Pacific Jules

Monday 12th July 2021 - Mask up before and after sun up.

BOLD & BEAUTIFUL IS NOT CURRENTLY RUNNING
DUE TO THE RISKS OF CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19).

Thank you for following public health advice including physical distancing and outdoor exercising limits (currently 2 people at a time, within your LGA or within 10kms of your home- Service NSW have a travel calculator on their site for your use) at all times (and please remember to check in if you're buying take away coffee)

The Covid Swim is back!!

From 10 July, due to travel restrictions imposed by the NSW Government, the Covid swim is now an option. If you are unable or unwilling to travel to Manly, you can swim anywhere, anytime and tick the Covid Special swim from the list of available swims. Remember to follow health advice and swim safely in groups of  2 or less.

Mask up.

Tide’s up.

Before sun up.

Surf’s up.

Warmed up.

Cheer up.

 

Sun’s up.

 

Simon says, “smile up”.

Sunday 11/7/2021 - Option C today- exercise and Coffee : Winter Swim Challenge Q&A

BOLD & BEAUTIFUL IS NOT CURRENTLY RUNNING
DUE TO THE RISKS OF CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19).

Thank you for following public health advice including physical distancing and outdoor exercising limits (currently 2 people at a time, within your LGA or within 10kms of your home- Service NSW have a travel calculator on their site for your use) at all times (and please remember to check in if you're buying take away coffee)

The Covid Swim is back!!

From 10 July, due to travel restrictions imposed by the NSW Government, the Covid swim is now an option. If you are unable or unwilling to travel to Manly, you can swim anywhere, anytime and tick the Covid Special swim from the list of available swims. Remember to follow health advice and swim safely in groups of  2 or less.

Air Temp  11.6 deg C (at 8.30am)

Water temp 17.4 deg C (at Shelly Beach)

Our winter swim challenge Q&A

Q. I haven't started the winter swim challenge yet, am I too late to start? 

A. No , its not too late but you need to get swimming. There are 8 weeks left in winter and you need to swim in any 7 weeks. These don't have to be consecutive weeks so if you have started that's a bonus.

Q. When does the swim week start?

A. Monday to Sunday is our swim week.

Q. I've swum some days without a wetsuit and some days with a wetsuit. Am I eligable for a winter badge?

A.Yes You can get the winter badge as long as you swim 20 swims over  7 or more weeks.
If you want the additional badge-winter without wetsuit (WWW)-then you need to complete at least 20 swims over  7 or more weeks without a wetsuit (no neoprene).

Remember to log your swims and the computer will record them for you.

If you have further questions or need assistance with logging please email Ian Forster : [email protected]

Option C today- Exercise and coffee

 At Manly and CTB the surf was wild, there were currents, rips and rain. The ocean was churning and the Bold reported zero viz and dirty water. For those who can't get down for a swim due to NSW govt health restrictions enjoy your local exercise and stay safe, it's not a day to suffer from FOMO :)

Sheena choosing walking-option C

Ange chose to walk the dog, Ian and Robin took a quick swim at Shelly beach.

Colin and Alexis managed a double from Shelly

Sherry-Anne and Ash heading to Shelly for a quick dip

Conditions across CTB

enjoy your Sunday

Pauline (AKA HRH) 

Saturday 10th July - lockdown week 3 - pairs & loony tunes & random thoughts

BOLD & BEAUTIFUL IS NOT CURRENTLY RUNNING
DUE TO THE RISKS OF CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19).

Thank you for following public health advice including physical distancing and outdoor exercising limits (currently 2 people at a time, within your LGA or within 10kms of your home) at all times (and please remember to check in if you're buying take away coffee at the Point, bower or boat house cafes!)

The Covid Swim is back!!

From 10 July, due to travel restrictions imposed by the NSW Government, the Covid swim is now an option. If you are unable or unwilling to travel to Manly, you can swim anywhere, anytime and tick the Covid Special swim from the list of available swims. Remember to follow health advice and swim safely in groups of less than 2.

Saturday 10th July

Water temp: 17.5 (it felt colder!)

air temp:  9am "feels like" 8 degrees 

conditions: swell turning South and building, waves breaking at the point.  Today was a day to swim to your ability (and heed Simons well articulated advice - if waves are breaking at the point, swim from bower or shelly!)

tide :  high at 8:31am

the vibe:  cautious - mindful of the new restrictions but everyone grateful we can still swim! 

jimbles:  few reports in the bay - hopefully the turtles are eating them!  

For those who cannot get to Manly, there are a few swim groups around.  Suggest posting in the B&B facebook pages.   for those who can get to Balmoral, the "swimming idiots" and the "salty crocs" are very welcoming - during the Northern Beaches lockdown some of us "mexicans" swam with them and had a lot of fun.   

So as we enter week 3 of lockdown & more restrictions, a bit of light heartedness today - "piano man" is in my head today for reasons unknown.  

so here goes:  (pretend to sing)

It's nine o'clock on a saturday
Weekend swimmers shuffle in

Its lockdown week 3, so in pairs, we turn to the sea

for sanity, mental health & maybe afterwards a heart warming gin

 

the swell has turned south and is building

more power and energy on display

swimmers heed simons advice, if its breaking at the point

swim from the bower or shelly & stay safe (and sane!)!

 

 

the wind has picked up and its freezing

and despite the rain, we are all lured in by the sea

and sightings of grey nurse, giant rays and cuttles

what other place, in lockdown, would we rather be?

 

 

La-la-la de-de da
La-la de-de da da-da

lockdowns are hard for everyone

but at least we can swim in the bay

we're all in the mood for some vitamin sea

and somewhere covid safe to play

 

so... into week 3 of lockdown and everyones feeling a bit silly - what song or loony toones or thoughts are in your mind when you are swimming, especially today? 

 

Annie and Ros braved the rip (they are strong swimmers)  - Annie imagines winning the lottery, ros thinks about interior colours.   They saw a grey nurse near half way & little jimbles.  

 

 

Kim & john are also strong swimmers (and Kim has completed a few really long marathon swims!) - on longer swims, Kim has "Chandelier" by Sia helping her along.  John doesnt sing - he looks after his swim buddies  & looks for jimbles (a few sighted today as well as a huge ray!)

 

 

Andy and Ange - they dont sing when they are swimming but always think about how gorgeous the water is no matter the conditions (they are strong swimmers) and grateful for the freedom to swim in lockdown! 

 

 

Suzie and David - Suzie thinks of jimbles (or, avoiding them) and sings songs she really doesnt like to help her keep moving.  David heard a whale singing whilst swimming near the bower 2 days ago - that must have been really special and amazing!  

 

 

Luke and Simone - both really strong swimmers.  Luke likes to "sing" meditative sounds when swimming, tibetan healing beats & the sounds of tibetan gongs & bowls

 

 

Christie and Lisa - very strong swimmers who frequently place in age groups.   Lisa talks to the fish and lures them over for Christie to see & photograph - a handy talent!  

 

 

Ros and Jules - Ros raises thousands of dollars for can too each year, and is an amazing mentor and team captain, both really strong swimmers and are super patient and keen to help others improve their confidence in the surf & catch the bug (including me!).   They sang "swimming in the rain" today - very apt and i must admit i was thinking that too (its very soothing & calming to swim in the rain!)

 

 

Sarah and Jo swam from half way....   Jo hosts a radio program on Radio Northern Beaches each Friday at 5pm called "pump up the 80s" - its a lot of fun and you will also find out some fun facts about the bands and songs - very handy if you are a regular trivia buff!   So please tune in Fridays at 5pm - you will not be disappointed and she does take requests :)  suffice to say a lot of tunes were being sung today !  

 

 

and me?  many thoughts are going through my head in this latest lockdown ... one of them involves skiing - like many of us im hoping to be able to ski this year so i kind of dressed in anticipation (thanks Sarah for the photo!) :) 

 

 

and lastly Sir Basil in his yellow raincoat.   he looked at the surf but decided a walk with his human was a better option.  Apparently Basil can sing.. however today he chose to simply observe... 

 

Hope you are all coping OK in lockdown - and as if lockdown isnt enough, Emma is at it again - for Dry July!     

stay safe and sane!

Jocelyn

Here's a message from Emma (Good luck Emma!): 

I'm officially Dry this July!

That means I've given up the booze for July to raise funds for people affected by cancer, who need our support now, more than ever.

I'd love you to support me and make a donation. By making a donation, you'll help provide invaluable services to cancer patients, their families and carers – whether it’s a lift to a life-saving appointment, guidance from a specialist nurse, connection to an informative voice, access to therapy programs or a bed close to treatment.

Every donation will make a difference, even if it’s what you’d save on your daily coffee or commute. So head to https://www.dryjuly.com/users/emma-grose and send any spare change my way!

Thanks in advance for your sponsorship!

 

Times Like These

I'm a one way motorway, I'm the one that drives away

Hung at the point today, taking shots as swimmers tore back and forth. Felt like a pervert trying to get some underwater shots, but the intentions were good I promise. No naughty shots except a dodgy one of Stealthy trying and failing to look cool underwater. The lads had the idea of tying in the swim to the English Euro game, some chick flashing, some boys throwing food and a long awaited clash in the final. But instead a bit more of just glorious water and fish and nature.

I'm a street light shining, I'm a wild light blinding bright.

Rusty and Chippos Pitch report

Dark early today, cloud cover, storm system out to the north. Everyone packing their bags under cover. Getting warmer at 10 degrees out. Water clarity superb. The odd tickle of foam around the point but less surfing more swimming now. Reports of jimble soup out in the middle so we rimmed out, scrapping the rocks on the way around to Shelley. 

There can only be 1 winner. The Drinks Express train rolls in, Simon claiming victory...I'm sure I saw Murray 100 metres up the beach already.

 

Beauty and the Beast

horn bag

Great Britain

I'm ready

Thanks for the swim Team. Don't let your true love run cold!

Chippo Grohl and Rusty the Fish

some inspiration in these times...

It's times like these you learn to live again
It's times like these you give and give again
It's times like these you learn to love again
It's times like these time and time again

and now some messages from Management:

 

The Covid Swim is back!!

From 10 July, due to travel restrictions imposed by the NSW Government, the Covid swim is now an option. If you are unable or unwilling to travel to Manly, you can swim anywhere, anytime and tick the Covid Special swim from the list of available swims. Remember to follow health advice and swim safely in groups of less than 2.

 

I'm officially Dry this July!

That means I've given up the booze for July to raise funds for people affected by cancer, who need our support now, more than ever.

I'd love you to support me and make a donation. By making a donation, you'll help provide invaluable services to cancer patients, their families and carers – whether it’s a lift to a life-saving appointment, guidance from a specialist nurse, connection to an informative voice, access to therapy programs or a bed close to treatment.

Every donation will make a difference, even if it’s what you’d save on your daily coffee or commute. So head to https://www.dryjuly.com/users/emma-grose and send any spare change my way!

Thanks in advance for your sponsorship!

 

Emma

 

Spotlight on Collaroy Thursday 8th July

BOLD & BEAUTIFUL IS NOT CURRENTLY RUNNING

DUE TO THE RISKS OF CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19).
Thank you for following public health advice including physical distancing and outdoor exercising limits (10) at all times.

I am doing my blog today from my local haunting ground Collaroy. Since I am feeling a little under the weather, I’m doing my bit for the people of Northern Beaches and staying home. 

( My test was negative…just incase anyone was asking??)

 

I swim regularly down at Fishermans Beach, a beautiful little Marine reserve wedged in-between Long Reef headland and Collaroy Beach. It’s only a partial reserve as you are allowed to line fish here ( insert angry emoji face) and often I see fisherman catching grouper and large morwong ( insert sad emoji face). 

 

 

The swimming is a little more open than CTB but on days where the breeze is blowing gently from the south, it is spectacular. You can swim over the large rock shelf on high tide and marvel at the beauty underneath. I’ve swam with cuttle fish, massive wobbegongs, octopus, big blue and green groupers and there is a local pod of dolphins that swim by showing off their skills regularly. 

 

The swim I enjoy the most is from croc rock to the pool and back. It’s around 1.3 k’s and a perfect substitute for Manly when conditions are favourable. It can get a little gnarly out there, so as usual, always check the conditions. 

 

We have our own local swimming personalities that swim everyday. Bobby and Flookie ( they are camera shy ) and they will fill you in on all the local coming and goings. They have been swimming everyday for years and are the "Protectors of the Relm” in this tiny marine reserve. 

 

And what about coffee? I hear you ask..you can’t go past Sloppy Tee’s in Collaroy.  The owners also swim at the BNB and make the best savoury muffins. Heck, when life gets back to normal you could even catch a post swim movie!! 

 

However, I am sad to report that the showers run only cold here too…so byohw!

 

So what are you waiting for?  Here are some pics below from this morning! What an absolutely stunning place we live in and if we have to lock down for another week, this ain't a bad place to do it in. 

Looking toward Long Reef headland 

Looking back toward Collaroy Pools

For those who are keen to see what the conditions were like today at CTB…I stole some screen shots from the webcam! 

 

Have a great iso day all and keep smiling

 

Fin Yoga xx

 

 

 

Wednesday 7th July - Adopt Spot & bringing extinct creatures to life

BOLD & BEAUTIFUL IS NOT CURRENTLY RUNNING
DUE TO THE RISKS OF CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19).

Thank you for following public health advice including physical distancing and outdoor exercising limits (10) at all times.

Wednesday 7th July - lockdown day number - um - what day are we up to now..?

Water temp 16.9 degrees 

air temp: “feels” like minus 0.1 🥶 (actual temp 5.6) at 7am 

conditions: calm, few fun little waves 

tide : at 7 am outgoing, low at 12:01 

the vibe: the Mercury might be dropping but the happiness vibe & stoke is climbing as the conditions become more swimmer-friendly ! 

jimbles - they brought reinforcements!!!  hot tip! Swim near the rocks !  a message to all the turtles out there - please come back and feast on tasty jimbles!   its a smorgasboard on offering for turtles!  

This week may as well be "Shark Week" with several enthusiastic reports & brilliant photos of Port Jackson Shark sightings to brighten up our locked down days.   On that note, inspired by Valerie Taylor, a “shiver” of  B&B swimmers recently collectively raised $1000 to adopt a "Leopard Shark" (named "Spot") to ensure the endangered Leopard Shark doesnt meet the fate of the Megalodon, an extinct prehistoric species of shark.  Today we were lucky to have Tim and Regula (pictured below with chief shark adopter organiser Peter) visiting from Conservation International, working in conjunction with the University of Queensland on a worlds first population recovery program for the Leopard Sharks.    They were keen to meet as many of "Spot's" adoptive "parents" as they could and take some covid compliant photos.   

Check out the website if you're interested in supporting their work.  

https://conservationintl-gdg-b072n.raisely.com/?fbclid=IwAR0VLm30_4AUClQUhzqNZ8Z4XepWpa47Z4tBuJN08XS-0tKKpz0KDUvmvms

https://conservationintl-gdg-b072n.raisely.com/

If you’d like adopt spots siblings (the goal is to adopt a shiver of sharks = 10) click on this link:

https://conservationintl-gdg-b072n.raisely.com/?fbclid=IwAR2-xbh_Ge4FJMH-fmJRwRen-Vw6dP9d1GOHdFF4lnlXsnbb1OpA5Err0_8

Fun facts about Leopard Sharks:

• Leopard sharks are actually born with stripes (hence sometimes called Zebra sharks), which then transform to spots before their first birthday (happy birthday spot) 
• the average life span in the wild is 30 years, and they grow to between 4-5 feet and they can give birth to bewteen 4-29 pups
• QLD and northern WA are the only places in the wild with robust populations - everywhere around the world else they have been overfished and are either endangered or have disappeared from those waters
• they are gentle and no threat to humans with only one attack reported off California in 1955
• largely hanging out on the sea floor, they feed on primarily invertebrates that live on the bottom of the ocean such as prawns, crabs, clams etc - i am not sure if they eat jimbles (but i understand turtles do!)

Speaking of endangered creatures at risk of becoming extinct, and since we are in lockdown and getting a little silly, i asked swimmers which extinct creature (land or water, we dont discriminate here at B&B!) they would bring back if they could, and why... and mimic said creature for the photos :) 

Kate copped a jimble sting on the arm and would like to bring back the tasmanian tiger (wonder if they eat jimbles?)

Geoff wore his anti jimble armour ....  he would also bring back the tassie tiger..

lou, Rob and Jan ran the jimble gauntlet (and lost) and wished the jimble became extinct... they would bring back the dodo! 

Graeme would bring back the dodo - despite wearing anti jimble armour,  they still got him (pesky little critters!)

Kath, Karen, Luke, Cecelia and annora would bring back the Megalodon - an ancient extinct shark (to eat all the jimbles - jimbles seem to be attracted to these mermaids and manmaids - however Luke is commended for going for lap 2 with myself and fellow mermaid simone and yes guess what - ZAP kissed by more jimbles!)

and after their swim...finishing shortly after sun-rise

Natalie and "bump" love the Leopard shark (Natalie is one of the adoptive "parents") and hope it doesnt become extinct!

Kara swam north to avoid the jimble jungle would bring back the Megalodon shark..

Fiona, Natalie and Melise would bring back the wooly mammoth - perhaps to warm them up after a swim?

Happiest  birthday to Wendy (3rd from left) aka "crowd surfing mum"!   did you know that Wendys son Chris IS "what's so not" - check out the single "the change" if you havent already - its on high rotation on JJJ at the moment  - as well as my playlist - and the video is also highly recommended - look it up on apple music or spotify! 

Lainey made a cake - it was inhaled! 

and of course there are our furry friends:

Nellie the Kelpie awaits her human sister Maddie whilst Maddies mum Julie minds her

Millie the bichon, Rubie (admiring Millies coat or wondering why she needs it?) & Benson ...... hoping that treats dont become extinct!

hope you all have a great jimble free day!

Jocelyn

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

06/07/2021 - SOooo cold outside! 17 degrees in the ocean seemed warm!

 

Lots of Cuttlefish sightings this morning at Fairy Bower. When they stretch themselves out like this it's a courting display according to the book I'm reading! When you see two males together they begin competitive displays blazing with colour changes and patterns! I saw this on Saturday but did hear of swimmers seeing similar today.

Some big sets today, 6 degrees outside and 17.2 inside. A couple of reports of Jimbles if you went wide but more reports of Giant Cuttlefish, bright Blue Gropers and Port Jackson Sharks! The sun was shining and it was a beautiful swim :-)

The 'MODS' or Men of the Door almost ready for a 7.05 swim. These guys also play poker together (not strip).

Stunning skies!

Rob and mates socially distanced.

A Teamers

Liz and Anita

Love the jackets on these Greyhounds, Nelly and Tacos!

Corinne rocks the thong and stripey sock look!

M and M

Todd and Libby

The Wows

Kim, Mel and Jules

John aka Ranko and Jill. It's John's 70th birthday tomorrow!

Rob's mates

Henrietta

Two Micheles, Corinne and Dave

These guys went in from the beach but are competent in the surf and timed it well between the sets

Merrilee didn't realize Napoleon's poo bag was sticking behind her. It looked like she had a tail!

More Cuttlefish pics!

PJ and Fiddler Ray

More seal pics from last Wednesday. That was such a great swim!

Have a great day folks!

Lainey 

BOLD & BEAUTIFUL IS NOT CURRENTLY RUNNING
DUE TO THE RISKS OF CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19).

04/07/2021 - Sunny Sunday/ Staggered Swims

Port Jackson Sharks are back now the water temp has dropped to 17 degrees and they are busy finding the crevasse and rocky ledge they inhabited last year! Veena and I followed this one from near the pool for a few minutes. Beautiful!

We didn't have anyone blogging today so as I had photos, I offered to throw in a quick one. Swimmers were staggered at different times and entrance points around our gorgeous Cabbage Tree Bay today in line with covid regulations.

The lovely Jenny Kent coming in from a swim. She was glowing and said it felt 'quite warm'. It was 17.7...debateable! There were a few waves at the Surf Club but not as strong as yesterday...

It was nice to catch Ingrid going in for a birthday swim with friends. Happy Birthday Ingrid and also to swimmers Simon (Monday blogger) and Nick Howard (currently in the USA with his son The Kid Laroi).

Amazing Annie never misses a swim and usually bikes down on her ebike from Beacon Hill.

Guess the swimmer! Hint hint, she looks about 40 years younger than her real age here!

Socially distanced swimmers starting from Shelly. Shaun's niece Carly is back from New Jersey and loving living in Manly!

In a space of 10 minutes a few of us were lucky to swim with a Port Jackson, Cuttlefish and Fiddler Ray coming in to Shelly!

Love, love, love this swim!

Have a great day and wonderful week

Lainey

BOLD & BEAUTIFUL IS NOT CURRENTLY RUNNING
DUE TO THE RISKS OF CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19).

Saturday 3rd July - Jimble kisses (hell?), waves and swell, coolness in the bay, oh what fun it is to swim on a winter saturday!

BOLD & BEAUTIFUL IS NOT CURRENTLY RUNNING
DUE TO THE RISKS OF CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19).

Thank you for following public health advice including physical distancing and outdoor exercising limits (10) at all times.

Saturday 3rd July:

water temp 18.4

air temp 9 degrees, although "feels like" 6 degrees (what on earth are we thinking striving for the WWW badge!)?

conditions - sunny, light breeze,  building NE surf & strong currents & some challenging waves sets for those who chose to swim from south steyne (dodging a few surfers for whom the conditions were almost perfect!) , very flat in the bay

visibility - OK, not great but who cares when we can still swim!  

social distancing compliance - good!    Thank you all for complying and ensuring we can still swim!  

Today I had a completely different theme in mind, but stories of jimbles and building swell kind of changed that, so today can be summarised as follows (cue the music):

"jimble kiss "hell", waves and swell

coolness in the bay

oh what fun it is to swim

on a sunny winter saturday"

jimbles in winter?   well, apparently yes.    frequently.    a few years back encounters with jimbles had been described as a "swarm" and a "forest" and "jimble soup".   perhaps they are plotting an overthrow of the bay, or collaborating with Government to deter us from exercising at manly, but (kind of) in the words of braveheart -  they can infest the bay with Jimbles, and restrict our movements & gatherings but they can NEVER take our love of the ocean and we will continue to swim, distancing, jimbles and all...

for those who are striving for the coveted WWW badges, we are into week 5 in case you are wondering how much longer to endure the invigorating cold and build up of that energising, weight reducing brown fat!  :) 

Sophie and Rochelle swam from half way (like many today given the surf) - 2 jimbles and wetsuits (aka anti jimble armour!)

At Shelly (where a lot of people started their swim today) these legends were spotted exiting the water (few jimbles sighted!)!  Inez has completed so many solo marathon swims such as the bondi to watsons bay!  

These swimmers are married so they dont have to distance - they also have an Olympus under water camera! 

Mermaids Jo, Tracey, Petra (in anti jimble armour - she normally swims sans wetsuit!) and I swam from shelly today.. a few jimble kisses as we swam to the point but its actually energising!  (unless you are allergic!)

Other mer people swam from Manly and we caught them swimming on their way back!  

Mickey didnt come across any jimbles in her swim - Alfie was very pleased to see her come back!

Corrinne (who deliverd an amazing talk at a recent BB dinner!), Ron, Dave, michelle & Paul before their swim.... anti jimble armour except Paul who prefers to run the jimble gauntlet! 

Manmaids Luke , Benny & Mermaid Simone -  they love the waves (and are very competent swimmers!) also prefer to run the jimble gauntlet and earn the WWW badge - perhaps there should also be a jimble conquering badge?  

today was almost perfect....  a great day to be out and about, in and out of the water, in a compliant way of course!

have a great day everyone and if you can get into the water, do it!

Jocelyn

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Friday 2 July 2021 Guided by the moon

Bold and Beautiful is not swimming as a group. Please follow the Public Health Order when undertaking your exercise

Here are the swimmers who gave me the title. If you felt sea sick, would you swim? Well the answer here is yes: backstroke, guided by the moon going out. Wow.

There were people going What a day. Powerful currents and an occasional big set. I went in at the beach but in hindsight should probably not have. The water was strong - not "playful" like yesterday. So when the set came in, i was pushed back almost all the distance I had swum. It took me ages to get behind them. I saw Annie Gurton who said it would be fine once I got behind them and I knew this to be true; I just did not know I would need to swim to Lord Howe Island to get behind them!
Which makes the early swimmers even more impressive. First of all, they know what they are doing so even though it was dark when they set off, and the conditions were the same, they managed well.

Back safe and sound although perhaps something happened out in the waves between Capless Dave and Simon....

Warm feet and socially distant after a safe return

I thought it was real because the sea and its inhabitants love Elaine but it was a puppet baby seal. Very cute 

In we go

the start of the waves

Been through the waves and getting back

I was lucky to snap Lucy and Cath while I was regrouping my faculties