03/02/2014 – Doing what we do best

And that, dear swimmers, is swim!

A stunning golden sunrise heralded the start of another glorious day.

The proposed Red Cap day left many of us scratching our heads.  It‘s Monday morning and we have to make a decision on which way we want to swim.  How cruel!  My brain doesn’t actually start to work until after a swim and leisurely tea. . .

James is back after his English Channel crossing.  He says he loved it, a bit cold, and no, he isn’t doing it again!

Ian announced that sadly the red caps had not arrived at our regular meeting spot.  The coordination of red caps, publicist, photographer, us, 7am and Monday morning proved a challenge.  Fear not!!  Sometime during the month, it WILL happen.  Stay tuned to be showered with red caps and photographed like there is no tomorrow.  However, the TV launch was a go – all we needed to do was be at Queenscliff by 7:30.

Thus began the dilemma.  The options available were 1) usual swim to Shelly; 2) swim to the point and back then run to Queenscliff; 3) walk to Queenscliff; 4) walk to North Steyne then swim to Queenscliff; 5) go have coffee.  What is a blog tart to do?

Robyn from WA shows her support for sharks!

Somehow by 7am we dispersed.  A further decision had to be made as we entered the surf.  While not big, the rip was very messy with waves coming on top of each other.  Some opted for Halfway.  After all it is Monday. . .

The sparkling sea and the clear sunlight take our breath away – it is truly a magic moment as we slide into the sea between the resting seagulls.

We snuggled up to the shore at Shelly, the scene of yesterday’s massive Cole Classic.  Congrats to all those B&B’ers who swam, some doing their very first competitive ocean swim.

JK announcers that there will be a double!!  Goodness! Haven’t heard that option for ages.  The deal is to meet Anne at the point.

The water is less than clear due to the swirling currents.  One sighting by Michelle was of a Weedy Sea Dragon.  Sadly she found this floating just off shore in Manly.  I’m told they mostly inhabit the Harbour.

No sightings of Dusky Whalers.  They are probably still recovering from 3600 people doing yesterday’s Cole Classic!

Lesley kindly models an item of lost property. . .

And so we scatter again; some to Halfway, others through the surf, but eventually we end up doing what we do second best – breakfast, coffee and chatting in the sun.

We also like to eat, so if you want to attend the next B&B Monthly Dinner but be very quick because it is nearly booked out.  Go to the end of the blog for the link to book.

And the news is that it all went well at the other end of the beach where the Wake Up program was launching the month long focus on Heart Research Australia.

Kara from Heart Research Australia says:

A big heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us on the beach at Queenscliff this morning for Wake Up on Ten! It was so fabulous to have your support and the red caps looked great on the small screen (and your heads!) I am so impressed you are ahead of the curve only three days in! Looking forward to watching your progress (and might even clock up the odd 1.5km with you myself).

Thanks again and I will see you during the month!

You can donate here https://redfebrelay.everydayhero.com/au/bold-beautiful-swim-squad-manly

Mary

Bottom of blog:

Red Cap Swim

Donations throughout the month can be made here: https://redfebrelay.everydayhero.com/au/bold-beautiful-swim-squad-manly

B&B Monthly Dinner is back! – WITH SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER!

GUEST SPEAKER is Belinda Curley, a Marine Ecologist based at the Sydney Institute of Marine Science at Chowder Bay. Much of Belinda’s research has been concentrated in our very own Cabbage Tree Bay. Belinda will present a short talk at the dinner about the importance of marine reserves for conservation, and will highlight the ‘four seasons of marine organisms in Cabbage Tree Bay’ – what we know about the creatures that live there, including dusky whalers, tropical and temperate fish recruits, jellyfish, port jackson sharks, giant cuttlefish and more.

This month’s dinner will be on Tuesday 11th February at 6.30 pm. The cost is only $20 a head and includes shared entrees, a selection of mains to choose (including a vegetarian option), corkage (for byo wine only) and a little thank you for the staff. Glasses of beer or wine and desserts are also available at the special price of only $5 each. Numbers are limited, so bookings are essential:

To secure your spot please BOOK HERE NOW. This event will sell out, so please book ASAP to avoid disappointment.

B&B i-log

Now that the new work year has kicked in, save time and be ever so efficient, by using the B&B i-log.  It’s a smart phone friendly website so no need to download, just bookmark it.  There are so many good reasons to use the B&B Login – like no queues, no need for glasses to find your name, never missing the 7am call, and you can do it on the bus or ferry on the way to work.

Log your swim ANYTIME that day for an easy way to ensure your swim is recorded in the daily attendance and on the Pacific Challenge. To get started, send an email to Ian Forster (ugoboyo@gmail.com). He will check that your email address is activated on the attendance register then send you info on how to get started

Summer badge swims

Every Saturday during summer there will be a 6km swim – usual route is to Freshwater and back; then once a month there is a 10km swim – this is to South Curl Curl and back.  However, the final route depends on conditions that day so it is a good idea to arrive a little early to have a briefing from the designated swim leader.  Both swims kick off at 7am.

The proposed date for the next 10km swim is 15 February depending on conditions.   This date will depend on final confirmation of local surf carnivals so keep checking the blog for updates.

Bolderdash

This daily swim to Queenscliff and back DEPARTS the surf club at 5.50am.  As these are generally intimate groups, please WAIT for everyone in the water before heading off.  Do buddy up with someone – great to be with someone who has the same pace – that way everyone is ‘accounted for’ at Queenscliff.

Staying safe

Remember that there are no badges for scaring yourself silly!  While it is great to extend your boundaries, it is important to know your limits.  Do read these excellent tips on staying safe in the surf.  To read, or even download, click here.

The Stats

Regulars:  140

Newbie:  8

Temp:   22.2 degrees

Sunrise: 6.18 am

Sunset: 7.59 pm – they are getting shorter. . .