Pacific Jules

May 17th TuesYay, what a day!

There's not a lot to say about today as it was pretty much as good as it gets, unless you love the wild surf.

The wall was busier than it has been in ages, word has spread of good conditions!

Water temp still nice at 20.3, viz good, no jellies, saw a cuttlefish and wobby plus plenty of fish.

Today is Alan Thompson's 72nd birthday but wasn't at Shelley quick enough for the birthday splash so wishing him a good "bnb" birthday here instead!

Plenty of post swim joy in the sunshine.

Photo quality looks bad on my phone but nit sure why! Apologies.  Have a great, sunny day, like we expect in Sydney!

Amanda 

 

Mon 16th: What Fish is That?

Conditions perfect this morning

 

Somewhere on a South Pacific Island

Sits a young man staring at the surf, A tribal sacrifice made to the earth.

Pitch Report:

Sunday. The swell has gone. No sightings of our orange stinging friends. 2 duelling cuttlefish sighted off the pool, in real close. Camouflaged. Big old grizzy things. Just awesome. Guy forgot something, saw him back about 8am, thermometer? Got caught in the 7am crew, a fairly sizeable contingent today. Viz is becoming an Autumn style clear. Arrived back on the sand, could hear Drinksy's booming laugh. Coffee arrived swiftly, tall tales non true were told. Another excellent adventure.

She collected sea shells every day....6am from the balcony...

Flat and shiny first glimpse of the Point.

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

Rusty the Fish & Hungover Josh

 

 

The Temper of the Time

Sydney, nights are warm. Daytime telly, blue rinse dawn. Early swimmers Sarah & Jon (the Sales team) make it back from their 6am dark sojourn up north, missing a headlight and reporting some tumbles in the surf. No jellies.

Surfing and Jellies don't mix. The beach is scattered with them.

Reports that the ferry side was perfect and flat.

Sometimes you've got to take the hardest line. Buildings, clothing the sky, in paradise.

 

Drinks confident chat. If you don't feel it don't do it. It's breaking out past the point, it could be challenging.

The Pitch Report:

Wild yet wonderful. Keeping the goggles on was a challenge. People, wasting away in paradise. Going backwards, once in a while. A lumpy entrance and swim, with some sets pushing out way past the point. Couldn't see the bottom in some parts. A few jellies again off the toilet block, Caroline took out 4, I didn't see any. Still warm. Guy says the pink 7 on the temp is for the girls. OK. Coming back in went wide, it looked pretty messy in by the rocks.

Psycho shower scene for the FFF. It's a underarms and football clubs. Flat chat, pine gap, in every home a big mac

Fi and Sophie heading out.

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

Rusty the Fish and Carolinebythebeach

 

 

11-05-22: Wild and woolly!!

If you read yesterday's blog and came down today in the hope of experiencing the same stunning conditions, you would have been mildly disappointed. The Easterly wind was strong, the waves 'face slapping' (in the words of Amanda Grant), visibility 'so-so', swimmer numbers down and lots of water movement. (Thanks to Lainey who took this photo at Shelly!).

 

At least the water was warm at 20.6 degrees and we did manage to see a cuttlefish and a dusky all around the same time as bumping into Pip who was trying to avoid being washed onto the rocks by the waves as she snorkelled her way to Shelly!

 

Amanda kept disappearing in the waves. I had the advantage of wearing fins which made my swim relatively easy!  I offered a fin to Amanda, but the foot size was out by a mere four and a half sizes! 😳😆  She felt that it probably wouldn't be overly useful.

This blurry photo (which actually looked really good from the water without my glasses!) is of Lainey and Kate who were walking back to Manly for no particular reason other than they could! (and Lainey hadn't actually been swimming today) . 

 

 This is the cuttlefish we saw! Not quite to the photo standard of Lainey, Jocelyn, Bibiana etc but hey, a cuttlefish nonetheless!

 

Trying to capture the waves on camera is always a challenge but they were there and they were BIG!

 

Back on land and straight into solving guessing competitions! Guess who swam today - Donald or Anton? Find out in tomorrow's blog for the answer!

 

Charl and Suzy were in a hurry to get to their ferry! Charl's hair was clearly not interested in going on the ferry today. It was well and truly off in another direction.

 

These three were up to no good as you can see! It's written all over their faces! 🤣

Ian was explaining about being in the height of athleticism but covering himself up!! 🤔

Gotcha!!! 😆

 

And last but not least, sweet pup Maisy being super well behaved while her owner had a swim! (No, not my Maisy - I did say well behaved!)

Have a great day.

Lucy

 

10/05/2022 - Cuttlefish Disguises and Swimmers Smiles

 

 

Such a great swim this morning. I hope some of you weren't put off by the early rain. It was clear, warm, calmish and glorious! Giant Cuttlefish are around and this one was showing off in front of the shed today. It's mating season and the males are on the prowl for females. I did discover females can mate up to 17 times a day with 2 or 3 males so be on the look out for some interesting sightings!

I love this photo. Shelley and Louise catch up as they head in. Champ looks back. Isn't the light stunning!

Juliette and Andrew bring a new swimmer down this morning. She's sure to get addicted!

Al used to be a regular swimmer with us but is now living in WA. Our swim beats Rockingham he says!

Rusty is back from a great holiday in the UK where it didn't rain once! His Mum always reads the blog 'Hi Ann' ;-)

The rain had gone away for the 7am swim and the morning light was stunning!

Deb, Nicci, Georgina, Cath and Shelly about to go in.

Friday blogger Rusty and mate, after his early swim.

These three, Suzie, Kate and Kara look happy and smug. They saw a Cuttlefish and a Turtle!

It was calm with a few gentle waves today. The water is now just on 20 degrees but when that first wave hits you its cold!

A lot of us were excited about seeing a Giant Cuttlefish or even 2 today and one put on quite a show for me near the shed. Here he is looking a bit crafty and suspicious.

Now he's being clever and his skin is starting to look like the rock!

Here he's smooth and sleek as he swims off.

Looking a bit coy here as he tucks his arms and tentacles in!

Brave and bold here as he looks me in the eye and flares his tentacles! They are such masters of disguise!

Below photos from the weekend

The males go white when they're trying to attract a mate

Kirsten and a Cuttie

Still a few spots left. Book below!

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.

lots of love

Lainey

Monday 9th May 2022 - Wet but warmer in the water.

 

 

Trooper said, “ The clock is wrong”

Good morning Kara.

Lots of sand. 

Short blog today. 

Take care, enjoy

 

Simon

 

 

 

 

 

Friday 6 May 2022 Returning

When astronauts come back to earth they land in the sea which is a pretty good spot. We are getting back to the sea after many months of poor quality conditions. Where does all the dirt and rubbish go? It is still in the sea somewhere unfortunately but not near the beach. Lucky for us. Today's water was just over 20 which is near perfect for swimming. The jellyfish were clustering together - I think to stay safe from the yellow tail and other fish who eat them. Sometimes alive. Nature is brutal sometimes. And a little bit of wave action so we know we are not in a pool.

People have been away because of the conditions or because of illness or other claims on time. It is nice to be back and it is nice to see other people back too. Glad to be returning to the swim. Welcome back 

Here is Mark whose swim I interrupted to take a photo at the point. You can tell from his smile that he is not in a pool. If you get in someone's way in a pool you do not get a smile! A very enjoyable swim

The triathletes of Warringah getting ready

Other swimmers getting ready

Newbies being indoctrinated or inducted - cannot recall - by Lovely Henrietta and Anne

Happy birthday Shan

A banana and peanut butter cake. I am amazed at people who can bake for the morning. So impressive

INTO THE SEA!

Happy birthday Zula - swam today with Helena on left and Elle on right. 

Donald at the point - his timetable for swimming often coincides with mine

Swimming together

With aura

Without aura

 

At Shelly

 

Chad and Inge - I asked if they were racing back. Inge said no and Chad said yes. I wonder how it finished

 


Here is a swimmer with a beard that was in place before covid. Pretty special

Tim Ettle has taken some great photos of swimmers from underneath. It is very hard to line up but I like them so much I had a go copying

Swimming in to the point, my concentration on technique improvement - I am an athlete first and foremost after all - was interrupted by these three laughing uproariously. Good thing to do

Not watching carefully enough I got tumbled a bit at the end and took a photo of the foam. While waiting to get a breath

 

 

 

nnouncement:

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.

The yellow tail growing before my very eyes as they feast on jellyfish. It is brutal but I was cheering them on. I wonder if the yellowtail say to their parents - not jellyfish again!

A River runs through me

Greetings from Old Blighty 

While temperatures  are dropping but still at at a balmy 20 C in CTB, here the river temperatures are rising to what the hardy wild swimmers here call ‘lovely’ and this is 14C. 

This weekend my trusty wild swimming buddy Leigh and I swam/ swooshed  the same stretch of the Thames near Chertsey that  we did last year in the summer. She told me it was about 10C.

 Actually tuned out to be warmer and we estimate circa 13/ 14C. Fresh and pretty awesome. We had tea and chocolate hobnobs in her boot after. I know … I’m talking this up. 

I read one needs gloves and booties plus a ‘swimbler’ beanie for cold swims. It’s all glamour. It works #buggarglamour

All the gear an no idea 

We joined some of the SOS crowd. Surrey Outdoor Swinmers. 

Entry chat and fabulous golden lab photo bomb 

Exit point always a welcome sight 

 The boot story dressed as Michelin man. 

Next day we joined our local Blue Tits group, the Woking Blue Tits for another stretch of the Thames. Like all wild swimmers they are warm and welcoming. And no Leigh and I never discussed matching cozzies. No need. 

We swam up stream and swooshed downstream on another stretch of the Thames at Laleham.

Seen here with Leigh and Kate, my delightful swim buddies. That’s Paul, Kates other half photographing swans and who took some of these pics. 

The fabulous WBT crew 

Entry chat and direction guide 

Happiness 


The tranquility and beauty of the Thames 

Emerging feeling incredibly alive and well. 

Someone measured the temperature and it was 14C. An amazing bloke called Patrick baked delicious biscuits for the afters. So we didn’t do the boot trick and ate Patrick’s delicious biscuits at the waters edge. Cake and conviviality set up. 

The swans are nesting and getting a bit fierce. These guys were only interested in Patrick’s biscuits. 

My family declared me totally nuts. Again. As did many friends. However it was really fantastic. Ahsweh. 

Grandpa Jonny  and Granny on Swimming lesson duty. Seth and I both froze that’s day (someone turned the air temperature gauge off that day ) - apparently Seth could only get out when his lips turned blue. Make them tough around Lincoln. 

Meanwhile back at the wall and CTB, Nat was seen with the lovely Scogs who reported beautiful conditions again. At last ! 

Holly makes a guest appearance. 

Great pictures from the bay as visibility improves. Please keep them coming, they are wonderful to see. 

Hambe Kahle (go well) everyone, we miss you all.

Di

x

Management Notice

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.

 

Tuesday 3rd May - Sunny days

So nice to have what we consider the old May norm, crisp morning,  sunny skies and warm, calm seas.

The report from the 6.30ers, Trooper, Squirrel and Caplesss was clear, flat and no jellies. I forgot to ask where the dripping blood injury came from so we'll have to use our imagination on that. 

Bin waiting patiently for the 7am call.

Lindsay and Kim back after a holiday on Herron. Can you compare!?

Louise and Cath swimming again after a long period away welcoming relatively newbie Maddie. 

So after the early report I was looking forward to the swim.  Temperature is slowly falling (to be expected I guess) but still lovely at 20.9, viz pretty good but still murky patches and a funny smell at half way, which might have been the truck emptying the oil at the bower cafe? As for the jellies, I got stung so obviously they are still there, though not many (Di, if you're readingin the UK don't forget to bring back more sting cream!) . It was karma that after my sting I saw a bunch of fish eating another jelly! I saw a couple of duskies and fiddler ray at the point,  other saw the cuttlefish so that's all a good sign. 

These are the jellies but not my photo!

Great morning for enjoying the post swim coffee and sunshine.

Enjoy! Amanda 

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.