It’s been a bit of a week for swimming. Not that I’ve been there myself. With those nasty winds having pushed the warm water out to sea, my inclination to plunge into cold water was completely diminished. Cold water swimming is something one does for a badge. I did hear there were waves, cold water, howling wind, more cold water and a smattering of sunshine.
However, the 16.9 degree water, absolutely flat surface, zephyr like breeze and brilliant sunshine, brought out about 350 weekend warriors. What a mob!
There were newbies too. JK was busy signing on keen beans before the swim.
Old timer Lesley (she has been doing this for well over a decade), strikes a classic modern mum pose with the assistance of (someone else’s) children and coffee.
Today we had an extra-long swim due amazing high tide! It was way up the ramp, lapping at the base of Eric’s Steps.
And it was deep and cold at the entry point. Gemma’s expression says it all. Total surprise.
While all was bright and beautiful above the surface, there was nothing to report below. Just a couple of fishy shadows could be seen through the greenish brown water. A colour that brought swims in rivers and lagoons to mind. Just a little bit eerie.
We all made it to Shelly - slightly numb for the non-wetsuited among us.
No birthday songs or general announcements to delay them, the swimmers in desperate need of caffeine took off at a cracking pace.
The return swim is the leg that is often the most interesting. No fish, but encounters with other swimmers frolicking –Belinda and Robyn today – doublers gathering, and many other people not under the Pink Cap heading out for their own morning ritual.
The best part of the morning ritual is, of course, the company over coffee and toast at the end. Even better with glorious sunshine.
Have a cracking week.
Mary
The Interesting bits from Management
The Monthly Dinner – 12th November 2019 – Guest Speaker
The Next B&B monthly dinner for the year will be held on Tuesday 12th November at 6.30 pm at Bluewater Restaurant. Our guest on the night will be Allan Sparkes CV, OAM, VA FRSN, who is one of only 5 Australians in the past 44 years to be awarded the Cross of Valour (CV), Australia's highest bravery decoration. Allan will speak about "What is the rarely recognised element of courage and why is it so important today?" Is courage about overcoming fear? willingness to risk your all, an inner strength? perhaps it is about choice, leaving a place of safety to go to a place of danger? But how often do we consider courage is about the willingness to care. In his talk Al Sparkes will touch on the times he has had to be courageous to help others and the times he stopped caring about himself. And what he did to recover his life from the pits of hell.
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
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