06/03/2015 – Weird and Wonderful Creatures of the B&B

 

Our swim does attract a particular kind of person. A gutsy, determined, positive and slightly eccentric ‘sort’ not afraid to push themselves out of their comfort zone… I’m opening my blog today with two of our favourites who epitomise the B&B (or W&W). Derek aka King Neptune and Sarah aka LSA!

 

 LSA arrived back in Manly from a 3 month stay in HK yesterday. We have missed her. She motives us to ascend The Pacific Challenge, dispenses  special Chinese ‘herbal’ cough remedy, gives free therapy sessions and blatantly blog tarts! She was hoping for a star feature in yesterday’s blog but was sadly forgotten by The Bishop. She does her best in front of my camera.

Another beautiful Autumn morning with pink skies, warm water but slightly cooler air temperature.

Booty Camp try out dry swimming on the wall!

These 3 shades of grey are appearing at The Boatshed next Monday night as the star comedy act. (Actually they are of course our ‘Management’ working tirelessly to ensure this great group runs smoothly.) Thanks guys!

 

Happy W&W’ers at Shelly!

 

 

Andrew and his kids. Well done guys. Before school too!

Guess the mermaid!

I saw squid, an eagle ray and the usual aquarium around the rocks today but not as much as earlier in the week. Here are some of the weird and wonderful sea creatures we see at the B&B! 

Lovely pale blue/grey Numbfish 

Old wives

We love Duskies!

This weird looking jelly fish was at half way on Tuesday

Mados and Hardy Heads

Wobbegong 200 metres from Shelly

These 2 marine creatures were spotted on Wednesday performing some weird courtship ritual!

Female Gropers showing their spots

 This Blind Shark can often be seen about 150 metres out from the beach in the weed and under rocks.

Jeff with a J and Yellowtail

Poor LSA still trying to get on the blog!

Sheena and Lynn.

 A great shot of Tubby Bishop, Bairdfather and Dreamboat on Bruce’s birthday.

Some more gorgeous, weird and wonderful people at The Benches with Skye’s lovely Laia.

Finishing off with a hug… and just a little plea for kindness…

I’m running a Marathon in April…42 kms. The thought terrifies me, running from Manly to Palm Beach last week did me in, but at the same time I am grateful that with training and support I’ll do it.

My friend Ruth isn’t so lucky… We all have things going on in our life. I know many of you have struggles of your own…Ruth is bravely trying to overcome extreme challenges.

She was a fit, young Mum of 3 doing a Can Too Half Marathon Program when I met her 3 years ago. Now a rare and severe spine and disc degenerative disease has taken over and Doctors and Surgeons have said they can do nothing and she will be a quadriplegic in 5-8 years. Revolutionary, extreme treatment from the US is giving her hope for a better future but she needs a special electric wheelchair. As if her struggles aren’t enough her husband has MS but the family are incredibly strong, positive and brave. Their funds are depleted after adapting their house and car to have some semblance of family life.

If you could possibly help by donating something however small or think maybe someone you know could, please forward this on and click on this link https://www.mycause.com.au/page/85203/runningforruth

The small effort of many of us could make such a difference in the lives of this deserving family. Thank you so very much to the many of you that have donated xx

 

2014 Summer Badge Ceremony – Sunday 22^nd March

You’ve done the hard yards and got your Summer Badge(s), now come and collect your badges with all the pomp and ceremony the B&B can muster.  Bring along $10 for each badge you have earned (correct money appreciated). The venue is the Royal Far West Children’s Home (opposite the beach) on Sunday 22^nd March, straight after the regular swim! Everyone is welcome, family, friends and swimmers alike.

 

A $5 donation will be payable to the RFW at the gate for hosting this event, and …. RFW will provide a FREE breakfast (bacon and egg sandwich and a coffee/tea). Bookings are essential to ensure there is enough food.  Book here for Badge Breakfast

 

All 2014 summer badge qualifiers will be presented with their well earned badge(s), so whether you are getting one personally or you want to enjoy the celebrations of your fellow swimmers, a great morning is guaranteed so come along, soak up the atmosphere and get inspired for the upcoming winter badges…

 

The Next B&B Swim School

It’s that time again! Join Pacific Jules coaches Warren and Sarah Anne for an hour in the ocean and learn to swim with less fight and more flow!

This one hour session in the water will help you understand the way your body relates to the water, how to slice through with minimal effort and naturally build up speed and endurance.

When : Saturday 14 March 9:45-10:45am

Cost : $25

Location : Shelly Beach

Open to everyone and all abilities welcome.

What to bring: swim suit, cap, goggles, wetsuit compulsory, water and money for a hot cuppa afterwards!

Please email info@pacificjules.com.au for more information or to reserve your place.

Special Event – Wine Tasting Dinner!

B&B Monthly Dinner at Bluewater Restaurant is next Tuesday 10th March at 6.30 pm, and includes an exclusive wine tasting for B&B members and their friends.  Bluewater and FESQ & Company Fine Wine Distributors will provide a fabulous meal with four excellent wines to taste from the Tomich Winery in South Australia.  FESQ’s wine specialist Ryan Montgomery will be on hand to explain the subtleties of each wine.

Only $30 a head – includes wine plus shared entrees, and a selection of mains options.  Beer or (additional) wine and desserts also available at only $5 each. Bookings are essential. Numbers are limited and are filling fast.  Please book HERE to avoid disappointment.

Stats

150 swimmers

6 Newbies

21.7 degrees

Signing off

Lainey Loo Manly Beach Running Club this morning with Drinks Express in background.