday" I said... Argh!

Oh well, actually it turned out to be a great morning to swim...

I mean if you are going to get wet anyhow... and the parking spots... ample I tell you!

Dave and Drinksy Do. Not. Miss. A. Swim.

Conditions were calm across the bay, clear and 17 degrees... though I reckon the top inch was 15 degrees... and its always nice to have some heavy rain pouring down on you as you swim in our bay!

Francis clocking up her 20th winter swim this morning...

The Kid dealing with an autograph hunter...

Talk of a turtle spotted in the bay this morning. And the ladies enjoying Kane's finest brew...

And finally on this wet and wintery morning where most hit the alarm and rolled over back to sleep... a nice photo of the mature men of Manly. Bruce, Pete and Dave....

Alright, have a great day. I must admit, I'm back in bed with the electric blanket on.

I came across this great quote from Reverend Nicky Gumbel in London this week. May it inspire someone out there in B&B blog land..."The first to apologise is the bravest. The first to forgive is the strongest. The first to forget is the happiest."

Go well - The Bishop.

Thursday 29 August: Once upon a time in Persia...

Once upon a time in a land far away in Persia a beautiful woman fell in love with a visiting Prince of the Palace. She thought ‘How can I charm the Prince when surely his Palace provides him with all he desires…’ And just when she was in the depths of her longing, she was visited by Inanna,  the Persian Goddess of Love & Fertility.

Struck by the longing of the woman to be the Prince’s consort Inanna gave her a love potion recipe and together they baked a love cake for the Prince. They sent the cake to the Palace with a note ‘If you are looking for true love just take a bite.’ Sure enough the Prince was tempted and fell immediately in love.

Just a fairy-tale? Well we know at the B&B fairy tales do come true. One our Princesses, Rayna, used the Persian Love Cake recipe to enchant her beau Simon. And today they celebrated 20 swims with their mate Tony. Just one more magical morning at the B&B.

 

Keep believing,

Pete Anthony

 

Stats: (Approximateations roundedup to four decimal points)

Swimmers 121 (Felt like 121.4357)

Temperature: 17.0 (Felt like 17.9843)

Newbies: 0 (Felt like 1)

 

 

SOCIAL NOTES

The Monthly Dinner – 10^th September 2019 – Guest Speaker

 

Next B&B monthly dinner:

Tuesday 10th September at 6.30 pm

at Bluewater Restaurant

Our guest on the night will be Emily Kempson

Australia’s 2019 Ultraman Female Champion.

 

After suffering a fractured sacrum in the lead up to the 2018 event, Emily managed to overcome her injury and win the 2019 Female Ultraman title. This was no mean feat, as the event is conducted over 3 days and includes a 10 km swim, 421 km bike ride and a double marathon (84.3 km). Emily will talk about why she was attracted to the event, what her lead up training was like, the number of people who helped her in the race and their roles (it takes a village), her nutrition during the event and recovery each day, how she kept focus, dealing with injury and disappointment to come back stronger and what’s next.

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 Winter Badge Ceremony – Sunday 22^nd September

You’ve done the hard yards and earned your Winter Badge(s), now come and collect your badges with all the pomp and ceremony the B&B can muster.

Bring along $10 for each badge you have earned (correct money appreciated).

The venue is the Royal Far West Centre (Wentworth Avenue, Manly) on Sunday 22^nd September, straight after the regular swim! Everyone is welcome, family, friends and swimmers alike.

A $5 donation will be payable to the RFW at the gate for hosting this event, and .... RFW will provide a FREE breakfast (sausage sandwich and a coffee/tea).

Bookings are essential to ensure there is enough food.  Book here for Badge Ceremony.

All 2019 winter 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 summer badges.

In conjunction with the badge ceremony, Royal Far West will be holding a raffle with great prizes, so don't forget to bring along extra money for the raffle (credit card payment facilities will be available for the raffle).    

 

 

Stats: (Approximateations roundedup to four decimal points)

Swimmers 121 (Felt like 121.4357)

Temperature: 17.0 (Felt like 17.9843)

Newbies: 0 (Felt like 1)

 

 

SOCIAL NOTES

The Monthly Dinner – 10^th September 2019 – Guest Speaker

 

Next B&B monthly dinner:

Tuesday 10th September at 6.30 pm

at Bluewater Restaurant

Our guest on the night will be Emily Kempson

Australia’s 2019 Ultraman Female Champion.

 

After suffering a fractured sacrum in the lead up to the 2018 event, Emily managed to overcome her injury and win the 2019 Female Ultraman title. This was no mean feat, as the event is conducted over 3 days and includes a 10 km swim, 421 km bike ride and a double marathon (84.3 km). Emily will talk about why she was attracted to the event, what her lead up training was like, the number of people who helped her in the race and their roles (it takes a village), her nutrition during the event and recovery each day, how she kept focus, dealing with injury and disappointment to come back stronger and what’s next.

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 Winter Badge Ceremony – Sunday 22^nd September

You’ve done the hard yards and earned your Winter Badge(s), now come and collect your badges with all the pomp and ceremony the B&B can muster.

Bring along $10 for each badge you have earned (correct money appreciated).

The venue is the Royal Far West Centre (Wentworth Avenue, Manly) on Sunday 22^nd September, straight after the regular swim! Everyone is welcome, family, friends and swimmers alike.

A $5 donation will be payable to the RFW at the gate for hosting this event, and .... RFW will provide a FREE breakfast (sausage sandwich and a coffee/tea).

Bookings are essential to ensure there is enough food.  Book here for Badge Ceremony.

All 2019 winter 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 summer badges.

In conjunction with the badge ceremony, Royal Far West will be holding a raffle with great prizes, so don't forget to bring along extra money for the raffle (credit card payment facilities will be available for the raffle).    

27/08/2019 - Stumpy and Freckles

I was stuck for a blog title today so have named it after the stumpy tailed Ray and Grey Nurse Shark that have made Cabbage Tree Bay their home the last few weeks!

Excitement at the swim this week with the presence of not one but at least 2 Grey Nurse Sharks! A few of us saw swam with the small one on Monday at around 7.20am. We found later Ted and Kerry were swimming with a bigger one the other side of the bay at the same time. Ted said that he even saw the shark breach the water!

I only heard of one person seeing the Grey Nurse today but lots of other sea life to be seen!

It was a beautiful morning with sunrise at 6.20am

The Drinks Express

Ironman and world surf swimming champ Craig Riddington was down this morning handing out flyers for his ocean swimming/surf entry classes starting soon on Friday mornings.

A few champs in the pic above too. David Ingram is sporting his 40 year old wetsuit!

It was pretty flat with the odd small wave to wake you up. It was 16.9 but felt colder to me! Around 150 of us today altogether with 3 newbies!

Brian said, 'Get the best looking chaps on the blog!'(He meant himself and JK!)

Mel and Jill have just finished their 6.30am swim and cross over with the 7amers.

Gunnar and Helsy. Helsy's first year of winter swimming and she's up to about 34 without a wettie. Well done!

Lots of beautiful Gropers around today. Shane thinks they're getting bigger. They can live to 70 years so they would be.

This huge ray with the stumpy tail has been hanging around for a while but usually just lies on the ocean floor. Has anyone seen him swim?

The smaller of the two Grey Nurse Sharks sighted in the bay. 

These two were taken Monday closer to Shelly Beach.

Click on the short video below to see him/her swimming!

https://www.facebook.com/elaine.dejager/videos/10212355386433719/

According to the net...Grey Nurse Sharks on the East Coast of Australia are critically endangered. A Mac Uni study mapping the eastern Australian grey nurse shark population has found it has declined rapidly over the last few decades, with only 400 breeding sharks left, too few to maintain a healthy population.Their liver oil was used to fuel the lamps that illuminated Sydney streets during the early 1900s, and during the ’60s and ’70s divers wielding spears with exploding tips actively hunted these sharks for sport. Their aggregating behavior made them easy targets, which eventually led to a major population decline.

By 1984 they were deemed on the brink of extinction in NSW, and declared critically endangered – the first shark to be granted protected status in the world.

 

and more info re Grey Nurse Sharks https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grey_nurse_shark_conservation

This Moray Eel was more frightening than the Grey Nurse! I encountered him swimming yesterday around the point.

Great to see the odd Cuttlefish are still around...

Lots of Port Jackson sightings to be seen by all!

Another rushed job today as scootering off to work. I did want to put a photo in of amazing B&B swimmer Pierre Lord who has just swam the North Channel from Ireland to Scotland! 

 

 

SOCIAL NOTES

The Monthly Dinner – 10^th September 2019 – Guest Speaker

 

Next B&B monthly dinner:

Tuesday 10th September at 6.30 pm

at Bluewater Restaurant

Our guest on the night will be Emily Kempson

Australia’s 2019 Ultraman Female Champion.

 

After suffering a fractured sacrum in the lead up to the 2018 event, Emily managed to overcome her injury and win the 2019 Female Ultraman title. This was no mean feat, as the event is conducted over 3 days and includes a 10 km swim, 421 km bike ride and a double marathon (84.3 km). Emily will talk about why she was attracted to the event, what her lead up training was like, the number of people who helped her in the race and their roles (it takes a village), her nutrition during the event and recovery each day, how she kept focus, dealing with injury and disappointment to come back stronger and what’s next.

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 Winter Badge Ceremony – Sunday 22^nd September

You’ve done the hard yards and earned your Winter Badge(s), now come and collect your badges with all the pomp and ceremony the B&B can muster.

Bring along $10 for each badge you have earned (correct money appreciated).

The venue is the Royal Far West Centre (Wentworth Avenue, Manly) on Sunday 22^nd September, straight after the regular swim! Everyone is welcome, family, friends and swimmers alike.

A $5 donation will be payable to the RFW at the gate for hosting this event, and .... RFW will provide a FREE breakfast (sausage sandwich and a coffee/tea).

Bookings are essential to ensure there is enough food.  Book here for Badge Ceremony.

All 2019 winter 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 summer badges.

In conjunction with the badge ceremony, Royal Far West will be holding a raffle with great prizes, so don't forget to bring along extra money for the raffle (credit card payment facilities will be available for the raffle).    

 

 

 

 

 

SOCIAL NOTES

The Monthly Dinner – 10^th September 2019 – Guest Speaker

 

Next B&B monthly dinner:

Tuesday 10th September at 6.30 pm

at Bluewater Restaurant

Our guest on the night will be Emily Kempson

Australia’s 2019 Ultraman Female Champion.

 

After suffering a fractured sacrum in the lead up to the 2018 event, Emily managed to overcome her injury and win the 2019 Female Ultraman title. This was no mean feat, as the event is conducted over 3 days and includes a 10 km swim, 421 km bike ride and a double marathon (84.3 km). Emily will talk about why she was attracted to the event, what her lead up training was like, the number of people who helped her in the race and their roles (it takes a village), her nutrition during the event and recovery each day, how she kept focus, dealing with injury and disappointment to come back stronger and what’s next.

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 Winter Badge Ceremony – Sunday 22^nd September

You’ve done the hard yards and earned your Winter Badge(s), now come and collect your badges with all the pomp and ceremony the B&B can muster.

Bring along $10 for each badge you have earned (correct money appreciated).

The venue is the Royal Far West Centre (Wentworth Avenue, Manly) on Sunday 22^nd September, straight after the regular swim! Everyone is welcome, family, friends and swimmers alike.

A $5 donation will be payable to the RFW at the gate for hosting this event, and .... RFW will provide a FREE breakfast (sausage sandwich and a coffee/tea).

Bookings are essential to ensure there is enough food.  Book here for Badge Ceremony.

All 2019 winter 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 summer badges.

In conjunction with the badge ceremony, Royal Far West will be holding a raffle with great prizes, so don't forget to bring along extra money for the raffle (credit card payment facilities will be available for the raffle).    

 

Tues 27th: Eggcorns and Earworms

Earworms:

Stranded on a remote Peruvian mountain, mountaineer Joe Simpson was overwhelmed by Boney M’s ‘Brown Girl in the Ring’

 

So there you go, blog reader - your worm for the day

Shark Tales

Lainey (circled above) is off early to hunt down the grey nurse.  What colour is it?

“She’s greyish, with a brown tinge .. and freckles."

------

Air:              13º

Water:         17.2º

Vis:              Crystal-clear (surprisingly)

Fish action:  Port Jacksons (“It’s a shaggfest of them out there,” reports early bird A.P.)

Swimmers:   Mostly in bed

Rain:            A sporadic gossamer (at 6 a.m.)

 

Here's a photo of rain water running through the new pipe ...

------

Eggcorns:

mistaken linguistic identities

 

Meatloaf:

"Well she was
Blinded by the light
Revved up like a deuce
Another runner in the night”

 

Jo Barton:

“Rolling like a douche in the night”

-------

ACDC:

“Dirty deeds

Done dirt cheap”

 

Paul (Pink Caps Swimmer of this Day):

“Dirty deeds

and the Thunder Chief”

------

John Farnham:

"We're all someone's daughter

We're all someone's son
How long can we look at each other
Down the barrel of a gun?”

 

Karl:

“How can we look at each other

“ … the devil with a gun”

--------

The Go-Go’s song title:

“Our Lips are Sealed”

 

Fifi Dob:

“Alex the Seal”

------

A Flock of Seagulls:

"And I ran 

I ran so far away”

 

Nick Howard:

“Iran

Iran - so far away" 

--------

Nat Sengchang:

Too many to list

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

I saw this rainbow at 6.58 a.m, and if you look closely - you can see it's actually ending right there 40 metres away

 

Which reminds me of the song famous for Earcorns, by Led Zeppelin:

SOCIAL NOTES

The Monthly Dinner – 10^th September 2019 – Guest Speaker

 

Next B&B monthly dinner:

Tuesday 10th September at 6.30 pm

at Bluewater Restaurant

Our guest on the night will be Emily Kempson

Australia’s 2019 Ultraman Female Champion.

 

After suffering a fractured sacrum in the lead up to the 2018 event, Emily managed to overcome her injury and win the 2019 Female Ultraman title. This was no mean feat, as the event is conducted over 3 days and includes a 10 km swim, 421 km bike ride and a double marathon (84.3 km). Emily will talk about why she was attracted to the event, what her lead up training was like, the number of people who helped her in the race and their roles (it takes a village), her nutrition during the event and recovery each day, how she kept focus, dealing with injury and disappointment to come back stronger and what’s next.

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 Winter Badge Ceremony – Sunday 22^nd September

You’ve done the hard yards and earned your Winter Badge(s), now come and collect your badges with all the pomp and ceremony the B&B can muster.

Bring along $10 for each badge you have earned (correct money appreciated).

The venue is the Royal Far West Centre (Wentworth Avenue, Manly) on Sunday 22^nd September, straight after the regular swim! Everyone is welcome, family, friends and swimmers alike.

A $5 donation will be payable to the RFW at the gate for hosting this event, and .... RFW will provide a FREE breakfast (sausage sandwich and a coffee/tea).

Bookings are essential to ensure there is enough food.  Book here for Badge Ceremony.

All 2019 winter 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 summer badges.

In conjunction with the badge ceremony, Royal Far West will be holding a raffle with great prizes, so don't forget to bring along extra money for the raffle (credit card payment facilities will be available for the raffle).    

Monday 26th August 2019 Tiger flew from UK to B&B

Newbie Tiger said, “I flew from the UK to swim with the B&B”.

 

Lainey & Nat post swim @6:41am.

 

Stats: 4 newbies, swimmers 100+, water temp 17 degrees C.

Cold & Wet!

If you want a hot shower everyday, like me,

 consider joining the Manly LSC.

 

6:45am - I did one lap with these guys@6 and they continued swimming to the pipe.

 

 

Nice stripes.

 

Office under cover@6:47am.

 

The Five@ 6:49am.

 

Drone shot.

 

Wet office tree.

 

3 minutes before 7am.

 

Down the ramp.

 

7:01am.

David’s new jammers.

 

Mel said, “ call me Mrs Robinson”.

 

Super hi viz.

 

Come to the Charity Gig with Jim’s band - Crawdaddy!!!

 

Have a great week ahead

Simon

 

 

—-////////———-////////////-//////—————

 

Management notices

The Next B&B monthly dinner for the year will be held on Tuesday 10th September at 6.30 pm at Bluewater Restaurant. Our guest on the night will be Emily Kempson, who is Australia’s 2019 Ultraman Female Champion. After suffering a fractured sacrum in the lead up to the 2018 event, Emily managed to overcome her injury and win the 2019 Female Ultraman title. This was no mean feat, as the event is conducted over 3 days and includes a 10 km swim, 421 km bike ride and a double marathon (84.3 km). Emily will talk about why she was attracted to the event, what her lead up training was like, the number of people who helped her in the race and their roles (it takes a village), her nutrition during the event and recovery each day, how she kept focus, dealing with injury and disappointment to come back stronger and what’s next.

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 Winter Badge Ceremony – Sunday 22^nd September

You’ve done the hard yards and earned your Winter Badge(s), now come and collect your badges with all the pomp and ceremony the B&B can muster.  Bring along $10 for each badge you have earned (correct money appreciated). The venue is the Royal Far West Centre (Wentworth Avenue, Manly) on Sunday 22^nd September, straight after the regular swim! Everyone is welcome, family, friends and swimmers alike.

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

All 2019 winter 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 summer badges.

In conjunction with the badge ceremony, Royal Far West will be holding a raffle with great prizes, so don't forget to bring along extra money for the raffle (credit card payment facilities will be available for the raffle).    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Management notices

The Next B&B monthly dinner for the year will be held on Tuesday 10th September at 6.30 pm at Bluewater Restaurant. Our guest on the night will be Emily Kempson, who is Australia’s 2019 Ultraman Female Champion. After suffering a fractured sacrum in the lead up to the 2018 event, Emily managed to overcome her injury and win the 2019 Female Ultraman title. This was no mean feat, as the event is conducted over 3 days and includes a 10 km swim, 421 km bike ride and a double marathon (84.3 km). Emily will talk about why she was attracted to the event, what her lead up training was like, the number of people who helped her in the race and their roles (it takes a village), her nutrition during the event and recovery each day, how she kept focus, dealing with injury and disappointment to come back stronger and what’s next.

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 Winter Badge Ceremony – Sunday 22^nd September

You’ve done the hard yards and earned your Winter Badge(s), now come and collect your badges with all the pomp and ceremony the B&B can muster.  Bring along $10 for each badge you have earned (correct money appreciated). The venue is the Royal Far West Centre (Wentworth Avenue, Manly) on Sunday 22^nd September, straight after the regular swim! Everyone is welcome, family, friends and swimmers alike.

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

All 2019 winter 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 summer badges.

In conjunction with the badge ceremony, Royal Far West will be holding a raffle with great prizes, so don't forget to bring along extra money for the raffle (credit card payment facilities will be available for the raffle).    

Sunday 25 August: Last Sunday of Winter!

Gorgeous sunrise this morning!  And I was thankful to see a flat ocean, after a couple of challenging days last week that diverted me to a halfway exit.

Lesbubs and JK pointed towards whales (I couldn't see them), then two drones.  Found one of the drones - it's somewhere in this shot:

Sherry-Ann turned up to get another swim in before the winter badge cut-off.  Yes, this is the last Sunday of winter!!!  Woo hoo!!  Can't wait for the arrival of warmer waters, warmer air temps, lighter mornings, challenging swell, bluebottles ... er, maybe winter isn't so bad after all!

Kerry, Val and Annie taking in the morning.

Dorset showed me a fantastic innovation - zippered wetsuit pants.  He bought the wetsuit and found someone to sew the zippers in, and he highly recommends it!

 

Janet was super happy with the Man U-Crystal Palace score overnight (sorry, Mike!).

Peter was simply happy.

Dave sporting a great new haircut.  Nice one, Dave!

And it's Dea's birthday!  Happy Birthday, Dea!!

By the Tree of Management I found some large uggs.

Then I found some large feet.

Then I found Rog.  I'm not saying any of these facts are connected.

Danny gave Richard swimming tips, while Richard tried to stay awake.

Edwina sent me this photo of three swimmers keen to get themselves on the blog.  Welcome to the blog, guys!  (If you want any tips on how to become a regular blog tart, just look out for a tall guy who answers to the name Rainer.)

That feeling as you hit the 16.7 degree water.

Janet had come prepared.

On my way to Shelly I spotted Jo in action.  I didn't need the help of a drone - I'd know that stripey swimsuit anywhere:

Nice glide, Jo :)

The sunlight has returned in the corner.

Jo and Rainer basking in the sun's rays.

Dea got plenty of splashes to kick off her birthday in style!

Dea and Jenny.

Don't you love that special bond between swimmers?

On the Back-To-Manly Meander I spotted Nick, who'd spotted a wobbegong.  And here it is:

Nope, I wasn't convinced either, so Nick dived down to point it out:

Nope, still couldn't see it.  Edwina's shot turned out just a little bit better than mine:

Nice one, Ed!  Then I found a Port Jackson:

It doesn't get any easier, does it? The yellowtail are always easy to spot though:

And then it was time to head for home in Rainer's bubble stream:

As we walked out of the water, JK and I decided that 16.7 degrees was "really not that cold".  It's amazing what you can get used to!

Have a fantastic Sunday, everyone, and remember: even if it goes pear-shaped, if you swam this morning then it started great!

Stats

Water temp: 16.7 (see above - positively balmy)

Swimmers: Lots (Shelly was packed)

Newbies - didn't see too many queuing up

Management notices

The Next B&B monthly dinner for the year will be held on Tuesday 10th September at 6.30 pm at Bluewater Restaurant. Our guest on the night will be Emily Kempson, who is Australia’s 2019 Ultraman Female Champion. After suffering a fractured sacrum in the lead up to the 2018 event, Emily managed to overcome her injury and win the 2019 Female Ultraman title. This was no mean feat, as the event is conducted over 3 days and includes a 10 km swim, 421 km bike ride and a double marathon (84.3 km). Emily will talk about why she was attracted to the event, what her lead up training was like, the number of people who helped her in the race and their roles (it takes a village), her nutrition during the event and recovery each day, how she kept focus, dealing with injury and disappointment to come back stronger and what’s next.

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 Winter Badge Ceremony – Sunday 22^nd September

You’ve done the hard yards and earned your Winter Badge(s), now come and collect your badges with all the pomp and ceremony the B&B can muster.  Bring along $10 for each badge you have earned (correct money appreciated). The venue is the Royal Far West Centre (Wentworth Avenue, Manly) on Sunday 22^nd September, straight after the regular swim! Everyone is welcome, family, friends and swimmers alike.

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

All 2019 winter 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 summer badges.

In conjunction with the badge ceremony, Royal Far West will be holding a raffle with great prizes, so don't forget to bring along extra money for the raffle (credit card payment facilities will be available for the raffle).    

Sat 24th: Bob Blog

CONDITIONS

Air:              9º

Surf:            Passive

Bay:            Wishy-washy, shredded seaweed ... freezing at Shelley Beach

Water:        16.6º (Taken by The Cammeray Turkey Basters)

Newbies:    3.5

Swam:         140 wetsuits, 32 skins

WALK MY WAY

Roger is effectively blind in frontal view, and relies on swimming by the side of another, where he has slight view.  Currently a regular passenger on the Sue Marinan Express Bus which departs punctually 6.17 each morning - for an hour-plus journey

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

Shelley gave me a cap as we entered surf, as I'd dumbly forgotten to put one on.

I learned today that you can buy larger caps that embrace long feminine hair (or dreadlocks).  It fits so well!  And so she said I can keep it ....   :)

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Below: Vegetables I choose to swim with

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Beanie of the day:

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SAFETY TIPS FROM THE WALL

1.

Wayne: "Never talk to strangers."

 

2.

Johnno: "Hello.  What's your name?"

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Today's Newbie

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SOCIAL NOTES (Today filing from Northbridge)

SAVE THE DATE

CrawDaddies Play for Streetwork

7:30pm Saturday 21st September

Manly Bowlo

If you love the simplicity, thrill and exhilaration of winter swimming in sluggos, you'll feel right at home on the dance floor shaking around to pure rhythm & blues three-chord songs of the 1970's, 80's from the CrawDaddies on Sat Sept 21st at Manly Bowlo - starting around 7:30pm.

We're getting the band back together again for STREETWORK - the best little charity on the beaches looking after local kids experiencing debilitating and life-threatening stress. STREETWORK desperately need more counsellors, so every dollar we raise on 21st September will be going to support the Counsellors who support the kids.  

The final line up will be announced closer the Gig. (For a fee we might even adjust the play list).

So even f you're not desperate and dateless or just after good club food, a few beers and a party with buddies - come along - those who swim with wetties are also welcome, though we know you can't shake it like the non-wetties! We might even have a shake-off! Come prepared.

There'll be silent auctions, $35 entry tickets, lots of prizes (we hope) and good music to raise funds and awareness for Streetwork.Any questions - chat to Jim Stackpool (a 6:30'er) - 0414 54 1818. 

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

The Monthly Dinner – 10^th September 2019 – Guest Speaker

The Next B&B monthly dinner for the year will be held on Tuesday 10th September at 6.30 pm at Bluewater Restaurant. Our guest on the night will beEmily Kempson, who is Australia’s 2019 Ultraman Female Champion. After suffering a fractured sacrum in the lead up to the 2018 event, Emily managed to overcome her injury and win the 2019 Female Ultraman title. This was no mean feat, as the event is conducted over 3 days and includes a 10 km swim, 421 km bike ride and a double marathon (84.3 km). Emily will talk about why she was attracted to the event, what her lead up training was like, the number of people who helped her in the race and their roles (it takes a village), her nutrition during the event and recovery each day, how she kept focus, dealing with injury and disappointment to come back stronger and what’s next.

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     

WHAT I AM READING

The Sydney Morning Herald

 

Early Morning Shenanigans

An early start for me as I had to get to work earlier than usual. No shortage of swimmers about at an early time though. 

 

Check the conditions for yourself

Martin getting an early start for a long swim

Getting ready 

Here they are dressed in normal clothes but at the BB Christmas in July properly dressed as angels - they have helped me out through the waves more than once. Thanks!

You need to  wear fluoro when you arrive early

Suzette and Andrewa put me onto a podcast about ocean swimming - The pod. Pretty good stuff. Thanks!

Our French friend is running now but looks forward to swimming in the future

Hair dressing or hair raising

shark scars?

stretching is good. If you have stiff shoulders, you cannot swim well

 

Here is a swimmer who visits once a year in August from Utah, not the Central Coast but the USA! to swim. Second swim for this year. Welcome

Customary photo of Danny - gone to Freshwater again. Whoo

power in the waves

After a run

Management Notices:

Monstrous seas (for somewhere else)

Newbies:   1
Total swimmers:  165

 

SAVE THE DATE - CrawDaddies Play for Streetwork 7:30pm Saturday 21st September - Manly Bowlo

 

If you love the simplicity, thrill and exhilaration of winter swimming in sluggos, you'll feel right at home on the dance floor shaking around to pure rhythm & blues three-chord songs of the 1970's, 80's from the CrawDaddies on Sat Sept 21st at Manly Bowlo - starting around 7:30pm.

 

We're getting the band back together again for STREETWORK - the best little charity on the beaches looking after local kids experiencing debilitating and life-threatening stress. STREETWORK desperately need more counsellors, so every dollar we raise on 21st September will be going to support the Counsellors who support the kids.  

 

The final line up will be announced closer the Gig. (For a fee we might even adjust the play list).

 

So even f you're not desperate and dateless or just after good club food, a few beers and a party with buddies - come along - those who swim with wetties are also welcome, though we know you can't shake it like the non-wetties! We might even have a shake-off! Come prepared.

 

There'll be silent auctions, $35 entry tickets, lots of prizes (we hope) and good music to raise funds and awareness for Streetwork.

 

Any questions - chat to Jim Stackpool (a 6:30'er) - 0414 54 1818. 

 

The Monthly Dinner – 10^th September 2019 – Guest Speaker

The Next B&B monthly dinner for the year will be held on Tuesday 10th September at 6.30 pm at Bluewater Restaurant. Our guest on the night will beEmily Kempson, who is Australia’s 2019 Ultraman Female Champion. After suffering a fractured sacrum in the lead up to the 2018 event, Emily managed to overcome her injury and win the 2019 Female Ultraman title. This was no mean feat, as the event is conducted over 3 days and includes a 10 km swim, 421 km bike ride and a double marathon (84.3 km). Emily will talk about why she was attracted to the event, what her lead up training was like, the number of people who helped her in the race and their roles (it takes a village), her nutrition during the event and recovery each day, how she kept focus, dealing with injury and disappointment to come back stronger and what’s next.

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     

WHAT I AM READING

I have just finished some pretty low brow crime fiction - mentioned last week so I am now going to read Changing Fortunes by Paul Tilley which is about how the Treasury has evolved to show how it has become a less effective policy adviser over the last decade, as influence moves to ministerial advisers. Of interest to me as I am interested in policy development

 

But I may not complete it at once - I notice Tim Flannery has a new book on Europe's natural history which I may start

 

Thursday 22 August 2019: Prepare for mountainous seas

We were told to prepare for a large swell so many of us rocked up this morning prepared for a bit of excitement going out to the point.  The as you drove down to the beach I'm not sure if it was disappointment or excitement that it was relatively flat with only a few challenging waves every now and then.

Today was Brian Close's birthday so we celebrated in the B&B way.

I feel a takeover might be on the cards with many of the WOW's (women of the wall for those not familiar with the phrase) are off to Croatia for painting, yoga, swimming and bookreading.  Lisa assures me that she's leaving a contingent of WOW's behind to defend their territory.

It seems that Croatia is the place to go this year with Ian and Gayle also about to head that way for some swimming and sailing.

Fee was joking that I always catch her just as she's put her cap on.  She's a great person to follow if you want to do some fish spotting.

The mornings are a great time to catch up with friends and enjoy a hot cuppa before the swim.

Just back from a 6.30 early swim.

Rainer hasn't lost his touch!!!

Have a great day everyone!!!

 

Management Notices:

Water temp:  16.7 (I think someone peed on the thermometer)
Newbies:   2
Total swimmers:  137

 

SAVE THE DATE - CrawDaddies Play for Streetwork 7:30pm Saturday 21st September - Manly Bowlo

 

If you love the simplicity, thrill and exhilaration of winter swimming in sluggos, you'll feel right at home on the dance floor shaking around to pure rhythm & blues three-chord songs of the 1970's, 80's from the CrawDaddies on Sat Sept 21st at Manly Bowlo - starting around 7:30pm.

 

We're getting the band back together again for STREETWORK - the best little charity on the beaches looking after local kids experiencing debilitating and life-threatening stress. STREETWORK desperately need more counsellors, so every dollar we raise on 21st September will be going to support the Counsellors who support the kids.  

 

The final line up will be announced closer the Gig. (For a fee we might even adjust the play list).

 

So even f you're not desperate and dateless or just after good club food, a few beers and a party with buddies - come along - those who swim with wetties are also welcome, though we know you can't shake it like the non-wettie's! We might even have a shake-off! Come prepared.

 

There'll be silent auctions, $35 entry tickets, lots of prizes (we hope) and good music to raise funds and awareness for Streetwork.

 

Any questions - chat to Jim Stackpool (a 6:30'er) - 0414 54 1818. 

 

The Monthly Dinner – 10^th September 2019 – Guest Speaker

The Next B&B monthly dinner for the year will be held on Tuesday 10th September at 6.30 pm at Bluewater Restaurant. Our guest on the night will be Emily Kempson, who is Australia’s 2019 Ultraman Female Champion. After suffering a fractured sacrum in the lead up to the 2018 event, Emily managed to overcome her injury and win the 2019 Female Ultraman title. This was no mean feat, as the event is conducted over 3 days and includes a 10 km swim, 421 km bike ride and a double marathon (84.3 km). Emily will talk about why she was attracted to the event, what her lead up training was like, the number of people who helped her in the race and their roles (it takes a village), her nutrition during the event and recovery each day, how she kept focus, dealing with injury and disappointment to come back stronger and what’s next.

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