Pacific Jules

Here comes the sun

Such a welcome sight after a rough and rainy week, we deserve it, right? And after yesterday's rough swell, today was calm by comparison.

The Wows are finally free to catch up and look how happy they are!

David and Izzy colour coordinated

Yes it was a bit chilly in

Happy splashes heading in

Sheena saw a turtle near the shed, it was THIS BIG

But this is the only turtle I saw

Put your hands in the air.....

I did see a wobbegong (thanks to fifinotareadhead for pointing it out) and a catfish today

Bond, John Bond

Gemma and Clare 

Rainer and Mary

Gunnar celebrating his 200km - congrats, sir

What am I listening to? This is a rarely performed Leonard Cohen song, here with his impeccable touring band. They performed it a few times during the tours that went from 2008 to 2013 

Enjoy the rest of your weekend, stay safe!

Anne

 

Thursday Rocks

As I walked to Manly for my swim this morning I noticed the big rock in the sky glowing and looking beautiful.

I arrived at Manly greeted with calm seas and a pleasant temperature reading.

We didn't see many fish on our swim, but we talked about the different rocks that we see or 'name' while swimming.  Below are a few of my favorites. What are yours?

Giant's foot rock. Anne models comparing her foot. Can you see the toes, arch and heal?

Then there is PJ Cave, I've seen up to 6 in there, how many have you seen?

Last summer I visited the below rock almost everyday to see the Octopus, you can just see the orange of the tentacles in this photo.

I think the shadow on this Rock looks like an ANZAC solider.

This heart rock and heart reef can be found off the point on a clear day.

We did see these baby cuttlefish or squid (we weren't sure which they were) today.  I see them most days swimming close to shore near Shelly.

I was also lucky to see Billy last weekend. It's always a treat to see a turtle.

I hope your swim was great, let me know what your land mark or favourite rocks are!

Alana

Winter Badge Collection 2021

The Winter badges are finally on their way! Congratulations to all those who completed their Covid-19 winter swimming challenge. As more than 500 swimmers qualified, the badge distribution this year will initially be via snail mail 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)

• Method 1. Inside a self-addressed, stamped envelope place cash for your badge/s - $10 per badge for the Winter Badge (if you completed 20 swims over winter) and an extra $10 for the WWW 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. Post this envelope in another envelope to Ian Forster, 6 Bligh St, Northbridge. 2063.  
• Method 2. Wait until Covid restrictions on gathering are relaxed. We will then arrange a time for you to collect your badges from us in person. No promises when this will be but it may be when the vaccination rate reaches 80%.

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.

Wednesday 29th September - freedom not far away!

 

Wednesday 29th September - freedom is so close we can almost taste it.    Whilst its tempting to get excited, we must remember that the pandemic is still around us and we must exercise restraint & keep following the rules .... and that is really hard when happiness and salty joy are so contagious! 

Conditions:

Manly: water temp 17.3, choppy and murky in the middle

Balmoral: water temp 17 degrees!!!  sunny, flat and calm!  

Vibe - sheer salty joy! 

This may be my last blog post from Balmoral as freedom isnt too far away and hopefully my next scheduled blog will be from Manly. 

The latest restrictions (clocked over 3 months in lockdown now!) have been very challenging but have brought many silver linings.   Those of us not able to get to Manly have swum with people we didnt know very well beforehand but have become friends.  We have had fun in the water dabbling with "artistic swimming", putting up with me trying to capture the perfect "jump for joy" and making "creative" swim tracks.  We have encouraged each other outside our comfort zones, exploring Balmoral from North to South, swimming through the boats (dont do that in summer !) and to Chinamans Beach.    We have shared home baked treats and "discovered" that we LOVE the cinnamon scrolls from the cafe to accompany post swim coffee!   We are very much looking forward to reunions with friends at Manly but we will treasure these silver linings. 

Post swim coffee and cinnamon scrolls fresh from the cafe!

We have taken opportunities when presented - like this morning - an early swim was proposed by JK (to ensure he stayed awake after his early morning football - he did look a tad exhausted after the game so vitamin sea was needed!), and we are so glad we did as we swam under brilliant sunlight, through clear water, JK, Karen and I encouraged each other swimming further than our initial objective of the "no wash" sign all the way to Chinamans beach and back to Balmoral.  With the added bonus of seeing the legendary artist Ken Done himself sitting under a tree on his back lawn, having a leisurely breakfast, and of course painting, creating what will probably be another beautiful master piece.   We acknowledged him with a "good morning" and "brilliant day" as we swam by, and he responded along the lines that every morning is a good morning and every day is a brilliant day in paradise.    We know what he means!  

it had to be done - "no waves" to the right... hmmmmm - over half way to Chinamans so we may as well continue!

no waves? no problem  - i dont think Maritime is concerned with these recalcitrants :)

we must touch the sand at Chinamans or the swim never happened!

swimming back to balmoral with a "good morning" to Ken Done.. a legend!

there is sea life around balmoral!    

swimming out of our comfort zone... again!

Have a wonderful wednesday!     Stay happy, stay sane, stay kind and keep infusing vitamin Sea and sharing the salty joy!

Jocelyn

**** Announcement ****

Winter Badge Collection 2021

The Winter badges are finally on their way! Congratulations to all those who completed their Covid-19 winter swimming challenge. As more than 500 swimmers qualified, the badge distribution this year will initially be via snail mail 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)

• Method 1. Inside a self-addressed, stamped envelope place cash for your badge/s - $10 per badge for the Winter Badge (if you completed 20 swims over winter) and an extra $10 for the WWW 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. Post this envelope in another envelope to Ian Forster, 6 Bligh St, Northbridge. 2063.  
• Method 2. Wait until Covid restrictions on gathering are relaxed. We will then arrange a time for you to collect your badges from us in person. No promises when this will be but it may be when the vaccination rate reaches 80%.

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Sunny Springtime Saturday, Swimming through Seaweed Soup

It's going to be a hot one today, and after driving around several blocks for quite some time I hit the car park, figuring the fee would be less than a parking ticket.

There were LOTS of people about, and even more an hour and a half later when I got out, the evening news will be interesting. The chopper hovering overhead at around 9am had some very powerful photographic gear (complete with stabilisers) mounted on the nose.

On arriving I spotted Belinda with some friends, all looking very happy after their swim

Some more happy swimmers

So earlier on today I put out a call for photos from other locations than Manly, and boy did you deliver. Here we go.

Northbridge Baths and Angela with a sad face cos she's missing Manly

Greenwich Baths, opening next week, thanks Alison for this and the next one

Woolwich Baths

Brooklyn Baths, sent by Alan

Julia SUPing at Middle Harbour

Deb and hubby at the Berowra Waters Ferry

Georgina, Buddy and friend at Mt Victoria

Christine at Brooklyn Baths

Gayle, Paramatta Lake

Katrina, Bedlam Beach, featuring a familiar swimmer

Robert and friend at Narooma

Merimbula Lake from Toni who also saw Suzy Ebeling there

And finally Vivienne all the way from Noosa

Meanwhile at Manly

Quite a messy swell at the Bower

New graffiti on the yellow shed

I have no idea what this is

What am I listening to? Quite a few years ago in the good old days of live music (sob) I saw this artist at Camelot, he is Pokey La Farge

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOzmOZQdcYY

Please stay safe everyone

Wednesday 8th September - Spring has certainly sprung (in the air at least, the water is slow to catch up!)!

Wednesday 8th September - spring has sprung! Well, in the air at least, the water still thinks its winter - perhaps the warm currents are awaiting the go-ahead from our QLD politicians to start to move South!  

Firstly a belated happy birthday to our fearless leader, Ian for yesterday!   For all who are wondering, Ian, HRH and JK are  being well looked after here at Balmoral.  We are very lucky to have Ian and HRH & JK swimming with us :)   I posted a picture of Ian and HRH on Sunday, and here is proof that JK is thoroughly enjoying himself over here, and leading our swims (or maybe asking for help?  :)

JK leads our swims something like this:

• we agree a swim route
• JK leads (lures?) us into the water with the promise that the temperature is warmer than it has been (where does he take it - the kiddies pool?)
• JK heads off to the first "meeting buoy"
• the rest of us are something like this: "[expletive] its cold" "which buoy?" "that one" "that one?" " no that one" "which one?" "that one" "[expletive] its cold - where does JK take the temperature?" "i forgot my goggles - have to go back and get them" "JK has gone - we need to swim" "quick we need to catch him up"
• seriously we do have a fabulous swim always! thank you JK!  

water temperature: Manly-  16.7 ; Balmoral - 15.7

conditions: Manly- flat, bit murky; Balmoral - calm, clear but a few little waves!

The vibe: Balmoral - happy, calm as evidenced by Lucy and Karen (see cover photo)

Whilst we are missing Manly and Manly friends & sea creatures, we are staying positive (and testing negaative) & finding joy and fun swimming together (in pairs) in our "small but mighty" 5km zone, contnuing our - well, creativity or imagination with swim-tracks.  We have also "named" a few of our favourite swims!  

This one is called "doing the b[u]oys"..

 

The "B[u]oys"

 

Here are a few of this weeks (so far) swim tracks - it is important to note that for all said swim tracks, most of them do not look remotely like the original shape we were trying to "swim/draw" (lucky we all have incredible imaginations  - lockdown lunacy ha ha!):

A kite

 

a boot

a platypus

A ray (started out as a turtle! ha ha)

A crown - in honour of B&B birthday Ian and HRH (its a bit skewed, we will straighten it!)!  

Please post any requests on the B&B face book page and we will do our best to oblige (the octopus is coming, we promise!)!  likewise anyone swimming anywhere is encouraged to get creative! 

In other harbourside news, bull sharks seem to be a hot topic and for good reason.   This info (linky thing below) has been posted on the BB pages and blogs previously but here is the study again, regarding sharks in Sydney Harbour so you can make decisions about where/when to swim.   This is why we are getting the longer swims in "now", before our sharp toothed friends return to the super highway when the water warms up (ok, maybe an exaggeration but it seems like all of us have different ways of viewing this!)!

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-54365-x?fbclid=IwAR2IRSbYxto41Ps5njc5pkw3EPXqrktjDwYI-q77ZXfjSR6h1mLbYCbAf5k

and here's a map of "hotspots" to be aware (but not alarmed) of: 

 

Hope you are all well and coping as best you can, getting out in nature somewhere and somehow and keeping in touch & checking in on each other, we all know that Kindness is catching :)  Its been a long haul but there is a saying "this too shall pass" and hopefully you are all seeing some light at the end of the tunnel.. something to look forward to....

happy wednesday everyone!

Jocelyn

 

Bumpy, bracing and invigorating!

The bumpy conditions have hurled the inhabitants of the mysterious deep up to the surface. They seem very confused. Hopefully they are friendly.

This is what Manly looked like around 7am

Coming down the steps I wondered if anyone was around

The answer was yes

I asked Freddy how the conditions were. He said they were rough

The Drinks Express agreed. The J word was mentioned.

Dad sensibly en route to Half Way or Shelly

John smiling over his coffee, Roz smiling under her mask

Lainey from Creative (blogging and photography) is also performing Higher Duties in Management Communications, posting conditions daily. Hope you got a pay rise, Lainey

These dogs are mates, really. Polly being the mature one.

Some keen swimmers

Dave

Cath and friend

If you swam at Balmoral this is what you got (photos from Pauline)

If you were lucky you would also have spotted sea life such as PJs and turtles. 

Meanwhile at Manly....

Point and wave

Frothin'

Michelle and Martin receiving a blessing before heading out (or is it an early New Year benediction?)

Whatever, they survived

Still our favourite Swede

I didn't go looking for sea life for once, was having too much fun playing in the waves. But Edwina spotted Big Ray

The bushes at the top of the stairs are in lovely bloom

Please remember to wear masks when not exercising or having a post-swim refreshment.

What am I listening to? Not to late for a Charlie tribute

Vitamin Sea - the cure for everything

Hello from Manly and Cabbage Tree Bay, especially to people who want to be here but can't right now. Hope everyone is holding up well and getting joy as you are able

My day started cloudy but still stunning. There was a police presence and I offered the handsome young gentlemen the opportunity to be in the blog. They couldn't have been local because they declined this rare privilege.

These folks were more than happy

Happy birthday Charl

Faces removed to prevent identification

The birthday boy again (Sue Marinan also has a birthday) - happy birthday and virtual splashes to both of you

Fiona and Helen are smiling behind their masks as is Jacqui behind the snorkel

Sun breaking through

Happy to have captured this shy little leatherjacket at Shelly

These 3 from the past few weeks

What am I listening to? A tough one this week - 2 legends of modern music gone at ripe old ages over the past few days (thank you Charlie Watts and Don Everly.) But the birthday boy's request must be obeyed. This is for all the August birthday people (of which I am one)

Sending splashes to everyone

 

 

 

Reasons to be cheerful

My focus today was a long swim, even got the Sharkskin out, and that means there is only 1 people shot. 

Management Announcement

Manly Point Cafe exposure site

As you are most likely aware the Manly Point Cafe has been listed as an exposure site (this is the cafe near the Manly Surf Lifesaving Club).

Anybody who was around the venue at 8.07am on Saturday 7th August should self-isloate and get a COVID test as per the government guidelines https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/rules/self-isolation#when-you-must-self-isolate.  Unfortunately this does not mean sneaking in a swim or takeaway coffee or exercise before your test.

We know our swimmers are all responsible and will do the right thing so thank you for your cooperation.

 As if that was not enough, this from the Australian Financial Review today

https://www.afr.com/politics/federal/sydney-s-new-covid-19-rules-in-detail-20210814-p58iq6

5km rule for all of Greater Sydney

In Greater Sydney and other lockdown areas, the 10km rule will be cut to 5km from 12.01am Monday, August 16, with shopping, exercise and outdoor recreation to be done in a person’s local government area (LGA) or, if outside their LGA, within 5 kilometres of home.

Please do your research and satisfy yourself as to what applies to you.

However, we can all look around and find beauty and wonder around us.

May I help?

Who isn't happy to see cephalopods?

Great to see healthy cuttlefish still

Cuttlefish kissed by the sun's rays

Occy hiding in its secret spot

Saw another one swimming through the seaweed but was not quick enough to get footage. Still, it was a thrill to have lain eyes on it

This scorpion fish was hiding in plain sight near the Point. At just shy of 5 metres down, getting photos was an effort. I would have gotten a better shot except for user error. Who had the silly idea of putting the on-off button right next to the shutter button, I ask you!

SCUBA bubbles against a blue sky

Want some tuna, Cate?

Shelly toilet block, suitably uninhabited albeit briefly

This is from yesterday, Bower side. Viz yesterday was ok at best but today  Pauline aka HRH said it had deteriorated to a deep dark green colour

A random above-water offering... a male Superb Fairy Wren spotted in the Eastern Suburbs (where else?) last November

Please take care, let's all do the needful to beat this nasty plague. Remember, this too shall pass.

What am I listening to? Lots actually, but we need something happy. Lots of options, but this popped up in my feed today. The Fab Four, back in the day when it was just instruments and amps. So professional, tight and hot - at this point they were the tightest band on the planet, because they had spent the previous 4+ years playing hours long sets almost daily.  The songs here sound exactly note for note like they do on the studio recordings. They bow to the audience at the end of every song. Don't see that anymore, and haven't for a long time. Almost 60 years after this was recorded and it still hasn't been beat.

Pre-adolescent micturition is completely understandable

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.