05/07/2013 – A good morning to be alive

Is it winter or is it summer? The ocean is warm, the morning air as soft as a kitten. I hope you like the metaphor; it took me a while to come up with. Yet another day to be grateful for, to be appreciative of what we have and to let the salty waves wash away any worries you may have.

The sunrise was magical, and yet its bright warmth couldn’t hold a candle to the sunny faces of these beautiful early risers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And really. That’s the point of it, the meaning of life. a) Spend time with our fellow travellers on this interesting but not always easy journey. b) Appreciating the landscape along the way. Which, of course, is not such a hard task in our case, because we are travelling in first class. Every morning. As long as we don’t loose sight of our privileged existence, we are the lucky, lucky, lucky ones.

 

And just as in our journey through life – stopping for a little rest every now and then to catch your breath and have a chat – you know it makes sense. That’s what Shelly Beach is for.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And just as in life, taking time to stretch, laugh, play and clown around is really important.

 

 

 

 

 

And let’s not forget the most important bit; sharing a moment with a friend over a cuppa.

 

 

What a laid-back lot we are. (Ok that was a a mum joke right there. Sorry).

 

I would like to dedicate today’s blog to an astonishing person who many of us knew and remember with great fondness. Quite a few of our swimmers have shared the surf waves and patrolled the beach with this kind-hearted man. Some were privileged to have him as their surf lifesaving instructor.

 

Toby Wallace was tragically killed by a truck a few days ago as he was riding his bicycle for yet another charity. Toby wasn’t afraid of life. He participated in gruelling physical and mental challenges – paddling a surf ski, pedalling a bike, swimming, running, even rowing across the Atlantic Ocean. Always with a smile and an extraordinarily positive outlook.

 

The world is a better place for having had Toby in it for 36 years. Our thoughts are with his wife, our beautiful friend Claire. May your pain and sadness go away one day, Claire.

Toby was a giver. He and, his friend and colleague  Andrew McMenigall were cycling the length of
the UK, from Lands End to John O’ Groats in 7 days – around 140 miles a day. They
were raising money for the Kirsten Scott Trust in the UK. The aim of the Trust
is to provide grants to young people under the age of 26, in order for them to
fulfill ambitions, enhance their personal development, and make a positive
contribution, either at home or overseas.

Let’s do what Toby did; let’s live life to the fullest and with love and compassion in our hearts. Keep swimming, dear friends, and keep smiling. With love from your Girl Friday blogger Anna. x

 

Some Housekeeping

Staying safe

With the return of the winter swell, 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.

Stats

134 swimmers including 1 newbie

Sunrise 7am

Sunset 4.58pm

Water Temp 18.8

 

 

Themed as The Great Gatsby with a Touch of Pink, enjoy a night out with your fellow swimmers at the cinematic home of Jay Gatsby, the old St Patrick’s Seminary in Manly (now the International College of Management).

Be transported back to the 1920’s with the theme of The Great Gatsby with a touch of Pink. You will enjoy a night of fun and entertainment for $85, which includes a 3 course meal and drinks throughout the night.

Tickets are on sale and selling fast so head to: https://bnbball.arrangemyseat.com/ and book your ticket.  Gather your friends, select your table and choose where you want to sit when you register.

Any questions? Ask Stephen, Nick, Krystyna or Snorkles at any swim!