05/08/2014 – You can’t be serious

You have to smile in wonder at the glorious sunrise that kick starts your day.

You can’t take it seriously when Billy dodges the camera, AGAIN – he is actually a very private person.

And while you may be serious about plunging into 16.5 degree water, when you spy Ted’s antics you have to laugh because he reminds you that this is the best part of the day.  This swim is about doing something for yourself, something that makes you feel great.

Not everyone gets to encounter a Horn Shark (although it sometimes looks very much like a Port Jackson), gracefully gliding amongst the reeds.

And how can you take Lips seriously?  Especially when he is telling you about a giant jellyfish he saw on the way to Shelly.

The Speed Demons appear to take it seriously, but if you listen to their banter over coffee, it is all about having fun.

And one’s childish wonder is awakened when you stumble upon the giant jellyfish!

Perhaps not as big as was being suggested earlier, but it was at least 25cm diameter across the front.  So beautiful to watch its rhythmic movements as it went about its merry way.

(once I work out how to link the video it will appear here)

And then there are the other regulars that as they are so familiar on our swim their presence provides that sense of ‘place’, this is familiar territory, and it never ceases to amaze.

The darting Blue Groper is a bit like Billy.  So quick to disappear when the camera comes too close.

Not so the familiar Ray, who settles in the sand with furrowed brow, all the while keeping its eyes firmly fixed in case you get too close.

Then there is the other familiar mob; brought together by warming drink and even warmer heaters.  How is it possible to be serious after the best 40minutes of the day?

Do yourself a favour and make sure you swim tomorrow!!

Mary

Special Event – Guest Speaker!

The next B&B monthly dinner is on Tuesday 12th August at 6.30pm at Bluewater Restaurant. This month’s special presenter is Ruth Hollows, the youngest daughter of Fred Hollows.  Her presentation is on how she is helping fulfil her father’s legacy through her role as Ambassador for Wild Women On Top Sydney Coastrek.

The cost of the dinner is only $20 a head which includes shared entrees, a selection of mains to choose (incl 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.  Avoid disappointment and Book Now!

Fred Hollows is a modern legend, and was many things to many people – a husband, a father, a friend, a skilled ophthalmologist and for a few politicians and bureaucrats, an irritating thorn in their side. Above all else he was a humanitarian. This explains why he was so passionate about improving the health of indigenous Australians. In 80% of cases blindness is unnecessary, it can either be avoided or it can be overcome through a simple operation. Since Fred died The Fred Hollows Foundation has restored sight to well over one million people in the developing world.

Winter Badge season – only 5 weeks to go.

There are 14 weeks in the winter season.  To qualify for the prized Cold & Bold Badge you simply need to swim 20 times within the season ensuring you have swum in a minimum of 7 different weeks.  So, attempting to do it all in the first few weeks does not count!!  Make sure you use the i-Log to register your without wetsuit for the WWW badge.  The badge ceremony is being held straight after the swim on 21 September at the Royal Far West.

B&B i-Log

Log your swim ANYTIME of day using the B&B i-Log.  This is the best and easiest way to ensure your swims are 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 use the log in.

Staying safe

Are you prepared for the return of the surf? 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:  77 ish

Newbie:  ???

Temp:    16.5 degrees

Sunrise:  6.44 am

Sunset:  5.18 pm