September the 7th, this year is traditionally Father’s Day, but today Father Ian gets a special mention, as it’s his BIRTHDAY! So today, I’ve renamed the day to ‘Happy Ian’s Day’.
You may know Ian? He’s that shy, retiring one that takes photos of you as you turn up for your first swim with ‘The Pink Caps’.
Referred to as ‘Slow Ian’ here is a pic of his best side, speeding off to jump in the ocean.
As a member of ‘The Management’ he is one of those who must be obeyed!
No matter what the weather, Ian is here with a big smile on his face.
He is the man with the badges!. If you’ve earnt one over winter, then turn up to the breakfast on 21 September, to pick up yours.
Or a High Five.
So today, raise your glass (or your goggles) to Happy Ian’s Day!
Lesbubbles (seen here learning to count to ten) would give the second “Let’s Go”
Here’s Simon and his lovely Dad, who kept me company whilst you all swam.
I lent my camera to Lesbubbles, as I’m sadly still not allowed to swim, so let’s see what she captured!
Jk sharing his shower!!
This Sunday, is also Threatened species day. Click here, to see more about this important day:
http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/threatenedspecies/ThreatenedSpeciesDay.htm
Manly has put on its own event relating to shark culling, today, at 11am.
So, whilst we’re celebrating Ian’s Day, let’s also celebrate all the Dads out there and say thank you for turning up. Happy Father’s Day to you all.
Indulgently I’ll say Happy Father’s Day to my Dad way over in the UK, pictured here with my delightful niece!
You too, can make the blog your own! We’re currently looking for those who can spend ten minutes after a swim putting one of these together. Mini – blogs can be completed on your phone!
If you are interested, let Ian Forster, Lesley or Mary know, or comment below.
Speaking of Great Dad’s…….Miles Tollan is speaking on 9th September at 6.30 pm at Bluewater Restaurant
There has been a huge response to this event, so if you are intending to come along book real soon!
Miles Tollan, will give a special presentation about his recent solo crossing of the English Channel. Miles will tell us about his motivation for taking on this challenge, the training he went through and the preparations for the swim itself. This is your chance to hear it first hand and ask the questions you’ve been dying to ask, including all about his miraculous 13 kg weight-gain program!
Usual deal: dinner is only $20 a head and 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: To avoid disappointment and secure your spot please BOOK HERE NOW,
Winter Badge Presentation – 21 September after the swim
You’ve done the hard yards and got your Winter Badge (or even harder yards for a WWW), 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 21st September, straight after the regular swim!
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 winter 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 your upcoming summer badge challenges…
Staying safe
The surf is picking up! 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: 100
Newbies: 4
Temp: 17.1 degrees
Sunrise: 6.04 am
Sunset: 5.40 pm
Signing off: Snorkles
Posted with Blogsy
14 comments
Simon
07/09/2014 at 10:48 am
Sharon
Thanks for yor enjoyable Father’s Day story
Elaine de Jager
07/09/2014 at 10:51 am
Great blog Snorkles and we appreciate you blogging even when you can’t swim. Great idea honouring our Ian who does do such a lot to keep this fantastic group going. He always makes newbies feel so welcome and keeps it inclusive, friendly and well organised. Happy Birthday and Happy Fathers Day Dads!
Elizabeth
07/09/2014 at 11:07 am
Happy birthday Ian! Happy Father’s Day to all dads. Excellent blog and what skill to get an underwater shot of a fish today.
Shrinking Violet
07/09/2014 at 12:11 pm
That’s dedication – turning up to blog even when you don’t swim. Nice one Snorks!
John
07/09/2014 at 1:30 pm
The sea conditions on the way to the point have improved with less rip on the return compared with the last few days.
Well done on the blog Sharon together with Lesley’s pics considering you could not swim today.
Have a great day Ian.
Lee Cooper
07/09/2014 at 1:39 pm
Great blog to honour Ian. Happy birthday Ian and thanks to your beautiful wife, Pauline on the lovely cake, champers and more cake. What a way to spend an early morning – with like minded people
JeffwithaJ
07/09/2014 at 1:53 pm
I enjoyed your blog Sharon and our chat about Indo. Ian and Pauline the birthday cake was sooo delicious, thanks. I turned up at 11am with a gaff and a spear for the shark cull but not much happening in the water when i was there. Maybe they got some later?
John.St xx
07/09/2014 at 2:13 pm
Shazza! Xxx
Slow Ian
07/09/2014 at 3:43 pm
Best blog ever Snorks. Thanks for the good wishes everyone.
Pacific Jules
07/09/2014 at 5:00 pm
Love it Snorkels… Happy Ian’s Day to a very special Ian 😎
Happy Father’s Day to all the Dad’s out there too 😄
Elizabeth X
07/09/2014 at 5:33 pm
‘Here here’ and ‘congratulations’ and ‘for he’s a jolly good fellow’ to Slow Ian. A most worthy honouree today who has definitely made this newbie feel welcome and who does so much almost every day for this wonderful group endeavour we all take part in. Thank you thank you Ian, it is appreciated
Elizabeth X
07/09/2014 at 5:40 pm
Just can’t not comment on that photo of Ted – what a ripper!
There is something almost Bowie-esque about that pic
Is that the B&B version of Blue Steel ie Pink Steel – its better by far
Lips
07/09/2014 at 9:07 pm
Great blog Snorks! I see what you did there with that ‘high five’ photo.
Happy Ian’s Day!
LSA aka HKTQ
08/09/2014 at 3:36 am
Happy Birthday Ian and we also appreciate all your hard work and kind caring for the group!
Exhausted after Day 1 of SwimTrek in Greece….. water was choppier than expected, group is stronger (my usual place at the back) and distances further….
Beautiful scenery, lovely company….