04/05/14 – The Rusty Show

So we had only 114 swimmers today – that’s a new low for Sundays this year.

I’d love to take all the credit for this drop in attendance, but the truth is there are now 3x regular Sunday bloggers taking turns – each of us contributing in our own way.

Putting people off Sunday swimming might look easy to the outsider, but trust me, a lot of hard work goes into it.

But back to today. The morning started off promising. Lesley was supposed to bring down the blog camera for me today..

 

Lucky for me, trusty Ian gave me the attendance / newbie camera. We didnt have many newbies signing up today anyway. Here’s the only newbie picture Ian managed to capture.. subtly photo bombed by Jane aka The Dark Lord.

 

Apart from it being International Star Wars Day (May the 4th), there was really only one contender for today’s cover story – Rusty’s Return.

For those of you living under a rock, Rusty (of recent 1000km Pacific Challenge fame) decided to go on a hiking trip to Patagonia. A journey of self discovery, meditation, drinking his own urine, and Facebook selfies. Channeling his inner Bear Grylls if you like.

 

 

 

Here’s a photo of Rusty swimming amongst the icebergs at Greys Glacier, Patagonia. The water was just above freezing..

 

On his first morning back in Manly, Rusty made the most out of today’s photo opportunities..

 

 

 

 

 

Despite Rusty’s persistence, a few others eventually managed to get in front of the camera before the 7am cut off..

 

 

 

 

 

 

Peta was collecting donations for the Australian Himalayan Foundation who established a special fund to support the Sherpa families affected by the recent avalanche tragedy on Mt Everest.

 

 

The Teachers getting ready for their signature Sunday Queenscliff swim..

 

 

Time to walk down the ramp and get wet..

 

 

The swell had picked up significantly overnight, making many swimmers consider the Halfway or Cappuccino option. I still managed to capture a few daredevils who decided to brave the surf..

 

 

 

 

Drinks turning back after a five (unsuccessful) attempts to get out through the surf. It’s all about knowing your limits.

 

The next photo is an out-of-body experience – me, taking a photo of myself, as I swim away from the point. I call it the ‘John Kelly’ perspective..

 

The Tardis is back..

 

Scott arriving at the back of the pack.. used to be one of our faster swimmers back in his younger years.

 

Now for the usual Shelly attendance check.. hope I managed to capture everyone.

 

 

 

 

 

I love these stories – Jo only started swimming with us last weekend. An look at her going for the blog photo! Most rapid ascent to blog tart fame I’ve ever seen..  10/10!!

 

But it’s really on the return swim, back to the club, when the hardcore blog tarts come out to play..

 

One of my favourite games – Waving or Drowning?

 

There is definitely a bit of both going on in this next one..

 

The apres-swim scene was a bit slow to get going today..

 

Someone dropped an ear plug into Attracta’s coffee. Not funny guys!

 

Ted getting some free underpants coaching from Brendan.

 

Greg pushing himself into the photo. Again!

 

The arrival of Sarah and Turbo traditionally marks the official kick-off for the apres-swim party..

 

And the party babes come out to play.

 

More party babes..

 

Lyndall’s face has been stuck in this expression for approximately 2 weeks now. Love your work!

 

Mariah assures me she swam a new PB on the way back from Shelly today.

 

These two arrived back from an illegal (non-tickable) Queensie Bolderdash – Shelly double.

 

Kerrie and Charl had been caught making out behind the club house earlier in the morning.

 

Apparently it looked something like this.. (re-enactment)

 

The rest of the morning really happened at Manly Wine.

Drinks helping Aurélie taking coffee orders. Nothing more, nothing less..

 

The obligatory International Star Wars Day shot. Tick!

 

Now, there weren’t enough blankets around for everyone in Manly Wine this morning, so people had to share. Reminder: Please keep your hands ABOVE the blanket at all times when sharing.

(also, I am told one of the three swimmers in below photo was not wearing underwear)

 

Outside, Shaun and his gang had a hoot.. as usual.

 

LATE BREAKING NEWS!!

On the way back, I bumped into Alex and Miles, who had just come back from their Freshie swim and reported the sighting of a huge jelly on their way there.

Below two photos of both of them illustrating the 8-inch jelly encounter for the blog.

 

 

That’s it folks.

Signing off with a Lips-Paige slefie. Paige used to be one of our most regular swimmers – until she discovered running. We miss you Paige!!

 

Stats:

Swimmers: 114

Newbs: 1

Water temp: Balmy

Have a great Sunday!

Trivia Night pretty much sold out!!

There might be a random ticket or two if you are lucky.  So, if you want tickets – and haven’t booked, or have booked (and paid) but now can not attend, please send Ian an email at ugogoyo@gmail.com (copy and paste the address ‘cause this is not a link).

This year we will be joined by the Royal Far West who will be assisting in fundraising for the event, and will receive part of the funds raised on the night.

Trivia Night update

For those attending the Trivia Night, here is a list of some of the items that will feature in the silent auction on the night:

• Scubapro long-sleeved ladies swimming vest – size MED – value $120 – donated by Sharon Dunn
• The Troubadors – a full gig for your private or social function with the rock band The Troubadors – value $500 – donated by James Partington and The Troubadors
• Dental examination, scale, polish and fluoride – value $320 – donated by Robin Turner – O’Connell St Dentists
• Couples mutual wills, powers of attorney and enduring guardianships – valued at $4,000 – donated by Andrew Williams & Megan McCormick
• 30 minute top down swimming coaching session – value $90 – donated by Sarah Anne Evans – Pacific Jules
• Meat tray – half a lamb, butchered – delivered to Manly – value $120 – donated by Bev Prior
• 6 months Virtual Office rental – value $1,800 – donated by Robert Rowe – Genesis Offices
• 6 week ‘Body Blitz’ package – value $600 – donated by Manly Beach Health Club
• 3 month membership – value $225 – donated by Manly Beach Health Club
• 3 hour hands on sailing course for two people – value $330 – donated by Sydney by Sail – Matt Hayes
• NRMA MotorServe service voucher – value $159 – donated by NRMA – Tony Stuart
• Mawabu Ski Lodge, Perisher – 2 nights’ accommodation for 2 people, including 2 dinners and 2 breakfasts – value $250donated by Mawabu Ski Lodge – Stephen Mulvogue
• Toshiba Blue Ray 3D DVD player – value $180 – donated by Toshiba
• Antica Murrina (Venezia) necklace – value $250
• Cooking class for 6 people – value $1,000 – donated by Mumu Grill Crows Nest
• Olin 9″ swivel screen portable DVD player PD-930 – value $100 – donated by Shaun Denton
• Manly Paradise Appartments accommodation package – donated by Ian Miller – Manly Paradise Appartments
• One family (2 adults, 3 children) SCG and Allianz Stadium tour experience – value $78 –donated by Sydney Cricket Ground
• Goggles and Flippers – value $65 – Fastgear
• Four hour kayak hire – value $90 – donated by Manly Kayak Centre
• 4 bottles of Wirrabara Forest 2012 Shiraz – value $88 – donated by Better Buy the Dozen
• Travel voucher for international travel – value $250 – Low & James Travel Associates

There are new items arriving every day, so there will be plenty more to bid on. As well as these items there will be a live auction, and a monster raffle. Details on these in the following days. Watch the Blog.

B&B i-Log

Really if you haven’t been using the B&B i-Log then you must be new!!  Almost 75% of swimmers are now using the B&B i-Log. Log your swim ANYTIME of day using this really efficient and 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(This is not a link so please copy and paste into your email). He will check that your email address is activated on the attendance register then send you info on how to get started.

Staying safe

We have had seen the return of some serious waves and rips this past week!  Were you prepared? 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.