Pacific Jules

Starting out is the hardest step

But Shelley is giving it a red hot go. You are a role model!

This aphorism could well apply to today's water temps too. Brrrrr!

Drinks and Tim. Tim is doing a doco of US while his regular job is largely on hold. Tim can also take credit from today's headline.

He is a local who surfs every day unless there are no waves, and then he swims. He hasn't dome our swim. Yet. Consider the gauntlet thrown down, Tim, you still have time to get your winter badges.

Quite a few birthdays today. It's Simon Cowell's today, and yesterday he clocked up 4,000km of swimming. Impressive. Unfortunately nothing could convince him to come out of the change room for a photo.

It's also Ingrid's birthday. How did my photo end up in the blog I hear her asking. Secret bloggers' business. The bloggers are everywhere.

 

It's Nick Howard's birthday too. Here he is with bubble sharer Jacqui

The shower scene

Some exemplary social distancing

Bubble sharers and friend

Some of the lovely wildlife we share the Bay with

I am a rock!

Lovely winter light

Jill and her girls. Millie in the middle is also having a birthday. Hope it's a great day.

This! on the way back in

Yet another birthday - Lovely WoW Kerry. Cake supplied by Belinda, made by the amazing Staple Bread and Necessities (owned by fellow swimmer James). If you haven't been there, do yourself a favour and try it out. This was a totally delicious ginger cake omg! 

Happy birthday Kerry!

I think Roger enjoyed the cake too.

Freddy looking pensive.

Due to Covid-19 and the current government guidelines limiting the number of people allowed to be in a group, Bold & Beautiful is still currently suspended.

But we recognise many of our swimmers are still swimming at various times and locations, and it is more important than ever to remain fit, healthy and connected.

As such, B&B is offering this unique, one off, Covid 2020 Winter Challenge Badge, kindly designed by our amazingly creative swimmer, Linda from Manly Mac Art.

To qualify for your Covid Winter Challenge Badge you need to swim 20 times across 7 different weeks of winter, between 1st June - 31st August.
If you are swimming at Manly, any time of the day, please continue to log your swim as Manly - Shelly Swim, this swim will not only count towards your Covid Winter Challenge Badge, it will also continue to count towards the Pacific Challenge.

If you are swimming in any other location, anywhere in the world, please tick your swim as 'Covid Swim', this will give you a special 19m on the Pacific Challenge and will count towards your Covid Winter Challenge.
Log your 20 (or more) swims without a wetsuit and you will be eligible for the special 2020 ICC (Ice Cold Corona) badge.

YOU MUST LOG YOUR SWIMS IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE YOUR COVID BADGE(S)

NEW B&B MENS AND LADIES BATHERS ONLINE & IN BUDGY SMUGGLER STORE
Complement your B&B merchandise range with these hot of the press, brand new B&B Budgy Smuggler Bathers designed by one of our own swimmers, Georgina Hart.
They are totally gorgeous and we're confident you will LOVE them!!!

NEW B&B BATHERS - ORDER HERE 

What am I listening to? Joe Jackson. I can't pick a favourite so here's an epic concert

 

 

BOLD & BEAUTIFUL IS NOT CURRENTLY RUNNING DUE TO THE IMPORTANCE OF SOCIAL DISTANCING AND STAYING INSIDE AS MUCH AS IS POSSIBLE DUE TO CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)

This morning we had a preemptive celebration of Ian's 2,000km while observing strict social distancing for the arch. The first photo is Ian in photographer mode towards the end of his swim with the kilometres completed. That's a lot of swimming, Ian, congratulations.

 

Ever the blog tart, here's Belinda shaking her booty as Clare looks on. 

Clare and Tylney share a bubble so this photo is 100% kosher, halal and legit

I briefly caught up with these WoWs and they were leaving the water and I was starting my swim.

On the wall, I heard that an octopus's garden had been spotted but didn't fancy my chances of spotting it. In fact I had a feeling that today would not be a good day for me, fish spotting wise.

Not fish

So I took my usual circuitous route - the pool, the bower, Shelly and back along the scenic.

So many divers today. I looked enviously at their super hi-tech photographic rigs but then took comfort in the fact that I was unencumbered by all that equipment.

I was wrong about not seeing things.

Same little octopus, 2 different perspectives

Some small fish at the Bower

And not one cuttlefish but 2 together

As if that was not enough, a lovely little blind shark at the Point. Happy days. Isn't it gorgeous!

Caps and Badges 

On Saturday 20th June, your B&B volunteer helpers will be at the benches (100 m north of the surf club, weather permitting) from 8-30 am until 9 am with the following items:

• summer badges (triple, 6 km, 10 km), distance badges (500 km, 1000 km, 2000 km) and last year's winter badges - $10 each (cash only please bring the correct money)
• silicone swimming caps ready for winter - $15 each  (cash only please bring the correct money)
• latex caps (free) if you have broken/lost yours or have friends/family who have just started swimming
• sign-up sheet for anyone who wants to sign up and start logging their swims.

Swim Anywhere, Any time to qualify for your 2020 Once Off - Unique - Covid Winter Challenge

Due to Covid-19 and the current government guidelines limiting the number of people allowed to be in a group, Bold & Beautiful is still currently suspended.

But we recognise many of our swimmers are still swimming at various times and locations, and it is more important than ever to remain fit, healthy and connected.

As such, B&B is offering this unique, one off, Covid 2020 Winter Challenge Badge, kindly designed by our amazingly creative swimmer, Linda from Manly Mac Art.

To qualify for your Covid Winter Challenge Badge you need to swim 20 times across 7 different weeks of winter, between 1st June - 31st August.
If you are swimming at Manly, any time of the day, please continue to log your swim as Manly - Shelly Swim, this swim will not only count towards your Covid Winter Challenge Badge, it will also continue to count towards the Pacific Challenge.

If you are swimming in any other location, anywhere in the world, please tick your swim as 'Covid Swim', this will give you a special 19m on the Pacific Challenge and will count towards your Covid Winter Challenge.
Log your 20 (or more) swims without a wetsuit and you will be eligible for the special 2020 ICC (Ice Cold Corona) badge.

YOU MUST LOG YOUR SWIMS IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE YOUR COVID BADGE(S)

A message from Ema Grose

Hey friends,

This year, I’ve decided to sign up again for Dry July. We know 2020 has been a year of challenges, which makes the challenge all the more difficult!

Going dry won’t just benefit my own health, but it’s all for a great cause. I’m raising funds for Dry July Foundation to help support people affected by cancer, who need our help now more than ever. 

Any donation you can give would be greatly appreciated, even if it’s what you’d save on your daily coffee or commute! You can make a donation here: www.dryjuly.com/users/emma-grose.

Thanks in advance for your donation!

(A non-alcoholic) Cheers,
Emma

What am I listening to? Lately the sound of my own self pity over my crazy workload, but then I remind myself that I'm lucky to be in the job I have and that the new wfh regime has afforded me the flexibility to swim more often and do more Yoga classes.

Still, here's Tennessee Ernie Ford 

 

BOLD & BEAUTIFUL IS NOT CURRENTLY RUNNING DUE TO THE IMPORTANCE OF SOCIAL DISTANCING AND STAYING INSIDE AS MUCH AS IS POSSIBLE DUE TO CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)

Above the water conditions were lovely - blue sky, and not much breeze. The air had a nip in it but it's winter and you get that.

Drinks and Shaun

Under the surface it was a mix. Temperature was significantly warmer but visibility was ordinary at best

When I took this photo I only saw 1 flathead

Lots of activity, photo unfortunately marred by lens smudge. 

Jacqui looking for her snorkel. Miraculously it made its way to a bench, providing a happy reunion. Thanks to the honest person who found it in the water.

This is Chris. It was Chris' first swim today. While I was taking the first shot the rest of his mob showed up, joined by an opportunistic photobomber

I believe this is Danny B but I could be wrong

The Wows have reclaimed what is rightfully theirs. Photo courtesy of Mr Wow, John D

Emma G has adopted a rescue furchild. His name is Soldier, he is simply gorgeous and all set for an amazing life.

Last but no least, here we have the Triple C - the Custom Covid Coiffure aka Roger's home made haircut with its very impressive DA. Or is it a MIP (Mullet In Progress)?  If you see him with a pair of scissors....... run!

What am I listening to? My son is usually into rap or 8 bar sampled doof doof stuff but recently appears to have developed a penchant for bluegrass. This is The Dead South. Enjoy your long weekend.

Celebrating friends and turtles

BOLD & BEAUTIFUL IS NOT CURRENTLY RUNNING DUE TO THE RISKS OF CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19). IT IS IMPORTANT TO CONTINUE SOCIAL DISTANCING AND FOLLOW PUBLIC HEALTH ADVICE 

Thank you for swimming at different times of the day and maintaining 1.5m distance.

AND WEAR A CAP SO THAT YOU CAN BE SEEN BY OTHER SWIMMERS, KAYAKERS AND SURFERS.

Today is World Turtle Day. The purpose ow World Turtle Day is to bring attention to, and increase knowledge of and respect for, turtles and tortoises, and encourage human action to help them survive and thrive. What's more they are completely gorgeous.

It was cold this morning and I did not want to get up. It was warm here.

But get up I did. Eventually.

Bubble dwellers Ted, Lainey and Freddie

Some fine social distancing

Rushing to get changed and get warm

The word was that the water was warm but with mucky bits and zero visibility, so this is a Dry Blog. 

From the shore it looked lovely.

The bommies were going off in the distance

Dressed appropriately

Bluewater was fairly empty

The wall has been reclaimed

Here's some more of our favourites

I was at Dee Why yesterday. The surf was big and messy, You would not want to get dumped by this.

Have a great day, folks

 

For the mumma bears of the swim. Sunday 10th May 2020

The Sunday blog, with thanks to all the mums of the BnB

BOLD & BEAUTIFUL IS NOT CURRENTLY RUNNING DUE TO THE IMPORTANCE OF SOCIAL DISTANCING AND STAYING INSIDE AS MUCH AS IS POSSIBLE DUE TO CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19).

 

mumma elephant and baby

Despite rumours to the contrary, social distancing continues as does our love of all things marine

Bold and Beautiful is still suspended

Pools are closed. Eastern Suburbs beaches have been closed on and off. 

The surf can be unpredictable (not my photo)

Surf club members continue to train and we and they must give each other space, remembering that they often come to the aid of swimmers in trouble in the water

So people who are not regulars are flocking to Manly and Cabbage Tree Bay and who can blame them?

There was a conspicuous police presence here today and yesterday. Yesterday I asked a very pleasant policewoman what they were measuring and it's the time between when people leave the water and when they leave the beach. I didn't get to talk to them today, but from the water I did see them talking to the people congregated at the rocks near the yellow shed, telling them to move on.

I did manage to ask 2 of the lifeguards, (one being the lifeguard coordinator) if any swimmers had abused them and both gave the same response (I spoke to them separately). The response was no and that their opinion was that people on the beach had generally been pretty well behaved and that Manly was a good example of a well managed beach and people doing the right thing.

This is a really good response considering the restrictions and conditions and influx of non regulars. We are doing the right thing, need to keep doing it and take comfort in the knowledge that This Too Shall Pass.

Enough of the soap box. Our restrictions have been nothing compared to the lockdown across the ditch. My sister lives in Auckland and had her first day at the beach today. This is Muriwai which can be a notoriously dangerous and sharky beach.

And now for something completely different. I've been to the city! For a chiro appointment I hasten to add. In what is normally peak hour the CBD looked like a gost town.

Back in CTB the conditions have been OK, and the later sunrise and autumn light afford some lovely photo opportunities.

Has anyone seen the flutemouth change colours before their eyes? We did today but it happened so fast I couldn't capture it.

We never tire of these

Social distancing in the water - that's how it's done (the people who look close actually are not - one is in front of the other)

A close up of the seagrass near the beach

No stats but water temps are dropping. 19 or so, waddayareckon?

What am I listening to? A wonderful interview right now - Spectacle: Elvis Costello interview with Lou Reed - google it if interested.

But yesterday I started listening to a new album by Truckstop Honeymoon. This is Momma Don't Know Your Name. Tomorrow is Mothers Day. Have a great day with your Mum and if you don't have her any more, remember her her fondly.

 

Enjoy your weened, stay safe and healthy

We are heading into winter and that means cool air and clear water

BOLD & BEAUTIFUL IS NOT CURRENTLY RUNNING DUE TO THE IMPORTANCE OF SOCIAL DISTANCING AND STAYING INSIDE AS MUCH AS IS POSSIBLE DUE TO CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19).

Also remember to try swimming at different times of the day if possible and only exercise in pairs while maintaining 1.5m to 2m distance.

Another gorgeous morning. The surf forecasts indicate a rising Southerly swell but here at Manly we were having none of it

We are getting the hang of this social distancing and exercise stuff.

Lainey and Shaun exercising

Bindi and me sharing a joke. Bindi thought it was hilarious.

Bower expedition. We do social distancing even when no one's watching

Some more paddlers. Sometimes we get in each others' way but they are out training in all conditions, and they have often helped swimmers in rough conditions.

Gary does not care for social distancing when he thinks a human might be feeding him sea urchins. Sorry bro. He does look disappointed.

Here are some cute little baby squid

And a strange fish

Can you see the Sergeant Baker hiding on the ledge?

Another groper with his pal the crimson banded banded wrasse

Some pretty flora

This is a rabbit fish aka a happy moment. I did not make this up.

Stay safe and healthy, friends

Something a little different.... enjoy 

Please do the right thing everybody

Eastern suburbs beaches were closed within a half day of being re-opened. Please don't let that be us.

BOLD & BEAUTIFUL IS NOT CURRENTLY SWIMMING AS A GROUP

SOCIAL DISTANCING IS STILL REQUIRED.

STAY INSIDE UNLESS EXERCISING. EXERCISE AND GO HOME

CORONAVIRUS (COVID)

Rather a lot of people for 8am

There were lots of people in the water, and who can blame them. Mostly DTN - doing the needful and I mean the social distance needful, which is always advisable in the event of the other needful.

I cannot describe the conditions in words. So here's the old under the surface stuff

 

Something to watch:

A Kiwi film-maker and outdoor swimmer based in London, Patrick McLennan, thought B&B swimmers might be interested in watching his film, The Ponds, about the all year-round swimmers of Hampstead Heath, London.   We are sure it will resonate with many of our swimmers and is a nice feel good story of healthy, well-being and passion for the cold water buzz, a nice light relief movie to enjoy at this time...

Here’s the trailer: https://vimeo.com/406188620

Rent it here: https://vimeo.com/ondemand/theponds

Virtual Ocean Adventures

Just because I cannot match other bloggers on the excellent photo front, I have added some internet links for you 

https://www.msn.com/en-au/lifestyle/travel/10-of-the-best-virtual-ocean-adventures/ar-BB12Hvjc?ocid=spartanntp

Beating boredom

British Museum, London: This iconic museum located in the heart of London allows virtual visitors to tour the Great Court and discover the ancient Rosetta Stone and Egyptian mummies. You can also find hundreds of artifacts on the museum’s virtual tour.

Guggenheim Museum, New York: Google’s Street View feature lets visitors tour the Guggenheim’s famous spiral staircase without ever leaving home. From there, you can discover incredible works of art from the Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, Modern and Contemporary eras.

National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.: This famous American art museum features two online exhibits through Google. The first is an exhibit of American fashion from 1740 to 1895, including many renderings of clothes from the colonial and Revolutionary eras. The second is a collection of works from Dutch Baroque painter Johannes Vermeer.

Musée d’Orsay, Paris: You can virtually walk through this popular gallery that houses dozens of famous works from French artists who worked and lived between 1848 and 1914. Get a peek at artworks from Monet, Cézanne, and Gauguin, among others.

National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Seoul: One of Korea’s popular museums can be accessed from anywhere around the world. Google’s virtual tour takes you through six floors of Contemporary art from Korea and all over the globe.

Pergamon Museum, Berlin: As one of Germany’s largest museums, Pergamon has a lot to offer – even if you can’t physically be there. This historical museum is home to plenty of ancient artifacts including the Ishtar Gate of Babylon and, of course, the Pergamon Altar.

Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam: Explore the masterworks from the Dutch Golden Age, including works from Vermeer and Rembrandt. Google offers a Street View tour of this iconic museum, so you can feel as if you’re actually wandering its halls.

Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam: Anyone who is a fan of this tragic, ingenious painter can see his works up close (or, almost up close) by virtually visiting this museum – the largest collection of artworks by Vincent van Gogh, including over 200 paintings, 500 drawings, and over 750 personal letters.

The J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles: European artworks from as far back as the 8th Century can be found in this California art museum. Take a Street View tour to discover a huge collection of paintings, drawings, sculptures, manuscripts, and photographs.

Uffizi Gallery, Florence: This less well-known gallery houses the art collection of one of Florence, Italy’s most famous families, the de'Medicis. The building was designed by Giorgio Vasari in 1560 specifically for Cosimo I de'Medici, but anyone can wander its halls from anywhere in the world.

MASP, São Paulo: The Museu de Arte de São Paulo is a non-profit and Brazil’s first modern museum. Artworks placed on clear perspex frames make it seem like the artwork is hovering in midair. Take a virtual tour to experience the wondrous display for yourself.

National Museum of Anthropology, Mexico City: Built in 1964, this museum is dedicated to the archaeology and history of Mexico’s pre-Hispanic heritage. There are 23 exhibit rooms filled with ancient artifacts, including some from the Mayan civilization.

Sadly, not all popular art museums and galleries could be included on Google Arts & Culture’s collection, but some museums are taking it upon themselves to offer online visits. According to Fast Company, the Louvre also offers virtual tours on its website.

To see more of Google Arts & Culture’s collection of museums, visit the collection’s website. There are thousands of museum Street Views on Google as well. Google Arts & Culture also has an online experience for exploring famous historic and cultural heritage sites.

What am I listening to? We all have more of this lately

 

Are You OK?

I’ve been asked by management to start with the announcement that the swim group is suspended. I think that means for everyone not to start at 7am  - preferably stagger your swim times. Even though it may not only be B&B swimmers starting at 7, the finger of suspicion will point to us unfair though that may be.

 

But are you ok? These are strange days indeed, and what with the truly awful fires followed by this global pandemic and its ensuing restrictions on our lives it's no surprise that many of us might be struggling in some way or another. Currently deprived of our regular means of connecting with each other we may feel a bit lost. We do live in a world of many options, and in the absence of face to face contact, a phone call, sms or other kind of technology contact to other people is still good. Fortunately we are still able to get out in our beautiful world to exercise our mental and physical selves. This too shall pass, and if things feel tough, please reach out to someone and talk.

I think Freddy was over staying in the one place and he was certainly communicating this.

Another Bower excursion, but the swell was up and we left it to the surfers who made it quite clear that we were in 'their' way. Intimidation is not the way, just saying.

But not before spotting these 2 cuties and a photobombing pink jellyfish. Are they damsel fish?

Clarity was not great but Mr Reliable aka Gary the Groper and his entourage more than made up for it.

Another fish that I could not identify

Pipe fish aka flutemouths

Some swimmers

Where is my mind?

I have been wondering where the giant cuttlefish are, and feeling more than a little bummed at not seeing them.

Here's a photo from around a year ago. Come back Cthulhu!

What am I listening to? Bob Dylan has released another new song - it's called I Contain Multitudes. But if you're a fan you've probably heard it already.

I happened to hear this the other day and remembered how much I like it.

Look after each other, people

Swimming in the ocean is good for your mental health

Not a theory, it's an undeniable fact. For the introverts among us, this social distancing thing is not too bad.

 

We often get asked what gets us up in the morning. Apart from the sense of urgency that comes from that extra cuppa / wine / water before bed, for me it's these 2 hurling themselves at my bedroom door with their strident breakfast demands.

The air was cold this morning - your bog standard clear crisp Autumn scenario

Today is Easter Sunday. Driving down to Manly this morning I was listening to God Forbid on Radio National and caught some interesting commentary which made me think. Easter commemorates the unspeakable horror and misery of the Crucifixion and the sacrifice and taking on of all the nastiness in the world, to the miraculous resurrection 2 days later when everything changes -the sudden and beyond-joyous reversal of fortune that Tolkien called "eucatastrophe", good catastrophe. . But right now kind of feels like Easter Saturday, the day in between where we aren't allowed to do anything. This too shall pass. (not going anywhere near the pagan spring / fertility / hare connection because I'd run out of words). This from the perspective of an outsider as I was not brought up in the Christian arm of the Abrahamic Coalition. Hopefully this has not offended anyone.

Back to what I know best.

Clarity courtesy of the Dive Plus app.

Take only photos, leave only bubbles

Absolute highlight of the day! I like to be under the sea.

These 3 SUP pilots were unimpressed and verging on condescending when I babbled excitedly about my discovery. Their loss.

 

A reminder: The  Bold & Beautiful swim has been suspended until further notice.

If you are out and about at this time, please take care,
be safe and adhere to recommended guidelines.

Swim Log

It is OK to log your swims while the B&B is suspended, but there will be no badges awarded while the suspension applies.

B&B Blog

In an effort to keep you engaged during this difficult time our blogging team want to hear from you. Our bloggers have free reign during this time, so if you have photos or anything interesting to share, you can send it to our bloggers at boldandbeautifulmanly@gmail.com. Show us how you are spending your time in isolation.  What is your favourite B&B memory or photo? Tell us why you love the group so much. We will share your stories and photos on the blog over the coming months.  Please show your appreciation of our blogging team by commenting at the bottom of the blog.  It is also possible that, in these difficult times, you have a need that someone in the B&B community may be able to fulfil (eg do you need somewhere to live, are you isolated and need help with shopping, or have you run out of toilet paper?). Feel free to ask in the comments at the bottom of the blog. Above all, stay safe.

Check out our fun B&B merchandise at: https://www.boldandbeautifulmanly.com.au/clothing.html 

What am I listening to? ........ Part 2