Pacific Jules

Seven Worlds will Collide

Mars, Jupiter, Venus and Saturn last aligned in 947AD in our southeastern skies. Today's early clouds stole away our view of this one in 1000 year event. But the clash of the titans was well and truly on as the FFF roared and ranted it's way into our morning. My favourite was the life guard story of the 'amble proportioned lady' and a mexican found stuck in the toilet! You too can join this burgeoning group of misfits at 6.29am every Friday standing on a line in the sand.

A smile from the welcoming committee is always a certainty

Dave Warner would love to hear Pete's tale of how he is just a suburban boy.

There's always a couple of good looking roosters on the beach!

and then there is Trooper....

Caroline's Pitch report:

Lots of fish! Big and small. Massive yellow tail hanging at the shed. Biggest groper I have ever seen. Viz is average, better near the point. Hugged the rocks (scared) with lots of moving water. Saw 1 jelly. No jelly soup. 

Still so young to travel so far, Old enough to know who you are

John lost the meeting spot for the drinks express

Visibility at the point is good

When your seven worlds collide, Whenever I'm by your side

The only jelly seen alive. Our fish friends clearly love us and eaten the tentacles so we can play dodgeball without fear

Meanwhile down at the shed

No fire where I lit my spark, I am not afraid of the dark

Visibility at Shelley is dreadful

Coffee order in before Duncan tick

The Masters of the Universe needs something a bit stronger to get through their days

Thanks for the swim and coffee (and gin) Team. Don't let your true love run cold!

 

Rusty The Fish (honorary member of Sarah's Sales Team) & Carolinebythebeach

 

 

Wednesday 27th April: Jelly Wrestling ...

Wednesday - Jelly Wrestling today after yesterdays underwater volleyball....

Water temperature: 21.8 

Air temperature: 18.2 

Conditions: smooth … like smooth jelly … oh I mean it was full of jelly 

Vibe: “swim to the first jellyfish & turn back”

A few fun facts about Jellyfish (thanks National Geographic!)

• They have been around for gazillions of years, even before dinosaurs!
• they have NO brain, heart, bones or eyes... goes to show that these organs may not be particularly necessary for survival.... (i will let you make your own additional analogies ...)
• BUT they are asexual (both male and female) - they reproduce by releasing eggs which are fertilised in the water  - sorry Lainey no mating activity for you (ha ha)
• their mouth is at the centre of their body, and where they not only eat but spew "waste" , and spurt water for propulsion... so steer clear of a jellyfish rear when its moving!
• they only live for about a year - so they need to make the most of terrorising swimmers! 
• they love eating fish, shrimp, crabs & tiny marine plants 
• they provide a tasty meal for turtles (where are our resident turtles?)
• a group of jellyfish is known as a "bloom" or a "swarm" or a "smack" (which is what it feels like to swim into one!)

There's a kids counting song about jellyfish- some of you may know it:

"[Five] [swimmers] swimming in the sea, 

teasing Mr Jellyfish, "cant catch me"

along comes Mr Jellyfish, Quiet as can be

"Zap"  - "drats-  you've now got me!" (Ok i made up those words ha ha)

...Four [swimmers] swimming in the sea..." (you get the picture)...

Seems like a daily occurrence - who was Zapped or smacked today? 

Sensible Susie wore a rashie & hit at least 15 (with Wally who didn’t hit anything) 

 

Chris & luke - described as surreal, they had to stop with no way out … luke “walked” in them.. he saw 50 & Smacked by 30.  They said that Out wide is good … a “covid of jelly’s”.. power in numbers.

 

 Ewen & a jelly “kiss” - saw 30 hit by 2 swimming north and in the bay … guy said one was like hitting a horse ..

 

 

Genevieve & Louise - went north & one sting … red arm … Genevieve has a lovely “kiss” on her arm 

Alison & tony … went north saw a few but no smacks saw an eagle ray …

 

Leah - went wide clear saw a few & eagle rays .. not many jellies 

 

Camilla, Henrietta, dale,  glen .. lots of jellies!  … glen wrestled jellies on his ear ! Henrietta wisely wore body armour 

 

David & Kirstie .. David’s kiss from Monday … today they were surrounded by jellies & stopped in tracks !  Wrestled their way out .. 

 

Olivia & Elanora visiting from Denmark .. swam north not many jellies ..  oli bumped into one jelly … Ronnie is going for a surf - leaving wrestling jellies for the girls…  chivalry is alive and well ! 

Have a wonderful Wednesday - stay safe, stay kind, look after and out for each other,

Jocelyn

Announcement:

B&B monthly dinner - it will be a good one - a few episodes of Yes Prime Minister or Utopia will prepare you well!

Tuesday 10^th May 2022

The speaker at our next monthly dinner, to be held on Tuesday May 10th at Bluewater Café at 6.30 pm, will be one of our swimmers, Ranya Alkadamani. Ranya, whose career as a political media adviser involved traveling the world with a former foreign minister, will take us behind the scenes of the dark art of political electioneering. These advisors, professional guns for hire who sell their skills to the highest bidder, are a strong determinant on who we vote for. Sometimes more Yes Prime Minister than West Wing, this insight into the secrets of political manoeuvring will be totally enlightening and entertaining. So, forget about the Federal election, open your mind and park your politics at the door.

The cost of the dinner is great value at only $30 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 (please note, NO BYO). Bookings are essential, so to avoid disappointment and secure your spot please book HERE.

26/04/2022 - Underwater Volleyball Champs start next week!

Here are Tasha and Sarah practising their volleyball skills for the 'Underwater Volleyball Championship' coming up next week! No prizes for guessing they are just trying to avoid swimming in to the orange Jelly Blubbers who have taken over our bay recently! Ian gave good advice to swim close to the rocks. Most of them were a couple of 100 metres from Shelly and about 50 metres out so most swimmers immediately turned around and swam back. I didn't hear of many people getting badly stung. They definitely aren't as bad as Bluebottles or Jimbles. Despite the Jellies it was a smooth, warm, lovely swim today with a few creature sightings!

Oosty, Michael and Brian on the ramp

Leisa and Christine with a swimmer i don't know (yet!)

Merpeople were thin on the ground today but Daniel, sister Tasha and Sarah make it down.

Jim is very busy sorting out his Garmin this morning. Here he is with Craig

Kara shows us her sting. They do seem to go down after an hour if you put some spray on

Rusty managed to avoid them today but to do that he did clock up 8 kms swimming in a zig zag fashion!

Two Jelly Blubbers mating ;-)

This is what we came across in between the pool and Shelly further away from the rocks.

Tasha and Sarah bravely posed for a photo close to them!

A few of us saw beautiful Wobbies today. Although I am trying to notch up my tally of sea creatures I've seen mating I did think I might have briefly seen some action with Wobbegong today! I did see what I thought was a white shark and remembered PJs have white bellies you see when they are upside down mating so Wobbies might too. Can anyone else tell me if I might be right??!!

A terrible pic but this was a huge Kingfish following Yellowtail

The flash of blue of a gorgeous Groper

Came across these lovely ladies in the shallows

Simone brought down her friend Marshka for her first B&B swim and it was her birthday. Happy Birthday Mashka. Simone gave you the best b'day pressie ever by introducing you to this amazing daily drama!

Selma is a swimmer and champion unicyclist and would love it if you could attend the French Music Festival on 19th June or even better volunteer for 2 hours!

Cuttlefish are back! Admittedly these photos re from Saturday but a lot of people saw this beauty. Nicci saw one for the first time and was on a high all weekend!

Have a great day folks!

Lainey

B&B monthly dinner

Tuesday 10^th May 2022

The speaker at our next monthly dinner, to be held on Tuesday May 10th at Bluewater Café at 6.30 pm, will be one of our swimmers, Ranya Alkadamani. Ranya, whose career as a political media adviser involved traveling the world with a former foreign minister, will take us behind the scenes of the dark art of political electioneering. These advisors, professional guns for hire who sell their skills to the highest bidder, are a strong determinant on who we vote for. Sometimes more Yes Prime Minister than West Wing, this insight into the secrets of political manoeuvring will be totally enlightening and entertaining. So, forget about the Federal election, open your mind and park your politics at the door.

The cost of the dinner is great value at only $30 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 (please note, NO BYO). Bookings are essential, so to avoid disappointment and secure your spot please book HERE.

 

B&B monthly dinner

Tuesday 10^th May 2022

The speaker at our next monthly dinner, to be held on Tuesday May 10th at Bluewater Café at 6.30 pm, will be one of our swimmers, Ranya Alkadamani. Ranya, whose career as a political media adviser involved traveling the world with a former foreign minister, will take us behind the scenes of the dark art of political electioneering. These advisors, professional guns for hire who sell their skills to the highest bidder, are a strong determinant on who we vote for. Sometimes more Yes Prime Minister than West Wing, this insight into the secrets of political manoeuvring will be totally enlightening and entertaining. So, forget about the Federal election, open your mind and park your politics at the door.

The cost of the dinner is great value at only $30 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 (please note, NO BYO). Bookings are essential, so to avoid disappointment and secure your spot please book HERE.

Mon 25th: ANZAC on the Beaches

Beautiful black, sub-tropical night sky for 5.30 MLSC Candles

Clustermuck of blubber stormed the 32 swimmers on 6.09 to Queenscliff

Drinky slept on his good ear and missed his alarm

Tilly smashed the A-Team, taking Triple Crown off James

Bolds Anzac Ceremony at 7 am

Several swimmers got stung by the blubber tentacles

MLSC’s formal Anzac Ceremony upstairs at 9 am

Occasional drizzle, waves beautiful to look at … and big crowds throughout morning

Friday 22 April 2022 I can see clearly. Now

It was not raining just when I swam. The water was great. There was a strong rip at the beach but it was very los tide (so much so that I found myself walking on rocks and sea weed before I could start swimming).

Lots of big news today. Tony Fahan-Smith completed 1000km.

It was fortunte that these tunnel engineers were on hand to mark the event (although no-one was able to provide the traditional - Ian says - pat on the backside; Tony will have to arrange that for himself)

But then I found out that Paul also marked 1000km today! And again, showing how many resourceful people there are in BB, there were also tunnel engineers on hand there. He was low in the water so may have had a pat on the backside; I don't know

 

Jocelyn getting a better photo of Paul

Here is BOLD Tony. His lovely daughter Beautiful Renee is getting married today. 

Tony has done all needs for preparation - brought up his beautiful daughter AND had a swim before the wedding. All ready. Congratulations to the young couple and also to the family

Arriving at Shelly

An elbow

 

At the point

Jim in the way of a very good elbow

Clear water report

A view of the saddle over Shelly Beach. Sorry to the swimmer in who's way I got

Neptune emerging from the sea

Early swimmers having returned from Shelly and setting off north. Such good swimming; a joy to watch

A natural capture of triathletes

Anzac Day Ceremony commencing at 7am, prior to the swim, on Monday 25^th April on the beach by the Clubhouse.

 

B&B monthly dinner

Tuesday 10^th May 2022

The speaker at our next monthly dinner, to be held on Tuesday May 10th at Bluewater Café at 6.30 pm, will be one of our swimmers, Ranya Alkadamani. Ranya, whose career as a political media adviser involved traveling the world with a former foreign minister, will take us behind the scenes of the dark art of political electioneering. These advisors, professional guns for hire who sell their skills to the highest bidder, are a strong determinant on who we vote for. Sometimes more Yes Prime Minister than West Wing, this insight into the secrets of political manoeuvring will be totally enlightening and entertaining. So, forget about the Federal election, open your mind and park your politics at the door.

The cost of the dinner is great value at only $30 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 (please note, NO BYO). Bookings are essential, so to avoid disappointment and secure your spot please book HERE.

Thursday, 21 April 2022 - Dots

Red.sky....

Just.because....

Shelly.Beach....

Black.dog...

Water temp: 21.6

Swimmers: 68

Thanks for the photos, Chris N.

Bookings are essential, so to avoid disappointment and secure your spot please book HERE

20-04-2022: Beautiful day for a birthday

After the severe and quick storm that hit Sydney last night, it was a wonderful to be greeted this morning by blue skies, sun and glistening surf. The water temp was a warm 21.2 and visibility at the waters edge was amazingly clear! While there was the usual strong current, the flags were up right down in the corner so lots of swimmers entered near the flags and enjoyed a swim to the pool or Shelly.

Birthday girls, Georgina and Melise were all smiles today as they lapped up the beautiful weather and enjoyed a refreshing swim! It's Georgina's birthday today, Melise's birthday is on Friday and last week was Fifi Johnson's birthday! Happy birthday girls! There were some delicious treats on the wall this morning including Amanda's home cooked biscuits which went like hotcakes - even though they weren't hotcakes!

The McTackett sisters Fifi and Mary looking windswept but delightful against the sunny, blue backdrop! Mary is out from San Francisco where she swims all year round - the water temp in winter is 9 degrees and they swim for 45 minutes. She was explaining that when their hands cramp up into a claw then that is their signal to get out of the water! I thought we were brave dealing with 14 degrees. 

Looking idyllic!!

There were a few firsts today - first swim in months for Diana (left) and I after a long covid/work/bad weather/bad surf hiatus! To be sure there is something magical about jumping back into the ocean after so long. It's nice to read Lainey's updates each morning and hear that CTB is slowly but surely regaining some visibility as more sightings of sea life are being recorded!

Fifi J enjoying her birthday month with Dave and Chrissie. It was also Dave's first time back for a swim for at least 8 weeks and Fifi has recently re-emerged also. Slowly but surely people are coming back to brave the water which is slowly but surely clearing up!

Having said that, many people have swum all through the crazy weather and ocean conditions over the last few months including these love birds! It was great to see their smiling faces this morning! 

These guys are setting up for an art exhibition in Manly. Here's hoping the rain holds off for that!

Even North Harbour reserve was looking stunning today. Clear water - perfect to take dogs for a swim!

 

Stay safe and have a great week.

Lucy

 

19/04/2022 - West Side Story down at the B&B

Two rival gangs met up on the ramp today...Not the 'Jets' and the 'Sharks' but Manly's  'Merpeople' and  'Wows'.!! There were no knives or guns just goggles and pink caps and both groups merged for a photo! It was a stunner of a morning down in the best corner of the world today. The sky was on fire, the surf was starting to pump and the smiles were contagious!

6.25am and Guy's wall temp chart shows 21.5

The Drinks Express enter at 6.30am under a glowing sky...

The kindest man I've ever met enters the water here. No prizes for guessing our very own man born in Bethlehem on the River Jordan...Derek Dreyer. (There were 3 wise men but no virgins in his home town though ;-))...

A few waves but flatter across the bay

We are so lucky here in Manly as well as the swim we have a free yoga session and Pilates on Tuesdays and Thursdays!

The 7amers go in. So great to have a large group again

Our gorgeous Emergency Doc Michele finishes an early swim!

Linda Goodwin from Goodswim Manly is a great swim coach/long time B&B swimmer and she's from Dudley near Birmingham, very close to where I grew up.

A few waves and a rip today. This is Karen getting smashed!

 

Rose between 2 thorns...Olympian, Dr and Councillor David Walton

Adam from Stone Real Estate brings down his Dad Ray from Terrigal. Its the Terrigal ocean swim Sunday week. Sounds fantastic!

Lovely Helsy

Viz is on the way up! SO many Yellowtail today
egend 

Legend Peter Lay and friend

Tilly and mates

Thats a wave. Exciting coming in!

Have a great day folks

Lainey xx

 

 

 

 

 

Monday, 18 April 2022 – Home & Away: Easter edition

 

One thing is for sure, Manly is a slice of paradise this long weekend.

Sun is shining, water is warm and clearing up and the vibe around town is energising – holiday on the doorstep.

With many heading away and many staying local, thought we would check in on the Bold & Beautiful 'family' to see what many got up to.

Welcome to the B&B ‘Home & Away’ Easter edition! 

 

Home: There was a great turnout this morning for the B&B swim, Ian was enjoying seeing B&B sizes 'back to the old days'. Lots of laughter and smiles around. 

Home: Rip dippers ventured across from Curl Curl to ride the point express and swim with the B&B 'fam' 

Away: Jo's son Hamish competing in the pink cap (is that a B&B cap?!), go you good thing! 

Home & Away: Belinda (left) visiting from NYC to soak up Manly and the B&B in all their glory. In great company with Joslin, Natalia, Daniel, Sally & Petra who enjoyed a mix of away and staycation. 

Home: 7am crew conquering the rip and heading into Easter Monday full of endorphins 

Home: Gillian, Rob & Sarah enjoying post swim sunshine, recounting the dolphin show and wondering when is the appropriate time to polish off the rest of the Easter chocolate 

Away: Matt in his element sailing north for the holiday, now that's an infectious smile

Away: Kerry and Mahdi checking out the local swimming group in Semaphore, around the Adelaide area 

Away: More from Semaphore :-)

Home: Holiday on the doorstep, making the most of the long weekend, having a longer rest this time at Shelly (yesterday) 

Home: Manly 'fam' mid-swing in the post swim tradition of trading stories and voting on which barista to visit 

Away: Lyndall with the family having a lovely time in Mildura. Look out Booty crew, she will be back Tuesday for a pre-B&B workout

Home: When it comes to the B&B morning swim, some meditate (me) and some motor (pic). Congrats Tilly on showing them how it's done! 

Away: Olivia took the chance to explore the Blue Mountains, currently scouting the Great Canyon trail (comes highly recommended from Olivia's)

(c) 

Home: picture is worth a thousand words.... 

Away: Cannot keep Lyndall away from the water, heading out for a leisurely afternoon cruise along the Murray Rive with her nephew Eddy

Home: Me 'shadowing in' on post swim blissfulness with Sally, Leah, Ian, Jane and Kate 

Home & Away: Leah sighting Pat at post-swim coffee. Pat has been described as a legend of a human, visiting from the east for a B&B swim with mates 

 

Happy Easter & stay safe. 

 

Lyndall & Scott 

Into the Water - The Quest for the Golden Fleece

Like a scene from Jason and the Argonauts, a woolly man greets me today, a golden fleece hung over his shoulder. Finally a weekend of long sunny days awaits us. The temp is up!

609am splinter before the sun rises

Early at 6.27, The Guvnor pushes the starting line again.

Liam, staring into the crystal blue water, laments the loss of another Summer. Duncan tortures one of the weakest Express members looking for clues to his beloved lost leopard skin underpants. Shelley Keeble has a theory that Duncan only wears edible undies. I look around at the deviant crowd. 

The Drinks Express on time 629 OTR. Salt water disciples.

Across our Bay

As Ian says these are the best days to swim, as we head into a glorious Autumn season. A lovely lady asked when the winter swim ends... it hasn't started. But it will, when winter does!

FFF in action. I heard a rumour that the girls think the boys rant too much :)

Sarah from sales went north this morning. The current sales pitch: perfection with a little rip. As I put my toe in the water Sarah mentioned her northward run was looking for the Great White that was spotted yesterday. Definitely the glass is half full.

At 7am old greets the new. Salt encrusted with gastro proof bellies and the return of a toe dipping cautious crowd. Chippo tries to tea bag but crashes and burns.

Lainey from Loss Prevention uses the hours to value the burgeoning Lost and Found category of the BNB bazaar. Suzie's left ugg boot, Faahany's 8 pairs of Phantom Power goggles thought sacrificed to Huey the Wave god. My missing snorkle. Capless's monogrammed hair tie. 

Caroline & Chippo's Pitch Report 

Good Friday comes in peaks and troughs. You never know till you dip your toe. 21.5 prescription murky but warm. Speedy tinted googles needed today, drag reducing, glare reducing. The ones the Olympian's wear. I'm 0.5s faster every 5k. No silver. no 13th man. A continual gentle swell across the bay makes for a ride.  No smell or taste or anything unusual. Matt rocks the careflight budgies and I manage to keep up with him for 100m. Every swim is awesome and today was no exception. The sun is out, the water is warm! Enjoy your long weekend (not you Rusty stay inside!)

Happy Easter everyone. Thanks for the swim & coffee. Don't let your true love run cold!

Carolinebythebeach, Rusty the Fish and Wolfgang Amadeus Cipolat

my song for this weekend: