Pacific Jules

Sunday 20 September 2020 No glare today!

The Bold and Beautiful is not swimming as a group. People come down when it suits so there is always someone to photograph for a blog. 

If you try to look on the bright side, usually you are swimming in to glare. Not today. The swim had a bit of everything: Rips, waves, current, some jimbles, seaweed, some black spiky urchin things wrenched from the rocks floating about. Huge high rise splashes against the wall t half way. 

And a huge parade of swimmers. 

Oh No - it is raining and Jo is getting wet

Bernhard saw jimbles out in the middle and alerted us

Greg got jimbled and is wearing the reaction to prove it. He is bright red even though he has soov, anti histamines, creams and unguents on board. Nasty

 

Winter Badge Collection 2020

Congratulations to all those who completed their Covid-19 winter swimming challenge. As almost 600 swimmers qualified, the badge distribution this year will be different in order to maintain a Covid-safe environment for our volunteers. Unfortunately, only virtual handshakes and hugs from Ian, John, Anne and Pauline and contact-less distribution.

There is only one way you can obtain your badge(s)

1. Inside a self-addressed, stamped envelope place cash for your badge/s
2. - $10 per badge for the Covid Badge (if you completed 20 swims over winter) and an extra $10 for the Ice Cold Corona Badge if you did those swims without a wetsuit. Family members/friends sharing an envelope must clearly name each swimmer and badge achieved. Please check postage rates and size of envelope required for multiple badges.

1. Post this envelope in another envelope to Ian Forster, 6 Bligh St, Northbridge. 2063.

 

Badges will be posted as soon as they arrive. If you have any other badges that you are missing and wish to purchase, please include cash for those as well. 

 

 

 

 

Fun and friendships...

 

 

 

 

 

BOLD & BEAUTIFUL SWIM GROUP IS CURRENTLY NOT RUNNING DUE TO THE RISKS OF CORONAVIRUS(COVID-19).
IT IS IMPORTANT TO CONTINUE PHYSICAL DISTANCING AND FOLLOW PUBLIC HEALTH ADVICE.

I wasn't expecting nice conditions today due to the nor-east forecast and it was supposed to rain. I was pleasantly surprised with only pleasant waves to deal with and such crystal clear conditions. There were no blueys that I heard of but I certainly got hit by a jimble as did my fellow swimmer Peter.

We made it out to the Bower Break and had a look around for an octopus, none to be found unfortunately. But lots of fish and pretty pink rocks, gorgeous clear water all the way over and back.

Annie and I bumped into Nicky as we started, she's back in Sydney for a few days only, lovely impromptu catch up.

Renee was starting at the same time and by herself so joined us for the Ted's Triangle swim, lovely to have another person join us.

Once we reached the bower, it was like swimming in an aquarium, so clear with fish everywhere. PJ's sleeping on the ocean floor that today I just left alone, didn't bother diving down to photograph them.

I found a pretty pink rock with pearly shells on it

Some floating seaweed that I bumped into as I swam to the pool at halfway

Then I saw the early swimmers having breakfast at the shed, love that, they're a gorgeous group of people, the extreme bolds who swim no matter what , even in the dark, strong and cohesive ( generally speaking ) and they party together as the rest of us start our swims.

On the way back I saw the ball of fish that often float back and forth to their sides, also gorgeous. It's a massive ball of fish.

This is how it ended today, the sun shining and breakfast/coffee with friends-so nice.

After breakfast I realised Clare was swimmer of the day, then I realised she'd reached 1000km! Congratulations Clare, must celebrate one day.

One of the Port Jackson's I swam with on Thursday, so lovely.

 

Winter Badge Collection 2020

Congratulations to all those who completed their Covid-19 winter swimming challenge. As almost 600 swimmers qualified, the badge distribution this year will be different in order to maintain a Covid-safe environment for our volunteers. Unfortunately, only virtual handshakes and hugs from Ian, John, Anne and Pauline and contact-less distribution.

There is only one way you can obtain your badge(s)

1. Inside a self-addressed, stamped envelope place cash for your badge/s
2. - $10 per badge for the Covid Badge (if you completed 20 swims over winter) and an extra $10 for the Ice Cold Corona Badge if you did those swims without a wetsuit. Family members/friends sharing an envelope must clearly name each swimmer and badge achieved. Please check postage rates and size of envelope required for multiple badges.

1. Post this envelope in another envelope to Ian Forster, 6 Bligh St, Northbridge. 2063.

 

Badges will be posted as soon as they arrive. If you have any other badges that you are missing and wish to purchase, please include cash for those as well. 

 

 Enjoy your weekend everyone :) Edwina.

Friday 18th September, 2020- Surprisingly beautiful

BOLD & BEAUTIFUL SWIM GROUP IS CURRENTLY NOT RUNNING DUE TO THE RISKS OF CORONAVIRUS(COVID-19).
IT IS IMPORTANT TO CONTINUE PHYSICAL DISTANCING AND FOLLOW PUBLIC HEALTH ADVICE.

After the weather change last night I wasn't expecting the calm and clear waters that awaited us this morning.   The temperature was still crisp, but the visibility was good and there was lots to see.  I swam close to the shoreline and was lucky to spot the grey nurse swimming peacefully near the yellow shed.  I was also lucky to miss the jumbles which I heard were spotted in the deeper waters.   I was also lucky to enjoy great company, conversation and laughs in the car and in the bay.  Conversation theme on the way to Manly was reminiscing about the Sydney Olympics 20 years ago.  So many great memories, as Jac said in the car "the city was beaming",  didn't we put on a show?  From the Opening Ceremony to the 16 gold medals, the live sites across the city to the beach volleyball at Bondi, from a prince falling in love at The Slip Inn to the beautiful weather and general great organisation throughout the whole event.  Good game Sydney.

 

A few land photos below of many happy swimmers.  Sorry I didn't have an underwater camera but I can recommend checking out Lainey's blog from Tuesday from some great marine life photos.  

 

Have a wonderful weekend ahead-  if you get some spare time revisit some Sydney Olympic highlights on You Tube!

 

Jen X

 

 

Thanks to Budgy Smuggler, B&B’s Random Swimmer of the Month for August is: Jim Hudson

Jim is the lucky recipient of a voucher for a pair of men's Budgy Smugglers

You can still get your Winter badge. Details below!

1. Inside a self-addressed, stamped($1.10) envelope place cash for your badge/s - $10 per badge for the Covid Badge (if you completed 20 swims over winter) and an extra $10 for the Ice Cold Corona Badge if you did those swims without a wetsuit. Family members/friends sharing an envelope must clearly name each swimmer and badge achieved. Please check postage rates(google) and size of envelope required for multiple badges.
2. Post this envelope($1.10) in another envelope($1.10+) to Ian Forster, 6 Bligh St, Northbridge. 2063.

 

Fiski goggles

 

Fiski have an awesome range of polarised goggles in stock that are fabulous for ocean swimming!

https://fiski.com.au 

To get 10% discount enter our special B&B discount code: bandb10

Bold and Beautiful is owned and operated by Bold and Beautiful Swim Squad Pty Ltd.

You can still get your Winter badge. Details below!

1. Inside a self-addressed, stamped($1.10) envelope place cash for your badge/s - $10 per badge for the Covid Badge (if you completed 20 swims over winter) and an extra $10 for the Ice Cold Corona Badge if you did those swims without a wetsuit. Family members/friends sharing an envelope must clearly name each swimmer and badge achieved. Please check postage rates(google) and size of envelope required for multiple badges.
2. Post this envelope($1.10) in another envelope($1.10+) to Ian Forster, 6 Bligh St, Northbridge. 2063.

 

Fiski goggles

 

Fiski have an awesome range of polarised goggles in stock that are fabulous for ocean swimming!

https://fiski.com.au 

To get 10% discount enter our special B&B discount code: bandb10

Thursday 17 September 2020: Swim within your limits

BOLD & BEAUTIFUL SWIM GROUP IS CURRENTLY NOT RUNNING DUE TO THE RISKS OF CORONAVIRUS(COVID-19). IT IS IMPORTANT TO CONTINUE PHYSICAL DISTANCING AND FOLLOW PUBLIC HEALTH ADVICE.

Thank you for swimming at different times of the day and please continue to stay safe and remember to maintain 1.5m distance.

Over the past couple of days the conditions have been lumpy so its a good reminder for us to swim within our limits and always swim with a friend.  If you are uncertain about entering at Manly, its a probably a good indication that you should consider other options including swimming from Fairy Bower or even walking around and swimming from Shelly Beach.

More wave hoping at Manly.

The yogi's were doing their thing this morning.

This morning was Ash's (on the left) birthday.

This green fishing hook was picked up from the beach.  If you can please remember to take three pieces of rubbish for the sea.

A great morning to swim with family.


Management notices:
Temperature: 17.2 (according to the wall)

Thanks to Budgy Smuggler, B&B’s Random Swimmer of the Month for August is: Jim Hudson

 

Jim is the lucky recipient of a voucher for a pair of men's Budgy Smugglers

 

Congratulations Jim and keep on swimming 

 

Look forward to seeing you in your new Budgy Smugglers soon and hoping you will share a photo of yourself in them with both B&B and Budgy Smuggler 🧜‍♂️

 

To be in the running to be Swimmer of the Month all you need to do is log your swims.

 

Fiski goggles

 

Fiski have an awesome range of polarised goggles in stock that are fabulous for ocean swimming!

https://fiski.com.au 

To get 10% discount enter our special B&B discount code: bandb10

Thursday 17 September 2020: Swim within your limits

BOLD & BEAUTIFUL SWIM GROUP IS CURRENTLY NOT RUNNING DUE TO THE RISKS OF CORONAVIRUS(COVID-19). IT IS IMPORTANT TO CONTINUE PHYSICAL DISTANCING AND FOLLOW PUBLIC HEALTH ADVICE.

Thank you for swimming at different times of the day and please continue to stay safe and remember to maintain 1.5m distance.

Over the past couple of days the conditions have been lumpy so its a good reminder for us to swim within our limits and always swim with a friend.  If you are uncertain about entering at Manly, its a probably a good indication that you should consider other options including swimming from Fairy Bower or even walking around and swimming from Shelly Beach.

More wave hoping at Manly.

The yogi's were doing their thing this morning.

This morning was Ash's (on the left) birthday.

This green fishing hook was picked up from the beach.  If you can please remember to take three pieces of rubbish for the sea.

A great morning to swim with family.


Management notices:
Temperature: 17.2 (according to the wall)

Thanks to Budgy Smuggler, B&B’s Random Swimmer of the Month for August is: Jim Hudson

 

Jim is the lucky recipient of a voucher for a pair of men's Budgy Smugglers

 

Congratulations Jim and keep on swimming 

 

Look forward to seeing you in your new Budgy Smugglers soon and hoping you will share a photo of yourself in them with both B&B and Budgy Smuggler 🧜‍♂️

 

To be in the running to be Swimmer of the Month all you need to do is log your swims.

 

Fiski goggles

 

Fiski have an awesome range of polarised goggles in stock that are fabulous for ocean swimming!

https://fiski.com.au 

To get 10% discount enter our special B&B discount code: bandb10

Wed 16th: Meet Jack Daniels

CONDITIONS

Air:         16º

Water:     17.5º (Down 0.1)

Sky:        Sunny

Wind:      A bit

Water:     All over the joint. Waves rolling into beach … and into Shelley

Vis:         Shot to pieces

6.30s:      Racing as usual

A Team:  Hanging round their tree

Photo:     Jack Daniels holding JD

 

With apologies from Lucy … couldn’t make it for blogging

15/09/2020 - 'The Grey Nurse Made My Day!'

That's what Rania said as we got out of the water after seeing the graceful Grey Nurse Shark swimming around the rocks! It made my day too. Very lucky to catch it looking at a Port Jackson in the same shot!

BOLD & BEAUTIFUL SWIM GROUP IS CURRENTLY NOT RUNNING DUE TO THE RISKS OF CORONAVIRUS(COVID-19). IT IS IMPORTANT TO CONTINUE PHYSICAL DISTANCING AND FOLLOW PUBLIC HEALTH ADVICE.

Thank you for swimming at different times of the day and please continue to stay safe and remember to maintain 1.5m distance.

Photos of the Grey Nurse from this morning's swim. The water temp was 17 and clear in most places. I'll load more photos and a video later!

Beautiful sunrise and lots of people doing Jen's free yoga class down on the beach at 6am.

Suzette and friends coming out of the water after an early swim.

Simon and friends

The Grace Kelly of our swim...lovely Suzie

Oosty in the bay

As I knew I'd be working today below is the part of blog I loaded last night.

I love seeing Cuttlefish, Wobbegong, PJS and Gropers but watching a Turtle swim close by and up to the surface to get a breath just takes my breath away. I was very happy to see this beauty on Saturday an according to a group of citizen scientists documenting Turtles in Cabbage Tree Bay his name is 'Brownie' and a little larger than Ellie and Billy who were around a few months ago.

It's great that there are still one or two healthy looking Cuttlefish around. As many of you know they only live one or two years and die shortly after mating. Their arms and tentacles start to go white when they're 'on the way out', they literally start to rot away but this one looks fine!

Lisa and the Cuttlefish

Lunchtime swimmers Kirsten and Ciara with a Cuttlefish last week

One of the many Port Jackson Sharks seen swimming around lately.

This one hasn't got the triangular markings so would be a Crested Horn Shark. They are often on the look out for the eggs of the PJ Shark.

Another shot of ' Brownie' looking healthy. News is that one of the Turtles rescued and rehabilitated by Australian Seabird Rescue will soon be released back to CTB. Please don't touch Turtles folks. Someone did recently but it's something we don't do.

A huge school of Diamondfish near the shed

Gorgeous Kerry at the front has to go back to her native USA very soon. Here she is with some Wows on Sunday. She's such a happy, friendly person and we'll be very sad to see her go... 

You can still get your Winter badge. Details below!

1. Inside a self-addressed, stamped($1.10) envelope place cash for your badge/s - $10 per badge for the Covid Badge (if you completed 20 swims over winter) and an extra $10 for the Ice Cold Corona Badge if you did those swims without a wetsuit. Family members/friends sharing an envelope must clearly name each swimmer and badge achieved. Please check postage rates(google) and size of envelope required for multiple badges.
2. Post this envelope($1.10) in another envelope($1.10+) to Ian Forster, 6 Bligh St, Northbridge. 2063.

Have a great day!

Lainey

Winter Badges are on their way

BOLD & BEAUTIFUL SWIM GROUP IS CURRENTLY NOT RUNNING DUE TO THE RISKS OF CORONAVIRUS(COVID-19). IT IS IMPORTANT TO CONTINUE PHYSICAL DISTANCING AND FOLLOW PUBLIC HEALTH ADVICE.

Thank you for swimming at different times of the day and please continue to stay safe and remember to maintain 1.5m distance.

Its been an exciting  week at BnB "headquarters" with over 600 winter badges arriving, Ian has processed and mailed out over 400. Check your mailbox this week if your envelope has been submitted. If you haven't ordered yours(there is no deadline for applying for your badge/s but Ian says "Please do this before Christmas" :). here's what to do..

1. Inside a self-addressed, stamped($1.10) envelope place cash for your badge/s - $10 per badge for the Covid Badge (if you completed 20 swims over winter) and an extra $10 for the Ice Cold Corona Badge if you did those swims without a wetsuit. Family members/friends sharing an envelope must clearly name each swimmer and badge achieved. Please check postage rates(google) and size of envelope required for multiple badges.
2. Post this envelope($1.10) in another envelope($1.10+) to Ian Forster, 6 Bligh St, Northbridge. 2063.
   
   There has been great excitement this week about the multitude of the marine life we have been spotting. Out and about in Cabbage Tree Bay have been two grey nurses showing themselves off by swimming oh so slowly around the bay, often spotted off the Bower. As well, "brownie" the turtle has been seen every day this week, in CTB and  making his way from the Bower, to the pipe(towards Nth Steyne), via The Point. Port Jacksons are prolific and if you don't see one swimming below you, check out the sandy patches below rock ledges along the Bower reef. Not to be outdone by the flashy visitors, there has been a huge eagle ray (by the Bower break), banjo rays, cuttlefish and a multitude of fish and other marine species in our beautiful aquarium. How lucky are we to have this magnificent marine reserve to share each day. Why not take your time, swim slowly, look around and bring your camera if you can...
   
   
   
   
   
   Beautiful day for an early morning swim
   
   
   
   Rhonda and Maxine looking very happy after their early swim
   
   
   
   The Thompson Family looking forward to taking the plunge. How lucky to have a family group to swim with and share the fun.
   
   
   
   It was a bit choppy at the point early on.

Swimmers about to take the plunge and swim though the chop.



It was very calm at Shelly Beach. Meet Adrian who is looking forward to blogging on Sunday October 4th.
 


Christina and Stacy say hi from Shelly beach and were looking forward to seeing marine life on the way back to Manly.

The following are some of my photos of the marine life from today and various swims this week. I'm enjoying learning about underwater photography 

which is a new hobby for me. Picked up as an interest during our covid19 pandemic period.



Banjo Ray or also called a Fiddler Ray (spotted near the Bower break)



Giant flathead that lives in the shallows near Shelly Beach

Port Jackson shark, one of the many that are enjoying the shelter of Cabbage Tree Bay during their breeding season
 

"Brownie" the turtle out and about this month in CTB

Eagle ray found by the Bower Break



Lots of fish

 


Salp, a jelly like organism that feeds on phytoplankton. Anne and I, separately,  thought it was plastic and were about to collect and stuff down our cossies..eek..luckily we spotted its rubbery appearance before we got a fright. :) I was pleased to read that its not a stinger!

One of the two grey nurses spotted this week.

Enjoy your weekend and your marine life spotting this week.

HRH (aka Pauline)

Saturday 12 September 2020 A fine Spring Day

Bold and Beautiful is not swimming as a group 

 

There was a good breeze about today (Suitable for wind surfers) but despite a blue bottle washed up on the sand there were None in the water.

 

The temperature was 16.8 like yesterday but it felt cooler

There seems to be so much marine life around. Thank you to all the gifted and diligent photographers who share their photos for us to enjoy

Here are some mermaids at waters edge

Kevin is going away on duty. Come back safely. Here with lovely Emily

Friday 11 September 2020 JOY JOY JOY

BOLD & BEAUTIFUL SWIM GROUP IS CURRENTLY NOT RUNNING DUE TO THE RISKS OF CORONAVIRUS(COVID-19). IT IS IMPORTANT TO CONTINUE PHYSICAL DISTANCING AND FOLLOW PUBLIC HEALTH ADVICE.

Thank you for swimming at different times of the day and please continue to stay safe and remember to maintain 1.5m distance.

Bit of a swell in the water at the beach, cool water but smiling faces everywhere. Look at this group at Shelly

Here is the photo I took of the (highly demanded, but maybe only be me) shower scene - amidst calls for the po-po so I am taking a risk of capture in publishing under my own name.

TRUDI'S BIRTHDAY 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TRUDI

And then the rest of the swimmers getting ready to go in at all different times - because there is no group swim still - or getting ready to go home after an early swim

There was a good bit of swimming today and a bit of managing the waves

I tried to get a shot of the occasional wave set. 

Distracting myself by looking at actual swimming

Juliette near the point. She saw a turtle

One swimmer swam between us so fast that he was captured as a blur

Here is another blur

Here is Karen. She saw that I was waiting with trepidation behind the waves on my return. She asked if I was ok and waited for me to swim in. Even though it became apparent to her that I cannot swim fast and that I kept checking she swam in with me. Thank you Karen for being the very best type of ocean swimmer. 

At Shelly

Robyn and Alison 

Lucy - I think I got in her way because i was admiring her excellent technique but she was nice about it

Some lovely swimmers out and about

The temp was 16.8 today and felt similar to the 15.8 today

Bin before a wave

Bin during a wave

This is a photo of the swimmer who got a photo of two grey nurse sharks near the pool showing them to another swimmer. The closest I got to getting a photo of the grey nurse.

Winter Badge Collection 2020

Congratulations to all those who completed their Covid-19 winter swimming challenge. As almost 600 swimmers qualified, the badge distribution this year will be different in order to maintain a Covid-safe environment for our volunteers. Unfortunately, only virtual handshakes and hugs from Ian, John, Anne and Pauline and contact-less distribution.

There is only one way you can obtain your badge(s)

1. Inside a self-addressed, stamped envelope place cash for your badge/s - $10 per badge for the Covid Badge (if you completed 20 swims over winter) and an extra $10 for the Ice Cold Corona Badge if you did those swims without a wetsuit. Family members/friends sharing an envelope must clearly name each swimmer and badge achieved. Please check postage rates and size of envelope required for multiple badges.

1. Post this envelope in another envelope to Ian Forster, 6 Bligh St, Northbridge. 2063.

Badges will be posted as soon as they arrive. If you have any other badges that you are missing and wish to purchase, please include cash for those as well. 

 

———

What I am reading is the new book about Richard Fidler book about Prague.