Pacific Jules

Another cracker of a morning

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

Thank you for swimming at different times of the day and please continue to stay safe and  remember to maintain 1.5m distance.

 

Betty the Badger says tomorrow is the last day you can put your stamped self addressed envelopes in the Badge Box. If you can't make it to Manly tomorrow, please see the instructions at the end of this post.

Following the recent rough conditions and yesterday's rain, I did not have high expectations for this morning but was pleasantly surprised.

Freddy was enjoying the warm sunshine.........

while waiting for Ted

Veena spotted a cuttlefish and a pale PJ near the Point. Unfortunately I saw neither of these

Roz and Gayle pre swim

What is it about Belinda's butt that warrants such scrutiny? David doesn't want to know

Water temp was in the 16s this morning but hopefully we have turned the corner where the air is warmer than the water. The hardy WoWs mostly eschew wetsuits all year round.

More yellowtail that you can poke a stick at

Not sure what the next 3 are

Is this a puffer fish minus the puff?

Heading back to the car, Jacqui and I ran into this mob

McNaughty with some selfie silliness

 

What am I listening to? Lots! One of the benefits of working at home. Beats office banter most of the time

Winter Badge Collection 2020

Congratulations to all those who completed their Covid-19 winter swimming challenge. As we are expecting nearly 600 swimmers to qualify, the badge distribution this year will be different in order to maintain a Covid-safe environment for our volunteers. Unfortunately, only virtual handshakes and hugs from Ian, John, Anne and Pauline and contact-less distribution.

There are two ways you can obtain your badge(s)

1. Place self-addressed, stamped envelope in the box provided outside the surf club between 7 am and 8 am any during the week,  to Sunday 6th September, inclusive. Inside the envelope place cash for your badge/s - $10 per badge for the Covid Badge (if you completed 20 swims over winter) and an extra $10 for the Ice Cold Corona Badge if you did those swims without a wetsuit. Family members/friends sharing an envelope must clearly name each swimmer and badge achieved. Please check postage rates and size of envelope required for multiple badges.

2. Post a self-addressed, stamped envelope with payment and swimmer details, as above to Ian Forster, 6 Bligh St, Northbridge. 2063.

 

Badges will be posted as soon as they arrive. If you have any other badges that you are missing and wish to purchase, please include cash for those as well.

Please Note: We will place a New Swimmer sheet and pink caps with the collection box so that any would-be swimmers can sign up and collect a cap.

 

PLEASE NOTE: Details on how to collect badges for Warringah Triathlon Club members's will be available via he clubs members facebook page.

What a morning!

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

Thank you for swimming at different times of the day and please continue to stay safe and  remember to maintain 1.5m distance. Please read management notices at the end of the blog. 

Yes it was cold early on but the days are starting to warm up as they get longer. We are in that lovely part of the year when we still have conditions conducive to great visibility but the air is getting warmer. This morning was close to as good as it gets under the surface.

I spent a bit of quality time with Colby the Love Sponge who was oblivious to the Shower Scene behind him. He is looking stunning in his winter coat

Roz and Claire look like they had a great swim

Did you know Ian had an identical twin?

IRB training in full swing in perfect conditions.

Perfect swim conditions too.

Some of the WoWs wearing cossies designed by talented local artist Georgina Hart second from the left

Cormorant, with admirers looking on

Groper at the Point

Visibility was stunning in some places

Jacqui and I then headed to the Bower rocks hoping to see some PJs

Pretty sure this is a Crested Horn Shark, possibly looking for its favourite snack, PJ eggs.

We got lucky, so did at least one of the PJs - this is some of their mating behaviour

A solo PJ with a groper in the background

Spotted this big flathead in the Shelly Shallows

 

With COVID cases very close to Manly - including 4 Pines, remember to keep your distance, respect your fellow swimmers and don't congregate near the surf club for too long following your swim. 

Another thing - if you have symptoms, get tested right away. The test isn't pleasant but hey it doesn't last long

What am I listening to? This is Lime Cordiale, a Northern Beaches band, covering a well known Aussie song. Who says I only listen to oldies? Not a bad cover imo.

The Arctic Blast of a weekend aka a 2 bottle day

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

Today's blog is a Dry Blog. I'm not quite over a lurgy which is certifiably NOT the Rona (relief!) so decided to stay out of the water and blog on land.

Seeing Lucy with her 2 bottles of hot water was confirmation I'd made the right call. Danny is probably thinking the 2 bottles strategy is a stroke of genius.

She and Fi did the socially considerate thing and made sure the water run-off wouldn't wet anyone's gear. Thank you ladies. That's WoWs for you, always considerate.

This is fellow blogger Elizabeth rocking a towel thingie made by Bommie, with Gail looking on admiringly / enviously. And previously featured ladies in the background, checking that no frozen bits had  fallen off and been left behind as treats for our marine buddies.

Lifeguard Josh getting ready for a day of keeping beachgoers safe. Thank you, Josh, love your work. As a clubby I have to say patrols with you as a lifeguard are a joy.

Michelle and Martin heading to the water

Wardrobe adjustment

An interesting invention - a padded swim cap designed to mitigate the impact of head on collisions while swimming

Couple of snork dorks. Wonder what the person in the foreground was looking at

Towards Shelly

If anyone ever wondered why Manly does so well in Surf Lifesaving competition, this is why. They train all the time.

The multi talented Belinda made me a scarf. Can you see the personalised bit of art work? Thank you Belinda, it is just beautiful!

Trying to be arty myself

On my way towards Shelly I came across a memorial. Lainey asked me to take some photos for the blog. David Adams' former partner passed away 2 yrs ago today. Here are some images of David and friends paying tribute.

No fish photos from today, so here are a couple from my recent trip to Lady Elliot. Can't remember if I've posted the budding occy romance shot before

 

What am I listening to? This is a folk ballad about 2 young ladies who did a really good but ultimately unsuccessful job of isolation / quarantine to avoid the Bubonic Plague. Some beautiful musicianship from Peter Knight

Festival of 500

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

We are in for a few wet days but these swimmers made the most of the not rainy early morning, the pink caps a lovely contrast with the grey ocean and sky.

Water had a warm bath like quality compared to the 14 or  so degrees  this past week

Drinks Express and Wows doing a good job of social distancing

Lainey and Freddy enjoying their bubble

Happy Wows

Gifted video blogger Jac Shel hit 500km today - Today is the Festival of Jac

Best cossie

Earlier this week I saw a fan bellied leatherjacket and a cuttlefish. I also saw a few PJs but am yet to line up a shot I'm happy with.

This morning we saw a dead cuttlefish that had morphed into Bream Brekkie. Sad, but circle of life, ya know. Hopefully it managed to make lots of babies this season.

A few weeks ago I went to Lady Elliot Island with Cheryl and her daughter, and Cath and her lovely family. I've been wanting to go for a while and it did not disappoint. Open ocean on one side (manta rays, reef sharks, tropical fish, whales, dolphins, turtles, coral) and a stunning shallow lagoon on the other (turtles, reef sharks, octopus, tropical fish, coral) on the other. Endless dive, snorkel, swim and photography opportunity. I'll be back for sure.

Here are 2 of my photos from the trip. It was so good to see so many healthy looking turtles. Check through my insta for more if interested (annehenshaw)

2 courting occys

This morning Pauline, Ian and Anne were selling badges and silicone caps. Thank you folks

Message from management:

Please remember to continue social distancing and be mindful of not congregating outside MSLC in large groups.

 

Government regulations still require us to keep 1.5m away from each other unless you live in same house,

 

We appreciate that you want to chat to your friends and socialise but we need your help to make sure we comply with these regulations before we are forced to introduce more onerous restrictions.

 

With that in mind we ask that you prespect your fellow swimmers and members of the public in the following manner:

• Please start leaving bags and gear on the beach or step at below the ramp rather than outside MSLC
• Keep at least 1.5m apart before, during and after all swims.
• Arrive, complete your swim and leave.. If you are having coffee or socialising please do so away from the MSLC
• Consider swimming at different times to keep the number of people congregating at MSLC to a minimum.

 

Thanks for your cooperation.

 

What am I listening to? This beautiful offering of a famous song Ewan MacColl wrote in 1957 for his wife Peggy Seeger popped up on my feed this week. Enjoy.

 

Stranger than fiction

There are some women's shoes outside the surf club. No explanation. Maybe McNaughty knows something.

The Bold and Beautiful swim is still officially closed, as we are still limited to a smaller number of folk that would normally swim at 7. Some might see this as a bonus, (such as those of us lucky ones who love a weekend lie-in in a nice warm bed) because we can still log our swims. See the bottom of the blog for more information.

Speaking of which.......

Here are some early swimmers enjoying a socially distanced coffee and chat

David C, aka Capless Dave the Younger on photobomber duty.  A broken arm does not keep Helen from her Vitamin Sea

Upper Management JK said the swim was lovely

Today is the first outing of my new underwater camera. It's a powerful little beast and I hope to be able to take advantage of its many functions. Early days yet.

A very low tide

Wows having fun, with our photobomber / honorary Wow

Lovely happy Alex who was leaving the water

learning to float?

The middle of the bay was teeming with jimbles (at least 3 but that's 3 too many) so I stayed near the rocks. I had wanted to go to the Bower and beyond to look for the Port Jackson sharks and hopefully the seals but I am too much of a stinger wuss.

Here are some of the walkway reef inhabitants. The following photos are unedited apart from resizing in order to facilitate uploading to the blog today.

For those interested, I used the fish mode underwater HDR setting. According to the TG-6 instruction manual (page 34)  this setting is suitable for contrasting underwater scenes. This mode captures multiple images and merges them into one, properly exposed image. This mode may not function well for shooting a fastmoving subject (true but the colours are impressive). The underwater settings dont allow for continuous shooting which I prefer, but I will find a way.

Sergeant Baker

Lovely blue groper

I dont know but it's cute

I think this is a blue morwong

Mullet who can definitely see where they are going

Not a fish, but I wanted to see how the colours and clarity were. Not bad.

Some lovely seabird residents. Terns or cormorants is my guess

Swimming in the rain

 

Announcing the 3000km badge

Are you amazed by our wonderful swimmers that day in day out log nice long swims. Well now, not only can you claim a 500km 1000km and 2000km badge but a 3000km badge will be available.  Those eligible swimmers who have logged approved Bold and Beautiful swims will be able to claim the 3000km badge, the first of which will be awarded at the Winter Badge Ceremony.   

Dry July

Regular swimmer Emma Grose is one of many Bold and Beautiful swimmers currently raising funds for people affected by Cancer by going dry and July.  If you can contribute please visit the link below

http://www.dryjuly.com/users/emma-grose

Thanks ladies.

Swim Anywhere, Any time to qualify for your 2020 Once Off - Unique - Covid Winter ChallengeDue 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? Being able to listen to music through the air instead of headphones is one of the many advantages of working from home. Others include more comfortable corporate attire (tracky daks, ugg boots and a nice warm blanky), saving money on products to make one look nice for people one basically doesn't give a rats about and a continually available fridge which makes the comfy clothing even more appealing.

I don't care if you're not a Dylan fan', this is gold

Have a great day, wash your hands, be kind to yourself and others. 

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