Drinks for our inestimable Liverpudlian JK at Steyne last night ... Happy Birthday John!
Lovely atmosphere down at the swim today. Sally Stobo's birthday so a big turn out from 'The Mermaids'!
A beautiful swim with calmer conditions, avoidable Jellies and that nasty rip has gone!
It's still pretty dark at 6.30am... 22 degrees in the water and around 19 out. Pilates and Yoga sessions were in full force from 6-7am. How lucky are we to have volunteers like Lorraine and Sally providing these fantastic classes for free!
This was taken at 7am so still dark!
Helsy with Oosty and friend at Shelly
It was so clear stepping out from the beach close to the rocks! Wrong order sorry!
Sally was splashed and we sang Happy Birthday at Shelly :-)
Frenchies, Paul and Valerie after their swim
The Drinks Express and Mermaids get together for some birthday cake post-swim. Popular Sally had about 5 friends bake for her this morning. Jocelyn couldn't make the swim but still baked. She's one generous woman. The 6.30am crew are missing Baker Andre who is away in Papua NG for a few weeks
Eagle Ray with Maori wrasse
Beautiful tropical fish with a green Groper. I think its a Moon Wrasse
Dea and Jenny
Gloomy Octopus near Shelly a few days ago
Baby cephalopods probably Squid not Cutties
Gary the Groper has been out and about at The Bower lately. I've been visiting him every day!
I tried to do an arty Jelly/above water shot like Bibi's but it didnt work that well!
Remember birthday drinks for JK's birthday tonight at The Steyne. All swimmers welcome!
Lainey xx
Hey guys
I hope everyone had a lovely weekend.
The water was a really lovely 22.6, but really very murky and bumpy. In a moment of sheer stupidity & not paying attention, I swam straight onto the rocks this morning - twice. Needless to say, I’m covered in scrapes & scratches 😢
It was lovely to see my A team pals show up on a Monday as always. Here are a few pics from this morning 😊
Checking out the ocean before the swim
My bestie Genevieve & I in our matching budgies
Dave & Jesse catching up before the swim (with Tammy in the corner of the pic!)
My poor rock shredded feet. I came out of the water crying - it was incredibly painful. And I’m covered in a fair few scrapes & scratches, but this is the worst part
Have a lovely week everyone. Doubtful I’ll be there tomorrow - need to keep the wounds dry ☹️
Take care,
Tilly xx
Did you know that wearing green on St Patricks Day makes you invisible to the iritating pinching leprechauns. I swam out in the dark in green sluggos hoping it worked on Jellyfish as well. Not a jelly did I see! Didn't stop me running smack bang into Passage Rock, I'm sure it wasn't in the same spot yesterday.
They've got cars big as bars. They've got rivers of gold
The boys of the NYPD choir. Still singing Galway Bay
Chatter around the camp fire revolved around the change when a swimmer dons flippers. Ruthless someone says.
The Baker does banana bread for the birthday boy.
The Boys of Summer, heart and soul of the Drinks Express.
Happy Birthday to the amazing Snoopy. Looking very sharp with his new haircut. Faster?
They printed one of Caroline's amazing photos as a present. She is contemplating a BnB calendar. Maybe we could combine with some rauchy speedo action shots too? I know that Chippo and the Machine Men would be up for it!
Thanks for the swim and coffee Team. Remember don't let your true love run cold!
Rusty The Fish & Carolinebythebeach
I'm off to sink a Guiness, listen to my favourite Irish band and try out this delcious new recipe I found:
Ingredients:
300g fresh jelly fish
Chicken meat
Green mango, cleaned and peeled
Onion, basil leaves; coriander
Roasted peanut, smashed
Deep fried glutinous rice with powdered shrimp (bánh phồng tôm)
Chili, pepper, vinegar, sugar, spices …
Process:
Step 1: The first important step to create one of stunning Vietnamese Salad Recipes is cleaning jelly fish. Clean well its slimy skin, soak into alum water in few hours; next use your hands to press out all water. Then slice small and soak in hot water in few minutes and pour them out on basket.
Step 2: Boil chicken until it is cooked, tear small
Step 3: Slice green mango into long and thin pieces. Peel off the cover of onion, slice fiber. Clean and slice basil leaves small.
Step 4: Making dipping sauce: Mix sugar + salt + pepper + vinegar + fish sauce + sliced chili, stir well and text again to suit your flavor. This sauce is required with a little sweet and sour.
Now, you finished basic steps from one of interesting Vietnamese Salad Recipes. For presentation, Mix jelly fish with chicken meat, onion, green mango, basil leaves and coriander together. Add more roasted peanut on top. When eating, pour more sauce in step 4 and serve with deep fried glutinous rice cakes. That is also my favorite way to enjoy it. Hope you will satisfy with this instruction and good luck for your Cooking.
and that's right... sitting here right now with my beer and my favourite Irish band playing...
6:26
This time of year brings later sunrises which means a darker start for the 6:30 swimmers. The countdown is on for changing the clocks. There was a bit of fog in the air which made for an interesting view of the sun as it rose between my first and second laps and as the 7am group started.
With the darker start, all I saw on the way to Shelly was this ray swimming.
...and a few Jellys
There seemed to be more as it got lighter, as I saw more on my second lap, but maybe that's because I could see better.
6:30's at Shelly
I saw this resting ray on the way back, maybe it was the same one?
Just at the point I saw this Estuary Cobbler, I often see them on the beach side of the point.
The rip was still raging. Today I got close enough to the rocks to get a nice ride in, earlier this week I wasn't close enough and it took a bit more time to come in. It was the opposite for my mate who got a nice ride in earlier this week but was as just a little further north than me today and didn't get the easy ride in. A small distance makes a big difference.
Have a great day!
Alana
Howzit and Siyabona
It’s been a while apologies for missing a few I’m sure you’ve missed the Safferisms :)
This week has seen a strong rip in our corner. It wasn’t all a ripping good time as swimmers battled against it coming in. Another thanks to those who helped our dear Bin in when she got caught in the rip. Shout out to Jon and Millie and all the others involved. What a community.
Manus was my roving camera thank you Skattie (darling).
The vibe, the temperature and the look. Our turf.
The swimmers loving a camera esp Mercedes Steve and lovely friend, below Simon our entertaining Monday blogger
Driver Coatsey Suzie and Trooper. Lovely Coatsey just turned 50, happy birthday to you mate. Cakes on me. One day soon.
Coatsey had a party to celebrate, he can’t remember much it was that good
Two stalwarts of the BNB. Jim and Oom (uncle) Justus.
Gorgeous kind Kara
The good folk of the bench Michael, Kirsty and Champ. Champ has just enjoyed a trip to Durban with Kirsty where he discovered the joys of a Bunny Chow. Ask him.
This is what he sent me. It’s a loaf of bread hollowed out and stuffed with curry. Every Durbanite raves on about these as a staple. The taste of home if you from that neck of the woods.
Happy Drinks Express posers :)
Spare a thought for Oosty our fellow BnB swimmer currently in New Hampshire who posted this pic today.Howzit Oosty. We miss you too.
Take care, go kindly and Hambe Kahle ( go well)
Di
x
It felt like an autumn morning, being a bit cooler and the rain held off but the rip was roaring, even more so than yesterday. It looked fairly calm but you needed to swim very wide to get back in, although we did watch some who got in after looking like they weren't moving for the longest time.
Mel H, out from the UK doing the marathon swims here, with Henrietta and Inge, who managed an impressive swim through the rip, but she knows what she's doing.
Michael, Nicci (on her 2nd last swim before her big adventure overseas) and Georgina.
Hels and Lisa pre swim chatting.
The mermaid/mans ready to go: Sally, Chris, Jo and Andre.
Heading off at 7am.
Runners/swimmers Leah, Linne and Saousane being photo bombed, said it was a lovely temp (22.7), clear and no jellies. Love the bright banana bathers.
Lainey and Rick giving Dave C a big welcome back from his South Africa trip.
Annie G catching up with an old UK friend, Maggie. It's been over 15 years since they have seen each other, both looking very happy.
It was gorgeous in the water but I admit I chose the dipping option to avoid the rip. Just good to get in.
Have a great day.
Amanda
The caring Fingerbone looked out for Storm boy in the movie.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=IKidbcMzxOc
Likewise Birthday Boy James (Aka Fingerbone looks out for other swimmers in the Drinks Express)
BTW Simon the finger pointer in the above photo coined the “Fingerbone “ nickname.
Brett Ali & Patrick swam before sunrise.
Likewise Bootie Campers did their thing in the pre-dawn light.
Drinky made a special effort to Swim on a Monday to wish James a happy birthday.
It was nice to see Mary today.
Father & Daughter
Hi Michelle
Stay safe enjoy your week
Simon
What a man, what a mightly fine man!
Canadian Matt blames his Garmin for a 1.22/100m split yesterday. Snoopy has pulled out the fins and word on the street he pushed Jon all the way today on the Express train.
My favourite day of the week. Friday. Blocky and Trooper rile up the troops. Tremendous stuff. If you haven't given it a try, on the ramp every Friday at 6.25am
Ugly memories of the war
Didn't count on mass destruction, When I saw you
When you're dealing with a dodgy hip, it's alway good to be able to rant and run...
Trooper talks about Duncan's webinar next week.
The Ninja Warriors strut their stuff pre swim
Pitch Report:
Flat warm. No jellies (thank god). Andre got a camel kick from Caroline at the point. One way to take out the competitors. Wrong spot wrong time.. Half a foot of water over the rocks today. Enough to boost you over. We did the FFF and then took a lap across the bay. Say one stray orange jelly being pursued by about 500 fish. Go you good thing. Caught the tail end of the 7am group, tried to stay in front, except for a leopard skin suited mermaid. Go you good thing. We lost Chippo in the sand, pulling up lame from the FFF. Will kept his head warm. Absolutely cracking conditions. Gonna be a great weekend.
Thanks for the swim, and Fast Fives and coffee Team.
Rusty the Fish & Carolinebythebeach
down Northbridge, past the Brass Monkey, memories of Ed Kuepper. Stirring up an Electrical Storm. Get well Sal & Johnny.
Wednesday 8th March - a day to celebrate women, and what women want - and if you haven't seen the film of the same name, starring our own "Love Songs" - you should! Not only is it a brilliant movie with the necessary elements of a compelling story, laughter and tears and cringe moments; it amplifies "girl power" and intrigue to "I'm waiting for a [insert profession] to show up?"..
Women have differing needs: some like it hot, some like it cold; some like it big and powerful, some like it smooth & calm, and then there is the "in between" (I was talking about swimming and the water! what were YOU thinking!).
so todays conditions will definitely please someone!
water temp: 22.9
air temp: 19.5 degrees in Sydney at 7am (in Canberra it was 12.7 degrees!)
conditions: calm, only 2 jellies reported north, a smack of them between bower and shelly!
vibe: frustration at the overstaying of the jelly army "house pests" in the bay!
Today being international women's day, we celebrate ALL the women of the B&B community, and the men who encourage us. Its about showing up, enjoying the vitamin sea infusion and the camaraderie of friends, sharing joy and happiness and laughter, and supporting each other through challenges.
A few fun facts - look at the common factor!:
Each and every member of the B&B inspires - whether they are completing their first swim, or their umpteenth, whether they started ocean swimming recently or have been a regular all their lives. Whether they are regulars on the podium, or simply show up to complete an ocean swim event for a personal challenge and sense of achievement... Everyone has a story. Unfortunately the blog isnt conducive to tell everyone's story, so I thought I would avoid controversy and go back to the "OG" - Julie Isbill, and ask her a few questions:
1) B&B was started by women - when did the first man join, and how did he fit in with all the women?
JI: There was a man on the first day; one of the original’s husband who accompanied near by on a board. Michael joined in a couple of days later. I Don’t think there was any complaints about being surrounded by amazing women! (Edit: who would complain, really?)
2) many articles have been written on the camaraderie of ocean swimming, and groups, and nearly all have been contributed to by women (although acknowledging that many groups of ocean swimming men, and indeed mixed, exist!) - why do you think ocean swimming in particular is attractive to women?
JI: The connection with like minded people, some exercise and the thrill after every swim. Who wouldn’t love it. Being at one with nature, being supported by the ocean and social connection. Everyone is equal in a pair of bathers! (Ed: too true! and what a colourful bunch we are, expressing individuality via swimwear !?)
3) There are so many inspirational women in the B&B community - who inspired or continues to inspire you (its ok if you don't single anyone out!)
JI: Everyone is an inspiration in different ways. One thing you soon realise is everyone has a story… (Ed: stories inspire!)
4) what can the ocean swim/B&B community do to support more women into ocean swimming?
JI: Ensure a welcoming environment, Inclusivity, Not about competition, but rather participation (Ed: encouragement, Complete not compete is a fabulous mantra!)
5) im going to be controversial - many women have commented that they wouldn't have taken a leap (whether work or personal) if it weren't for the encouragement of men - what is your take on that ?
JI: Maybe it’s more about who was on the right place at the right time (Ed: nothing but support from the entire BB community whether male or female!)
6) How do you feel the B&B community scores with respect to inclusiveness and equality generally? what more could the community do to to ensure inclusivity and equality?
JI: Very highly. Remain insightful, ensure that as we continue to grow we remember how important the personal, friendly, welcoming introduction was to us, and make a conscious effort to ensure it remains moving forward. I don’t think many of my answers above would be too different for men or women. To me it’s really about community and being inclusive of everyone! (Ed: well said, and a good reminder to us all!)
I'm actually in Canberra for a conference, and spent the early morning (6am!) joining friends in their swim squad at Dickson Aquatic centre. with an autumn chill in the air (12.7 degrees) as the sun rose and the full moon set - They were super fast and a swim, even in the dark before the sun rose in much cooler weather is a fabulous way to start the day!
As always, have a wonderful Wednesday, celebrate the women in your life and with gratitude for our wonderful, inclusive, supportive, encouraging community. Stay safe, stay sane, look out for and after each other, support each other no matter how far or how or where they swim.
take care,
Jocelyn
Public service announcement:
Tuesday night dinners are moving.
A change of night and a change of venue.
This month’s talk, ARE THERE MONSTERS DOWN THERE?
Dr Penny Berents, Senior Fellow at the Australian Museum (and B&B swimmer) recently spent six weeks on a research voyage in remote parts of the Indian Ocean. Scientists probed 5,000 metres below the surface to study the weird animals that inhabit this little-known hostile part of our planet. Penny will speak about what they discovered as well as life on board a research ship.
DATE: Monday March 13 at 6:30 PM
VENUE: Upstairs at Manly Surf Club. A Licensed bar will be open.
FOOD: Bring a plate. If you can, coordinate with some others so we don’t end up with 35 cheese plates.
COST: $10 per head. Donating to Australian Marine Conservation Society.
Numbers are limited so book early on the website HERE. It will not only be informative but an excuse to have fun on a Monday night.
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