Pacific Jules

Reflections

Yesterday I overhead a conversation about appreciation of getting into the ocean - briefly becoming part of something so different to you and so much bigger than you gives you perspective about your place in the universe. In these tough times we are lucky to be able to experience this and wonder whether it matters if we are here at all.

Open water swimming - not only does it facilitate profound introspection, its also damn enjoyable!  You don't even have to be good at it.

Do you reckon these folks might be having a good time?

Can't say the same for the poor little Mado who ended up as late lunch for a bigger fish

The PJs are definitely here, hope the 17 degree water isn't too hot for them

Over at the bower I spotted a very tiny orange jellyfish I hadn't seen before 

and over at the wall side, this! Also an extremely tiny creature, and unusual to see in the Bay

You have to give it to this guy for creativity - look at the weight on the right hand side of his weight belt

Yellowtail hopefully making meals of the jimbles

A big volute

BOLD & BEAUTIFUL IS NOT CURRENTLY RUNNING
IN COMPLIANCE WITH PUBLIC HEALTH ORDERS 

Thank you for following public health advice at all times.
This includes physical distancing,
limiting outdoor exercise to no more than two people at a time,
staying within your LGA or 10kms from your home.
Check in and out wherever you go.

What am I listening to?

Last week another music legend celebrated a birthday - Linda Rondstadt. Here's something a bit less rock'n'roll from her

Saturday 10th July - lockdown week 3 - pairs & loony tunes & random thoughts

BOLD & BEAUTIFUL IS NOT CURRENTLY RUNNING
DUE TO THE RISKS OF CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19).

Thank you for following public health advice including physical distancing and outdoor exercising limits (currently 2 people at a time, within your LGA or within 10kms of your home) at all times (and please remember to check in if you're buying take away coffee at the Point, bower or boat house cafes!)

The Covid Swim is back!!

From 10 July, due to travel restrictions imposed by the NSW Government, the Covid swim is now an option. If you are unable or unwilling to travel to Manly, you can swim anywhere, anytime and tick the Covid Special swim from the list of available swims. Remember to follow health advice and swim safely in groups of less than 2.

Saturday 10th July

Water temp: 17.5 (it felt colder!)

air temp:  9am "feels like" 8 degrees 

conditions: swell turning South and building, waves breaking at the point.  Today was a day to swim to your ability (and heed Simons well articulated advice - if waves are breaking at the point, swim from bower or shelly!)

tide :  high at 8:31am

the vibe:  cautious - mindful of the new restrictions but everyone grateful we can still swim! 

jimbles:  few reports in the bay - hopefully the turtles are eating them!  

For those who cannot get to Manly, there are a few swim groups around.  Suggest posting in the B&B facebook pages.   for those who can get to Balmoral, the "swimming idiots" and the "salty crocs" are very welcoming - during the Northern Beaches lockdown some of us "mexicans" swam with them and had a lot of fun.   

So as we enter week 3 of lockdown & more restrictions, a bit of light heartedness today - "piano man" is in my head today for reasons unknown.  

so here goes:  (pretend to sing)

It's nine o'clock on a saturday
Weekend swimmers shuffle in

Its lockdown week 3, so in pairs, we turn to the sea

for sanity, mental health & maybe afterwards a heart warming gin

 

the swell has turned south and is building

more power and energy on display

swimmers heed simons advice, if its breaking at the point

swim from the bower or shelly & stay safe (and sane!)!

 

 

the wind has picked up and its freezing

and despite the rain, we are all lured in by the sea

and sightings of grey nurse, giant rays and cuttles

what other place, in lockdown, would we rather be?

 

 

La-la-la de-de da
La-la de-de da da-da

lockdowns are hard for everyone

but at least we can swim in the bay

we're all in the mood for some vitamin sea

and somewhere covid safe to play

 

so... into week 3 of lockdown and everyones feeling a bit silly - what song or loony toones or thoughts are in your mind when you are swimming, especially today? 

 

Annie and Ros braved the rip (they are strong swimmers)  - Annie imagines winning the lottery, ros thinks about interior colours.   They saw a grey nurse near half way & little jimbles.  

 

 

Kim & john are also strong swimmers (and Kim has completed a few really long marathon swims!) - on longer swims, Kim has "Chandelier" by Sia helping her along.  John doesnt sing - he looks after his swim buddies  & looks for jimbles (a few sighted today as well as a huge ray!)

 

 

Andy and Ange - they dont sing when they are swimming but always think about how gorgeous the water is no matter the conditions (they are strong swimmers) and grateful for the freedom to swim in lockdown! 

 

 

Suzie and David - Suzie thinks of jimbles (or, avoiding them) and sings songs she really doesnt like to help her keep moving.  David heard a whale singing whilst swimming near the bower 2 days ago - that must have been really special and amazing!  

 

 

Luke and Simone - both really strong swimmers.  Luke likes to "sing" meditative sounds when swimming, tibetan healing beats & the sounds of tibetan gongs & bowls

 

 

Christie and Lisa - very strong swimmers who frequently place in age groups.   Lisa talks to the fish and lures them over for Christie to see & photograph - a handy talent!  

 

 

Ros and Jules - Ros raises thousands of dollars for can too each year, and is an amazing mentor and team captain, both really strong swimmers and are super patient and keen to help others improve their confidence in the surf & catch the bug (including me!).   They sang "swimming in the rain" today - very apt and i must admit i was thinking that too (its very soothing & calming to swim in the rain!)

 

 

Sarah and Jo swam from half way....   Jo hosts a radio program on Radio Northern Beaches each Friday at 5pm called "pump up the 80s" - its a lot of fun and you will also find out some fun facts about the bands and songs - very handy if you are a regular trivia buff!   So please tune in Fridays at 5pm - you will not be disappointed and she does take requests :)  suffice to say a lot of tunes were being sung today !  

 

 

and me?  many thoughts are going through my head in this latest lockdown ... one of them involves skiing - like many of us im hoping to be able to ski this year so i kind of dressed in anticipation (thanks Sarah for the photo!) :) 

 

 

and lastly Sir Basil in his yellow raincoat.   he looked at the surf but decided a walk with his human was a better option.  Apparently Basil can sing.. however today he chose to simply observe... 

 

Hope you are all coping OK in lockdown - and as if lockdown isnt enough, Emma is at it again - for Dry July!     

stay safe and sane!

Jocelyn

Here's a message from Emma (Good luck Emma!): 

I'm officially Dry this July!

That means I've given up the booze for July to raise funds for people affected by cancer, who need our support now, more than ever.

I'd love you to support me and make a donation. By making a donation, you'll help provide invaluable services to cancer patients, their families and carers – whether it’s a lift to a life-saving appointment, guidance from a specialist nurse, connection to an informative voice, access to therapy programs or a bed close to treatment.

Every donation will make a difference, even if it’s what you’d save on your daily coffee or commute. So head to https://www.dryjuly.com/users/emma-grose and send any spare change my way!

Thanks in advance for your sponsorship!

 

Sunrise, Swell and Seal?

BOLD & BEAUTIFUL IS NOT CURRENTLY RUNNING
DUE TO THE RISKS OF CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19).

Today's sunrise was beautiful, it unfolded gradually and had multiple layers.  The swell was also up.  Yesterday as I was entering the water at 6:45 a seal was playing in the waves right in front of me. Another swimmer and I watched and waited as he scared fish - one fish hit my leg and I let out a little yelp.  The seal was so joyful. It looked like several of you swam with him yesterday- did anyone see him today? 

I didn't see much on my swim today, but my partner captured this fiddler ray as he was swimming with our daughter who is well on her way to earning a winter badge! 

Do you love cuttlefish? Whyalla, SA is the cuttlefish capital of the world. Every year from March - August 1000s of cuttlefish go there to mate.  I went over the Queens Birthday long weekend and below are some of the photos from the trip.  The location is 35km out of town, but you only need to swim 5 metres off the shore to see them. They are everywhere! Water temp was 15 degrees, this WWW swimmer spent 2 hours watching in a wetsuit and was quite comfortable. If you love cuttlefish, I highly recommend a trip.

This is where you swim with the cuttlefish - you can see the swimmers close to the shore.

Cuttlefish everywhere!

These cuttlefish fought over a female

This cuttlefish had 3 mates!

Keep swimming and stay safe and well.

It's here!

BOLD & BEAUTIFUL IS NOT CURRENTLY RUNNING
DUE TO THE RISKS OF CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19).

Thank you for following public health advice at all times.

Last Sunday between 8:35 and 11:40 a couple who has tested positive had breakfast at The Boathouse. If you were there at the time, please do the needful as they say on the subcontinent. Let's hope it's contained quickly.

The weekend has so far turned on some fabulous conditions. Currently we are not in lockdown and free to exercise and socialise outdoors. May it remain so.

Staying fit when a contagious virus is about is really important and Manly is a fitness hub

Getting into the water was a joyful if slightly chilly experience

This is blogger and WoW the beautiful Jac, looking amazing at full term pregnancy, starting the swim to Shelly and back. All the WoWs are in full Auntie mode, but I think Jac and Dan are even more eager to view their creation in the flesh. It's time to drop and pop, little baby, we're all waiting.

This cuttlefish was intent on pursuing another one. Whether it was a rival or a love interest I really don't know, but they both disappeared into a cave and didn't come out........

There is always someone from the Manly club training in the water, on the water or on shore. This lady makes it look easy. 

Manly club member and patrolling lifsaver Daphne, happy after her first swim in a while due to an injury

 

What am I listening to? In June 1971, Joni Mitchell released an album called Blue. It's critically regarded as one of the Best Albums Ever, and most of the songs have been covered by multiple artists. 

Stay safe everyone!

Habits and Routines

A winter swim. Clear water. Temperature falling. The swimmers arrived today in large numbers (swimming individually at a time of their choosing) to swim under a clear winter sky. Taking off warm clothes and revealing swimmers underneath or wrangling into the wetsuit. Swimmers have their locations and swim times. They have their preferred goggles. Some are boringly predictable - yes, me: on arrival, even though I am going to swim anyway, I check the temperature; I ask early swimmers what the conditions were like, whether there were jimbles. I take ages to get in rather than being like Nike and just getting on with it. Out in the water, you think every swimmer is just swimming but all you have to do is some aquarobics actions out in the bay to find them stopping and asking "are you ok?" (this from personal experience.

 

 

 Here is Robin with the sun behind. The early swimmers are entering almost in the dark as we approach the winter solstice. And only this morning I was involved in a conversation with some swimmers about Sunday's 615 swim marking the winter solstice from Shelly Beach for which there is a private badge that can be bought. It was interesting to many swimmers who want to swim with a deliberate wardrobe malfunction. 

Here is the "Getting Ready" chapter of this blog where I focus on swimmers getting ready but as this is a family blog I wait until there are no wardrobe malfunctions to capture in the photo

Look at the lovely sunrise aura surrounding Linda and swim mates

More swimmers getting ready. A swim robe allows for easy and modest changing

AHHH What a warm glow seeing two pink caps. In these times where the group is not swimming we are all wearing different caps. In the olden days we would all wear a pink cap and it is lovely to see this 

 

Early swimmers dressed and ready to go after a superb swim

triathletes who have probably run and biked through the night to now come and have a swim

See the sun reflection behind these early swimmers; even without it they glow with the benefits of the swim in the sea they have completed. Partly in the dark. 

On the ramp




Kevin reports that the swim was excellent. It is true that the water was very much warmer from the point onwards while the shallower water was cold. 

Have a good day!

Interact with the Sea

In the Dolphin Blog today, they noted that they swam with Cheryl White today and with Simon, Danny, Julie and others on the long weekend. I just don't know if they have any photos. 

We have photos of some of the beautifully bold people who swam today

Even if the Dolphins blog won't have photos, we do have superb photos of the sea life at Manly - how fortunate that we have such generous photographers sharing their lovely photos

Octopus

A shark

The perennial favourite, bright blue (no camouflage) groper

It's not winter yet

By my reckoning we have 2.5 more days of autumn so let's not fall for that winter schtick, ok?

Regardless of the season the moody morning light was gorgeous.

There had been some concern around huge swell, but due to it's dead south origins, our corner was fairly flat with a regular but infrequent set due to the long period between waves. But don't be fooled - unprotected breaks would not be safe for swimming.

These surfers were just a little way north of the flags and the further north the bigger the waves.

Lisa and Bin

Drinks Express

Relatively few people today

The Wows heard there was cake

Fiona, one of the red headed wows

Mum to be and Grandma seriously wannabe. Jac has less than 4 weeks to go and is still swimming. We can't wait to meet her little one, definitely won't be short of aunties

The question of the season..... are there jimbles? Thankfully no.

Excellent push-up form

Emma braving the elements

The other wall

What no fish? Here you go then

 

What am I listening to? A song about Autumn from across the planet a long long time ago. Look at those kids going wild! it is my personal opinion that Ray Davies is a god

Rainy but still warm

Today's conditions in the water and out of the water were challenging, but the water is still warm - in the 20s.  The swell was up and the water was murky.  At 6:15 it was still dark:

We walked to Shelly to swim to the point from there. On the walk back from our swim we saw Ian temping the splash at the Bower and then he and Pauline as they continued their Bold and Beautiful bi - a walk and a swim.

and a few bold swimmers who took on the swell

Although we few fish  today, over the weekend there was much Cuttlefish viewing, I also saw two Wobbegongs  mating! A first for me (see photo below)

Bold and beautiful regular 'Spotter' Sarah and the cuttlefish

Two Wobbegongs mating

Welcome to this newly registered Bold and Beautiful swimmer - my 11 year old daughter who plans to earn a winter badge.

Have a great day! 

Alana

B&B monthly dinner – 11^th May 2021

The next B&B monthly dinner for the year will be held on Tuesday 11th May at 6.30 pm at Bluewater Restaurant. Our speaker for the night is a regular B&B swimmer whose identity will remain a mystery until the night. From his position as a high flying international corporate executive, we will follow his journey to homelessness as a result of a declining mental health. We are all touched by mental health issues, whether in ourselves, family and friends or just those we see on the streets of Manly. This really is a tale of courage and perseverance. You probably see our speaker most mornings at the beach and would never guess how important this morning ritual of exercise, friendship and community involvement has contributed to his recovery and ongoing happiness.

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 at www.boldandbeautifulmanly.com.au/bb-bluewater-monthly-dinner.html

 

Another stunner

We still have some smoke in the air but it's definitely not as bad as earlier in the week. Warm days and cool nights - the best combination

Water temp - nothing to complain about

Here is Belinda, the leader and instigator of the Bold-Arsed Swans modelling a preview our amazing t shirts, with Drinks looking on and wondering how he could also become a swan. Sorry Drinks, the class is full unless you are a proficient lifter

Nicky K, down from the Byron area, with sailor extraordinaire, Matt

Bindi was very happy to see so many of her friends. Holly was not so sure about this PDA

Heading North because it's Saturday

Friends and family

Wows and Ian

The Shower Scene

The Young Guns

And...... the fishies

Yellowtail and Kingfish in the milky water off between the point and the shed

Groper with a missing fin. Seemed to be swimming OK and not in circles

Glorious Giant Cuttlefish

Gloomy Octopus

What am I listening to? Here is the inspiration for the Bold Arsed Swans - the brilliant Anna Pavlova

Enjoy the rest of this stunning weekend

Anne aka back row swan

Notices:

The next B&B monthly dinner for the year will be held on Tuesday 11th May at 6.30 pm at Bluewater Restaurant. Our speaker for the night is a regular B&B swimmer whose identity will remain a mystery until the night. From his position as a high flying international corporate executive, we will follow his journey to homelessness as a result of a declining mental health. We are all touched by mental health issues, whether in ourselves, family and friends or just those we see on the streets of Manly. This really is a tale of courage and perseverance. You probably see our speaker most mornings at the beach and would never guess how important this morning ritual of exercise, friendship and community involvement has contributed to his recovery and ongoing happiness.

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 at www.boldandbeautifulmanly.com.au/bb-bluewater-monthly-dinner.html

A Day In The Life

It's beginning to feel like the B&B of old - with no community transmission more people are coming for their dose of Vitamin Sea. Today I'm filling in for Edwina who is part of a support crew for some swimmers who are swimming from Palm Beach to Manly. Puts the old 6k swim in the shade just a tiny bit

In no particular order here are some happy (my assumption only - they looked happy) swimmers

Jo and Clare laughing because someone thought David C said something that was not inappropriate 

Who was from out of area?

Could it be the owner of these impressive pyjamas?

Le Grand Fromage et ses amis

Jac with not all that long to go

Friends catching up

This is Uppma who had just done her first swim. Hello too to another first timer, Amanda

The Shower Scene

Barging on through completely oblivious

Swimming lessons - can't start too early

Something was funny.....

Is that the time?

Distance swimmer Sue M coming out of the water

A few little fish

I'm a Manly club member so I did part of the morning's patrol with some fellow bolds

and a couple of body surfers enjoying the shorey

SUMMER BADGES

If you haven't got your summer badges yet, you can choose to receive them by mail as follows:

1. Inside a self-addressed, stamped envelope place cash for your badge/s - $10 per badge for the Covid Summer Badge (if you completed 30 swims over Summer) and an extra $10 for the Corona Super Swimmer Badge (if you completed 50 swims). The Manly-Shelly Triple badge is also available for $10. 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 this envelope in another envelope to Ian Forster, 6 Bligh St, Northbridge. 2063.

What am I listening to? Here's one for the Blues fans. Enjoy the rest of your weekend

Night Rain – Clear Morning

If you live in Manly you probably heard the down pour last night.  At 3 am it was really coming down and still quite heavy with lightning and loud thunder at 4am.  As has happened recently, I found that the rain stops right before I leave for my daily swim. When I arrived at the beach at 6, there were very few clouds – hard to believe it had been pouring and hour ago!

The conditions were better today than Monday and Tuesday. The water was clearer but still some Rhizostoma pulmo or barrel jellyfish. I counted 14 on my swim, they are more towards the middle, so stay on the scenic route near the walkway and you should be fine.

.

A photo of the other Dawn Crackers swimming at 6 am.

The conditions over the Easter long weekend were amazing, and the duskies have been everywhere! Below are a few photos from the last week, I was one of the fortunate to see the fever of rays on 2 days – such an amazing sight. 

Link to Dusky Video

link to fever of rays video

Hard to believe it was raining a few hours ago with these skies!

Have a great day!

 

adge Collection – plus Caps and New Swimmers sign-up

Missed out on the Badge Ceremony? Never fear, on Saturday 10^th April your B&B volunteer helpers will be at the benches (100 m north of the surf club, weather permitting) from 8 am until 9 am with all the Summer Badges for collection ($10 each – cash only).

We will also have the following items on the day:

• 2020 Winter badges for sale (Covid Challenge and Ice Cold Corona) at $10 each, distance badges (500 km, 1000 km, 2000 km) and last year's summer 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

Any new swimmers who have started swimming over the summer period are invited to sign up on the day and receive their free B&B latex cap.

If you can’t make it on the 10^th you can get your badges by mail as follows:

1. Inside a self-addressed, stamped envelope place cash for your badge/s - $10 per badge for the Covid Summer Badge (if you completed 30 swims over Summer) and an extra $10 for the Corona Super Swimmer Badge (if you completed 50 swims). The Manly-Shelly Triple badge is also available for $10. 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.

1. Post this envelope in another envelope to Ian Forster, 6 Bligh St, Northbridge. 2063.