Tuesday is usually such a quiet day in the B&B swim week. Not today!! So far it looks like there were at least 176 swimmers out there today.
As you can see, Anne has that certain thing about her smile that indicates she can’t wait until Ian returns from holidays. . .
B&B has become ‘the’ thing to do. This is the line of new recruits just shy of the 7am call. Still signing and having their photo taken.
The conditions were perfect. Slightly grey skies, but the water was calm and relatively clear. Plus it is warm – 22.7 degrees so no wetsuit required.
Here we have the perennially sunny Andrew returning from the 6.30am swim. The report on the conditions is good with the sighting of a couple of Dusky Whalers towards the point. The Duskies are entering their breeding season, so we will be seeing more of them over the summer.
The weed barrier does make for a slushy entry to the surf. I try not to think of what might be lurking there. . .
With no wave action it is a gentle start to the swim. As you can see the line of swimmers extends back to B&B central under the pine tree.
While we may not be enjoying the weed, you will see heaps of fish feeding. Do take care not to tread on them.
Of late the ‘meet at the point’ has become a bit vague. As has the official ‘let’s go’. There is a kind of hanging around then a burst of activity as groups break off and head to Shelly. Just wait till JK is back. . .
With the visibility clearing it is easier to spot the fish. This is a group of Flathead sighted just of Shelly. There were three, but they move very fast when the camera is raised.
It was a huge gathering at Shelly when the long line of swimmers finally came together.
Dave and I have been chasing each other on the Pacific Challenge for the past year. We regularly swap places, but with my return to full time work I’m thinking he might just beat me to the elusive 1000km.
The regular sunny boys of Shelly Beach.
Max and Sparkles thoroughly enjoying the perfect conditions.
Somewhere in the distance something is happening. . .
Must have been the ‘let’s go’ ’cause there is a flurry of activity.
. . not everyone likes to rush off.
Especially not these three wise men 🙂
Now all that activity was the crowd singing Happy Birthday to Jill!!
Out fish hunting towards the Bower, the Mullet are out in force.
and so was this enormous Blue Groper.
We stayed for ages with the Groper as it swam around us. It was very cruious and seemed to want to play.
On the way into the surf this lovely Sting Ray was resting in the weed.
And before you know it it is time for a good long natter around the benches.
So dear blog readers I bid you farewell today. After two years of being the Tuesday blogger I am finishing up this regular spot to return to the workforce. Thank you for reading and commenting over the past few years. Have a great day.
Mary
Just a few B&B 2015 Calendars available!
Pick up one of the few remaining brilliant 2015 calendars for just $15!!
The B&B Calendar is the perfect way to keep track of important dates like summer swims, badge ceremonies, start of the winter swims…. You can pick one up at the swim (cash only), or online – Click here – with an option to have it posted or collected from Ian.
Summer Swims
The 6km swims – depending on conditions – run each Saturday in summer. They usually follow on from the 7 am Shelly swim with a gathering then northward haul from The Point. Keep an eye on the blog for the next date for the 10km swim. John always welcomes a few volunteers to help as support crew so please let him if you can help. Watch this space for updates.
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. Also, if you have a bit more experience, keep an eye out for new swimmers who might need company. Do read these excellent tips on staying safe in the surf. To read, or even download, click here.
The Stats
Regulars: 176
Newbies: heaps!!!
Temp: 22.7
Sunrise: 5.52am
Sunset: 8.10pm
23 comments
Lainey Loo
06/01/2015 at 12:19 pm
Great photos and blog as usual Mary. Thanks for being such a consistent blogger and Blog Co-ordinator. One year ago today we had Silky, the lone dolphin swimming with us and today George the blue groper seemed to want to play! What a fantastic swimming experience yet again!
Fifi
06/01/2015 at 12:25 pm
Beautiful blog Mary. Thank you for all you fantastic posts, your photos are always gorgeous and today is no exception!
ros ex
06/01/2015 at 12:58 pm
Thanks for all the wonderful blogs, Mary, and good luck on your return to the workforce!
HRH (akaPauline)
06/01/2015 at 1:01 pm
Thank you Mary great blog as usual, lovely to keep in touch from afar.see you soon. Happy birthday Jill and thank you for all your help over the past year. X
Jill Rankin
06/01/2015 at 1:02 pm
Agree with all of the above! will miss you being around but look forward to our weekend catch ups! thanks for all the great blogs….will definitely be thinking of you whilst cruising the seas!
DWSS
06/01/2015 at 1:13 pm
Thank you Mary. Lovely blog. Delivered with class and wonderful photos.
Much better than Snork’s blog!
I fear the standard of blogging may drop now without your supervision and organisation.
Good luck with your adventures and we will see you on the weekends.
Happy birthday Jilly.
Lips
06/01/2015 at 1:35 pm
Thanks Mary! It’s sad to see some of our best and brightest abandoning blogging for day jobs.
We urgently need to review bloggers’ salaries.
Happy Birthday Jill! Thanks for great swim to Queensie this morning!
john.st.xx
06/01/2015 at 1:46 pm
Mary
A great final blog young Mary, such wonderful fishy images (they seem to be in short supply lately with the conditions).
Thanks so much for you time in blogging and your behind the scene co-ordinating. Everyone appreciates your and others efforts to keep it all afloat.
Good luck with that horrible four letter word (work).
xxx
Jane
06/01/2015 at 2:06 pm
News! Mary has had another photo added to the Aust. Museum’s website. Go to:
http://australianmuseum.net.au/image/Blotched-Fantail-Ray-dark-individual
Seems to be the furthest South it’s been seen!
And glorious pics today, Mary.
Shelly
06/01/2015 at 2:50 pm
Mary Mary …
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6jVxks8M4A
Well that’s an end to a era & what a great blog to go out on ! !
well done ! we will miss ya Tooseday blog.
Cya
Shelly
xoxoxo
Anne E
06/01/2015 at 3:47 pm
Will miss your varied but always calm and informative blogs, Mary. Your pictures are wonderful and congrats on the AustMus addition.
Happy Birthday, Jill. And many thanks for your excellent holiday greeting and logging!
mary
06/01/2015 at 4:13 pm
Ha!! Love the Monkees 🙂
mary
06/01/2015 at 4:16 pm
Indeed Lips. The complimentary pink cap and access all areas pass just does not do it anymore.
mary
06/01/2015 at 4:18 pm
Thanks John. It is good to see the fish again. Seems the murky conditions have gone on for ever this year!
mary
06/01/2015 at 4:22 pm
If the IT work experience guy is reading, the Pacific Challenge does not appear to be updating. . .
Also, did anyone pick up a Lululemon bag on the table today? Inside was a JB Hi Fi bag with the cables for the blog camera. . . If you found it could you give it to Anne or Ian or Jill or JK or even Lesley 🙂
Elizabeth
06/01/2015 at 4:23 pm
A fabulous blog, Mary. I am so sad you will not be blogging some more (hope cameo appearances for a bit if photo and words have not been ruled out by work demands!) . Your blogs have been excellent to read every time.
Happy birthday Jill!
Nurse J
06/01/2015 at 5:05 pm
Thanks for all your great blogs Mary, they have aways been wonderful and will be missed.
But…work???…and full time???….you must be as crazy as Anne looks in that photo 🙂
mary
06/01/2015 at 5:19 pm
Thanks Elizabeth. It has been fun. Maybe there will be a little spot now and then that needs filling.
mary
06/01/2015 at 5:20 pm
I know! Me! Work! But it is the best job with my most desired organisation for 12 months. Merry Christmas to me 🙂
Jane
06/01/2015 at 6:39 pm
And by the way, it’s not the first of Mary’s pics to be on the OzMus website: go to
http://australianmuseum.net.au/image/Eastern-Sea-Garfish-in-Cabbage-Tree-Bay/
IT Work Experience Kid
06/01/2015 at 8:19 pm
Should be back in business now. Hope I don’t lose my job…..
IT Work Experience Kid
06/01/2015 at 9:27 pm
Late news… (Us IT types are night birds.)
If you refresh your screen or close your browser and open the Pacific Challenge page again, all should appear correctly.
Simon
07/01/2015 at 4:51 am
Thanks again Mary.
You always capture and share the mood so we can vicarious enjoy the swim.
Thanks also for being a beautiful Queen of Bloggers and good luck in your new realm.