06/06/13 – The Agony and the Ecstasy!

111 swimmers this morning on the first Thursday of Winter… It’s been a week of more than 100 swimmers every day, many without a wetsuit. Some think it’s agony feeling that first cold wave but the ecstasy of the hot water bottle after the swim, wow!!!! John K shares the love with Bella!

The ‘Drinks Express’ went off at 6.30am again today (without Drinks who joined us at 7am!). Shady Shaun told us he went shark whispering at 6am on his own. He says his arm is the one on the right coming in!

The sunrise wasn’t as spectacular today, (we are getting fussy now), but still great to be in Manly at this beautiful time of the day, the sky is gorgeous…The 6.59am’ers give us a joy jump before getting in the ocean!

Peter and Karen do their pre-swim warm-ups.

A few holes, dips and waves getting in!

Krystina is feeling the cold…

But plenty of smiles at The Point!

And off we go to Shelly. It’s a bit ‘lumpy’ today! The eskimoes have so many words to describe snow we have a few to describe the ocean! 

At Shelly our latest blog tart, Cara, gives us her winning smile doggy style!

Herman was our 4000’th swimmer and he shouts ‘Let’s Go!’ We are up to about 5060 swimmers now who have swam with us at least once. Think we should have a 6000th party! There’s talk about a B&B Ball and a Christmas in July Dinner!

On the way back I see a few duskies but visibility isn’t so good today. (He has been zoomed in on!) We love sharing Cabbage Tree Bay with these beautiful creatures!

I swim to the spot where the old wives congregate, (the fish not women ;-)) and dive down and do see a couple but I’ll admit I took this photo a few days ago. Can you see the wobbegong camouflaged amongst them?

Over by the tall palm tree, at my usual fish snapping spot there isn’t a lot around and I’m getting very cold but I’ll just include this photo from Saturday when I caught the groper being ‘escorted’ by 2 old wives!

It was a bit ‘rippy’ getting back in, but the waves made it more fun. Some described it as a ‘hard’ swim today but we embrace challenges! 

And there is the excitement of knowing we have the ultimate delight waiting for us back at the Surf Club, the ecstasy of that bottle filled with hot water! Yay!!!

It’s so worth swimming guys even if it does feel a bit cold getting in, you feel SOOO good afterwards, but you must remember your bottles filled with hot water!!!

Remember to check The Pacific Challenge to see if you are nearing your 500 km badge. Well done if you are!!! Get the coveted badge from Lesley for $10.

Thank you to all of you who came to Bluewater Cafe on Tuesday night. Dr Ray’s presentation about the work he does in Nepal was moving and inspiring. So many of you said you want to go and help. Please do!!! Jules Isbill is intending to go next year so we could have a B&B reunion over there!

Thank you also for your donations which Dr Ray wasn’t expecting. Jenny K collected $1000. With 2 tablets at $1 each, saving women haemorraging to death whilst giving birth, that money can do an enormous amount. To visit the website go to http://www.a4wh.org/

 A few photos of the fantastic evening are included below.

And Jane, Izzy and Shady Shaun collecting their 500 km badges!

I’m sure we all agree Bluewater cafe did a fantastic job of catering for over 100 of us. The food was superb and excellent value.

Sacha has asked us to remind you to show your B&B card when ordering $2 take-away coffees and large are an extra $1 with 50 cents extra for soy. Still such a great deal. Please listen out for your breakfast order in the mornings too and don’t eat someone else’s order. Also put a review on Eatability or Trip Advisor singing the praises of Bluewater Cafe if you can!

Staying safe

While there has been little wave action to test the surf skills, you never know when the sea will show its turbulent side.  Stay safe by knowing how to read the signs with these water safety tips courtesy of champion Ironman Craig ‘Riddo’ Riddington. It’s a great read and can help keep you safe in the surf.  To read, or even download, click here.

The Stats

Regulars:  111

Early lappers: around 20. 

Newbies: 1

Doublers:  looks like there were at least 2

Water Temp: 19.8  Air Temp 13.5

Sunrise: 6.54am

Sunset: 4.53pm

Signing off

Lainey Loo aka Elaine