Wednesday 29th September - freedom is so close we can almost taste it. Whilst its tempting to get excited, we must remember that the pandemic is still around us and we must exercise restraint & keep following the rules .... and that is really hard when happiness and salty joy are so contagious!
Conditions:
Manly: water temp 17.3, choppy and murky in the middle
Balmoral: water temp 17 degrees!!! sunny, flat and calm!
Vibe - sheer salty joy!
This may be my last blog post from Balmoral as freedom isnt too far away and hopefully my next scheduled blog will be from Manly.
The latest restrictions (clocked over 3 months in lockdown now!) have been very challenging but have brought many silver linings. Those of us not able to get to Manly have swum with people we didnt know very well beforehand but have become friends. We have had fun in the water dabbling with "artistic swimming", putting up with me trying to capture the perfect "jump for joy" and making "creative" swim tracks. We have encouraged each other outside our comfort zones, exploring Balmoral from North to South, swimming through the boats (dont do that in summer !) and to Chinamans Beach. We have shared home baked treats and "discovered" that we LOVE the cinnamon scrolls from the cafe to accompany post swim coffee! We are very much looking forward to reunions with friends at Manly but we will treasure these silver linings.
Post swim coffee and cinnamon scrolls fresh from the cafe!
We have taken opportunities when presented - like this morning - an early swim was proposed by JK (to ensure he stayed awake after his early morning football - he did look a tad exhausted after the game so vitamin sea was needed!), and we are so glad we did as we swam under brilliant sunlight, through clear water, JK, Karen and I encouraged each other swimming further than our initial objective of the "no wash" sign all the way to Chinamans beach and back to Balmoral. With the added bonus of seeing the legendary artist Ken Done himself sitting under a tree on his back lawn, having a leisurely breakfast, and of course painting, creating what will probably be another beautiful master piece. We acknowledged him with a "good morning" and "brilliant day" as we swam by, and he responded along the lines that every morning is a good morning and every day is a brilliant day in paradise. We know what he means!
it had to be done - "no waves" to the right... hmmmmm - over half way to Chinamans so we may as well continue!
no waves? no problem - i dont think Maritime is concerned with these recalcitrants :)
we must touch the sand at Chinamans or the swim never happened!
swimming back to balmoral with a "good morning" to Ken Done.. a legend!
there is sea life around balmoral!
swimming out of our comfort zone... again!
Have a wonderful wednesday! Stay happy, stay sane, stay kind and keep infusing vitamin Sea and sharing the salty joy!
Jocelyn
**** Announcement ****
Winter Badge Collection 2021
The Winter badges are finally on their way! Congratulations to all those who completed their Covid-19 winter swimming challenge. As more than 500 swimmers qualified, the badge distribution this year will initially be via snail mail 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 are two ways you can obtain your badge(s)
- Method 1. Inside a self-addressed, stamped envelope place cash for your badge/s - $10 per badge for the Winter Badge (if you completed 20 swims over winter) and an extra $10 for the WWW 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. Post this envelope in another envelope to Ian Forster, 6 Bligh St, Northbridge. 2063.
- Method 2. Wait until Covid restrictions on gathering are relaxed. We will then arrange a time for you to collect your badges from us in person. No promises when this will be but it may be when the vaccination rate reaches 80%.
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.
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