Pacific Jules

Friday 29 July 2022 Examine your mind

I find that swimming is an then  activity to do while examining your thinking. Before I go to the swim I would need to do wordle. Then I heard of Worldle. And try that. Then I heard of Heardle and Heardle decades (70s is my best) and try to do that. Then I think I had better get going. 

There were not many waves today. If there are waves and there are surfers, I worry about the fin of the surfboard slicing open my torso. I had once read that intestines once liberated from the abdominal cavity stretch for miles but apparently it is only about 26 feet. Still a lot of guts to gather in if there is an incident. No such worry today. 

I could see the garlic chives sea weed and also sand. Lots of little fish and unfortunately orange jelly fish - very improved visibility.

The smiles say it all. But what is the swimmer behind thinking? 

 

Early starters. 

Early swimmer return

Nice to see Bernhard back from hard work being retired in port Stephens!!!! Lovely to see him




HAPPY BIRTHDAY PENNY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Chad and Al waiting for 7 am

Management message - good night out so do come along. 

B&B monthly dinner – Tuesday 9^th August 2022

At our next monthly dinner, to be held on Tuesday August 9th at Bluewater Café at 6.30 pm, the guest speaker will be Tim Andrews. Tim is an actuary and a leading international expert in measuring and assessing the risks arising from floods, storms and bushfires. Increasingly, there is an urgent need to understand how climate change is affecting the risks from natural hazards in Australia. In 2019 Tim was named the Australian Actuary of the Year for his work in leading the development of the Actuaries Climate Risk Index, an objective measure of extreme weather conditions and changes to sea levels.  Come along to find out what the numbers are actually telling us about the climate and its potential impact on the B&B in the future.

The cost of the dinner is great value at only $35 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

Finding the Fabulous

G’day 

Today (like most days) is about finding the fabulous. It started well with this scene to greet us at CTB. Air was cool, sun was fabulous and the water temperature fresh. 

Don’t be fooled by this calm scene. I madly followed Georgina, Fi and  Sandy into a huge set that came from no where. Yeah I know it’s all about bad timing and I had an adrenalin rush to forget.

Eeish as we say in Africa. But then around the corner in the bay it was fabulous. Fabulous is never far away. 

Wilf is one of our wisest and most experienced swimmers having had his first swim in March 2009. Fabulous Wilf our BnB legend, seen here with the fab Fi. 

Buddy thought he heard treat and stepped up to check that out with fabulous talented artist Georgina (of the fish cozzie design fame) 

Bruce, Nicky and Hels showing fabulous at every stage of getting dressed. In the worlds best dressing room. 

The fabulous five seen sipping in the sun. 

The Bondi Ferry, Drinks, Trooper, ‘Anna’ and our fab talented drone man, Greg 

Maddie ( I hope this is correct ) shows serious fabulousness  to brighten this group up. You go girl! 

This group said the coffee was the fabulousness they sought after a swim. Amongst fab  friends, Coatsey, Jon, Jeanette, Kara … 

The Ab Fab  Mers, Jo and Sally show what fabulous looks like post swim 

Napoleon and Buddy show kissing fabulousness. Love in the Time of Covid. Someone should write a book

The winner of Absolutely Fabulous must go to Sandy in her One Direction  towel ensemble, seen here owning fabulousness. Love it! 


Have a fabulous day and hambe Kahle ( go well/ safely) 

Di 

x

Management message and Ahsweh it’s a good night out so do come along. 

B&B monthly dinner – Tuesday 9^th August 2022

 

At our next monthly dinner, to be held on Tuesday August 9th at Bluewater Café at 6.30 pm, the guest speaker will be Tim Andrews. Tim is an actuary and a leading international expert in measuring and assessing the risks arising from floods, storms and bushfires. Increasingly, there is an urgent need to understand how climate change is affecting the risks from natural hazards in Australia. In 2019 Tim was named the Australian Actuary of the Year for his work in leading the development of the Actuaries Climate Risk Index, an objective measure of extreme weather conditions and changes to sea levels.  Come along to find out what the numbers are actually telling us about the climate and its potential impact on the B&B in the future.

 

The cost of the dinner is great value at only $35 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 July 26th - Sunshine and rain

It was a mixed bag of weather and conditions this morning. The temperature is still up at 17.3, viz is still down though surprisingly we saw a dusky(or was it a PJ?) out from Shelley. The signs going up (post swim) were an indication of conditions. 

I asked the 6.30 for some honest comments as it's usually a great swim! They said tricky and bumpy which was enough to send me to half way for my swim.

The 7am crew contemplating where to go. Most headed to half way. It was quite a bumpy ride but no one saw jellies today so that was a definite plus. Bad viz is starting to be the new norm so always good to get in and we were rewarded with post swim coffee in the sunshine.

 

Have a good one! Amanda 

 

B&B monthly dinner – Tuesday 9^th August 2022

 

At our next monthly dinner, to be held on Tuesday August 9th at Bluewater Café at 6.30 pm, the guest speaker will be Tim Andrews. Tim is an actuary and a leading international expert in measuring and assessing the risks arising from floods, storms and bushfires. Increasingly, there is an urgent need to understand how climate change is affecting the risks from natural hazards in Australia. In 2019 Tim was named the Australian Actuary of the Year for his work in leading the development of the Actuaries Climate Risk Index, an objective measure of extreme weather conditions and changes to sea levels.  Come along to find out what the numbers are actually telling us about the climate and its potential impact on the B&B in the future.

 

The cost of the dinner is great value at only $35 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.

 

 

Friday 22 July 2022

Maybe it is time to trot out the reasons why it is good  to swim in cold water. Here are the reasons I randomly picked from the google search I found. These matters are only generally correct as I particularly noted - with some dissatisfaction - in point 5. But point 4 does explain why everyone is smiling when they exit the water.   

 

1. It boosts your immune system

The effects of cold water on the immune system have been studied widely. Cold water helps to boost the white blood cell count because the body is forced to react to changing conditions. Over time, your body becomes better at mobilising its defences.

2. It gives you an endorphin high

Endorphins are what the brain produces to make us feel good about certain activities. Cold water swimming is a form of exercise, and exercise has been proven to help with depression. Cold water swimming brings us close to the pain barrier. Endorphins are released when we’re in pain to help us cope.

3. It enhances your circulation

Cold water swimming flushes your veins, arteries, and capillaries. It forces blood to the surface and pushes the cold downwards. In other words, it helps to warm our extremities. Repeated exposure adapts us to cold.

4. It increases your libido and enhances mood

Cold water was traditionally seen as a way to repress sexual urges. The fact is that it actually increases libido. A dip in some cold water boosts estrogen and testosterone production, adding an edge to fertility and libido.

5. It burns more calories

The heart must pump faster and the body must work harder to keep everything warm while swimming in cold water. Overall, you will burn far more calories than swimming in hotter conditions. The idea that drinking cold water increases the number of calories you burn may be a myth, but it’s a fact that cold water decreases your body temperature so much that the body has to act. It’s no coincidence that cold water swimmers are generally thin.

6. It reduces stress

Stress is a demon in the modern world. When stressful times come, we are woefully unprepared for them. Reducing stress means you will feel better, you will feel more optimistic, and you will be more resilient when stressful times come along.

Cold water swimming places stress on the body physically and mentally. Many studies have told us about the link between cold water and stress reduction. Cold water swimmers are naturally calmer and more relaxed. They are stronger in the face of adversity.

 

 

 

Management notices 

B&B monthly dinner – Tuesday 9^th August 2022

At our next monthly dinner, to be held on Tuesday August 9th at Bluewater Café at 6.30 pm, the guest speaker will be Tim Andrews. Tim is an actuary and a leading international expert in measuring and assessing the risks arising from floods, storms and bushfires. Increasingly, there is an urgent need to understand how climate change is affecting the risks from natural hazards in Australia. In 2019 Tim was named the Australian Actuary of the Year for his work in leading the development of the Actuaries Climate Risk Index, an objective measure of extreme weather conditions and changes to sea levels.  Come along to find out what the numbers are actually telling us about the climate and its potential impact on the B&B in the future.

The cost of the dinner is great value at only $35 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.

Wednesday 20th July - in pursuit of eternal youth & happy birthday Tracey!

Wednesday 20th July  - Bonnie Tsui, in her book "why we swim" muses "“Swimming is a way for us to remember how to play.”   She also Suggests “a giddiness to being in that water”….  “It connects with a playfulness that we forget about as adults”.  One things for sure, the cameraderie of the b&b community we will never grow up!  



If you haven’t read “why we swim” I encourage you to get your flippers on a copy… so many interesting stories from Olympic gold medallist to a swim club in Baghdad! 

water temp: 16.9 (balmy or barmy?)

air temp: 6 degrees at 7am! 

conditions: smooth as silk 

vibe: youthful exuberance 

Today we celebrated a milestone birthday of the ever youthful marvellous mermaid Tracey walker .. Tracey and her energy inspires all of us to live life to the fullest, embrace adventure, encourages us out of our comfort zones & with a cheeky sense of humour, a reminder to always have fun & make the most out of every day ! 

Today is about fun - swimming is fun.  Catching up with friends is fun.  Playing is fun.  Taking silly photos is fun.  Mother Nature has a bit of fun at our expense.. so let’s embrace it!  Humans and canines alike !   Not many swimmers this morning and those who swam infused the oceans energy & exited the water with smiles from ear to ear and glowing with youthful exuberance. 

Have a wonderful Wednesday, stay safe, look out for each other, be kind & make the most out of the day! 

Jocelyn  

.. and now the usual dinner announcement .. 

B&B monthly dinner – Tuesday 9^th August 2022

 

At our next monthly dinner, to be held on Tuesday August 9th at Bluewater Café at 6.30 pm, the guest speaker will be Tim Andrews. Tim is an actuary and a leading international expert in measuring and assessing the risks arising from floods, storms and bushfires. Increasingly, there is an urgent need to understand how climate change is affecting the risks from natural hazards in Australia. In 2019 Tim was named the Australian Actuary of the Year for his work in leading the development of the Actuaries Climate Risk Index, an objective measure of extreme weather conditions and changes to sea levels.  Come along to find out what the numbers are actually telling us about the climate and its potential impact on the B&B in the future.

 

The cost of the dinner is great value at only $35 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 July 19th - Nicer than forecast

I was pleasantly surprised this morning as it wasn't raining,  the sea was relatively calm, viz has improved and the grey skies were atmospheric. 

"Chalk Guy" Guy and his buddies indicated that the water was warmer, up quite a bit from previous days,  but I can't say I noticed going in, although there were patches in the bay that felt warmer. 

The early group mentioned that the big orange jellies are back which I can verify as I saw one. Apart from that, I saw some fish and the rocks that haven't been visible in the murky waters recently.

Jo likes a quiet swim so avoids the 7am crowd,  not that it was crowded today!

A few wow's about with Di and Lisa rocking the matching beanies. In summer we yearn for winter swims, now we yearn for the days when we don't need a trolley for all our extra gear.

Thanks to the bench crew who showed up so I could leave Pickle and swim!

Enjoy the day before the forecast becomes correct!

Amanda 

Monday, 18 July 2022 - True happiness

 

“Swimming is normal for me. I’m relaxed. I’m comfortable, and I know my surroundings. It’s my home.” — Michael Phelps

Someone expanded on Phelps, saying: ‘Knowing the place where you belong is true happiness. When you realize that swimming helps you focus on what is important, it becomes a part of you. You can't just swim, you should live it. The feeling of comfort and inner peace, pleasure, and involvement make you stronger. People always get stronger when they feel like oneself.’

Just imagine what Phelps would say if he had the chance to swim the BnB.

I can vouch for the BnB community / swim making me feel stronger.

Thank you and have a lovely week!!

Scott

 

 

Friday 15 July 2022. Sixes and sevens

If you are at sixes and sevens because a six has appeared in the temperature, do not worry. Just get down to the swim and you will be happy you did.

Because you will find a splendid winters swim day. The temperature is just doing its thing and nowhere are the seasons as clearly marked out to me in Sydney as in the sea. So enjoy the slightly less than tropical water. 

Lots of people starting the day with a bracing and life enhancing swim. Geniuses all. 

A huge group at 6.30am

Here are the only jellyfish I want to encounter



happy birthday Natalie!!!!

Arriving

The best uggs

at the barre - stretch before starting.

Lovely shot donated by Michael and Caroline (not by the beach but in Sicilia!!!)

Don't forget to swim and log your swims for a winter badge so that you too can wear an envy jacket

20 swims over 7 weeks and an extra badge just for swimming without a wetsuit!!!

 

Tuesday July 12th - Seal of approval

Thanks Di for the byline,  I needed some inspiration! 

The seal has been about the last few days and today a couple of us walked to Shelley,  still put off by the big surf, where it was frolicking about just off the beach. We didn't see it while in the water  which was kind of a relief. In fact we didn't see anything much,  just hoping it won't be too long before viz is back! 

Temp is at 17.6 but once in feels warmer.

My rule of thumb is if the waves are breaking past the point it's too big for me, and they were.

Not much else to report today, still fairly quiet,  perhaps everyone is travelling now!?

Always thanks to the swimmers/non swimmers who are also the dog sitters! 

Turned into a lovely morning so post swim coffee was a long one!

Happy day!

Amanda 

 

Monday 11th July 2022 - Jules, 2012 Sign-in & DX.

In 2012 B&B still had an analog sign/in, bolderdash was only approved in the winter and any swim other than a single Shelly could NOT be logged!!

John has kept to those rules and after 10 years he is still #2 on the Pacific Challenge with 6420kms swum.

Rusty signing in.

Ted signing in.’b

2012 crowds were huge - who can you spot besides Capless, Ian & Steve?

B&B founder “Our Jules”.

2012 Drinks Express - younger Drinks, Capless et al.

Capless Dave today swam with the Drinks Express through  very big surf. N.B. Water temp 17.9 degrees.

DX legends who were behind……

Murray  and Milly.

A smaller 7am crew.

Dave with 4 girls @7:04.

Tom did a solo Shelly @6am followed by a run to QC.

Sam swam north after being tumbled by a huge wave.

Ian stayed dry.

Jo & Greg tea-bagged while Danny, unusually, stayed dry.

Stay safe, enjoy…..

Simon

(with Max, Tara, Leila & Matilda)

 

12^th July 2022

 

At our next monthly dinner, to be held on Tuesday July 12th at Bluewater Café at 6.30 pm, the guest speaker will be Prof. Adriana Verges, the lead researcher on Operation Crayweed. Adriana will revisit Cabbage Tree Bay with an update on this project as well as the Living Seawall at Fairy Bower Pool. The seaweeds and sea grasses are the underwater forests that fuel entire ecosystems to provide food and shelter for thousands of organisms. We swim with them every day and now you can get an in-depth look at what is blooming below the surface, and the return of various marine species.  Also, discover what we can do to aid the rewilding of these underwater seascapes.

 

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.

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

 

12^th July 2022

 

At our next monthly dinner, to be held on Tuesday July 12th at Bluewater Café at 6.30 pm, the guest speaker will be Prof. Adriana Verges, the lead researcher on Operation Crayweed. Adriana will revisit Cabbage Tree Bay with an update on this project as well as the Living Seawall at Fairy Bower Pool. The seaweeds and sea grasses are the underwater forests that fuel entire ecosystems to provide food and shelter for thousands of organisms. We swim with them every day and now you can get an in-depth look at what is blooming below the surface, and the return of various marine species.  Also, discover what we can do to aid the rewilding of these underwater seascapes.

 

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.