Wednesday 10th August - Cabbage tree bay is Our magic Xanadu where we go together & swim like greased lightning whilst getting physical … a tribute to an inspirational and beautiful human, talented singer, tireless fundraiser for cancer research & treatment & friend of our ocean ….RIP Olivia newton john …
Anyone growing up in Australia in the 1970s and 1980s in Australia would have idolised the late Olivia Newton John. She shot to stardom in Greece (and THOSE pants) however for some reason I loved the music to "Xanadu", which was listed as one of the worst films of that year (1980). I probably remember that music because of Roller skating outings to the Big Roller at Carlingford .....(hmmmm)... I met her once - I was so star struck I couldn't even ask for her autograph (she signed my book "love Olivia" which I still treasure).. she was beautiful and kind (and probably very amused too!)
... If you take Coleridge's definition of Xanadu (from the poem "kubla Khan"), Xanadu is a metaphor for an idyllic and opulent place (and also a bright feature on the surface of Saturns moon, Titan). I think we all agree that our Cabbage Tree bay fits that definition perfectly.
Now to the stats of our Xanadu this morning..
Water temp: getting warmer, a summer lovin’ 16.1
air temp: a magic crisp wintery 3.9 degrees
conditions: we go together into the small, clean but building swell & milky water
vibe: hopelessly devoted to swimming
Did you know that Olivia Newton John was a passionate advocate for marine environments, and a Reef Ambassador? She featured in a video alongside legendary marine conservationists Philippe Cousteau and Sylvia Earle to convince UNESCO to invoke stronger protections for our beautiful great barrier reef.
linky thing here:
https://youtu.be/GkuftBfQ5EU
Did you also know that in 1988 she filmed a video clip right outside Manly Life Saving Club (photo credit MLSC) and her parents used to live in Darley Rd, Manly!
Other facts about Olivia Newton John:
- she started her singing career singing country & Western!
- She performed at 1974 Eurovision in Brighton, UK, finishing 4th to the eventual winner, a little band called ABBA!
- the first goodwill ambassador to the United Nations Environment program in 1991
- her dad was an MI5 officer who worked on the Enigma Project
- She split her ultra tight pants whilst filming Grease & had to be sewn back in for the final scenes!
- despite her illness and challenges, she advocated tirelessly to raise funds for cancer research & treatment and funded the Olivia Newton John Foundation Fund and the Olivia Newton John cancer and & wellness centre and of course started the "Gaia" retreats which some of our community may have visited. Her legacy will live on - RIP ONJ..
And who can forget her complete change from "girl next door" to raunchy leggings, high cut leotards & sweat bands in "lets get physical" - a cult song of 1981 .. and another reason to visit our Xanadu - to keep fit & exercise our bodies and calm minds....
So in honour of ONJ, today we asked swimmers how they "get physical" when they’re not swimming - only G rated answers were accepted !
Mermaid Mel loves PT & walking
Daniel and Alex visiting from Canberra love to run (good luck in the city to surf on Sunday!)
Drinks & rob - tennis ….
this group of legends fresh from Wednesday “in and outs” - Trish loves reformer Pilates & Danny loves yoga !
Chris loves gym, yoga & Pilates
James loves bike riding
Ruth, mike & Lenore (mrs drinks who took up ocean swimming at age 72! - what an inspiration!) a mix of cycling, bushwalking, kayaking, tennis & yoga
“Mr 3000” and our daily “sales” reporter Frangi loves running & playing in a band, guy (our wonderful temperature artist!) loves walking & golf
Mermaids brooke & jo love walking the dogs & dancing !
Renee jumping for joy after a run!
Have a wonderful Wednesday - stay safe, stay sane, stay kind & look out for each other !
Jocelyn
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