10 /12 /16: Welcome!

This is Ojigi Fukusuke bidding you ‘welcome’ to the blog, to the swim and to a summer of smiles. Being a Japanese symbol of good luck and happiness, who better to herald in the summer badge swims and navigate around challenges (I’m thinking mostly the nasty stinging ones).

 

The pre-swim topic was the 6km and 10km swim. All around the bagging pit, ‘are you doing it. . .?’ was the buzz. Lyndall was keen in her colourful kit. When this woman is focused she is unstoppable!

 

The newbies were being briefed by JK. Fukusuke welcomes all the newbies to the squad. Just remember to meet AT the point and DON’T swim on top of other swimmer unless you want to buy them a coffee afterwards.

While on the subject of warnings; regrettably two swimmers had their bags take a walk with someone else this morning. The squad has been very fortunate that despite the huge number of bags left lying around while we swim, relatively few have been stolen. A reminder; don’t keep your valuables in your swim bag.

But back to the swim.

 

Huge squad today! People swimming everywhere – literally! Not only was there the regular single, but the Doublers, Triplers, 6km’s and 10km’s.

 

 

 

 

Brian and Melissa indulged in a well-earned Bluewater Breakfast after proudly proclaiming themselves as Triplers. That is a lovely new badge introduced last year.

 

There were a couple of birthdays. Alan (?), had the full treatment at Shelly, and Mardi who was the centre of attention around the benches.  Happy Birthday to both of you.

 

 

 

Visibility was slightly improved, but still quite murky across the bay. Movement was spotted of a strange, orange and white beast deep in the shadowy depths. However it turned out to be nothing more exotic than a beach towel!!

A few Old Wives hanging out the Diamond Fish – just proves diamonds are a girl’s best friend!

 

This is all that remains of a Giant Cuttlefish. . .

 

A beautiful Flathead just before the point was not at all fussed about having its photo taken!

 

Swim done, then time for coffee and natter while hanging out with the lads.

 

Have a fun weekend and all the best to the 6km and 10km swimmers

Mary

 

Culture Vulture

If you are looking for rollicking good laugh, wonderful costumes and set and enjoy a farce, do catch A Flea in her Ear at the Drama Theatre. On until next Saturday, it is a perfect destress show.

Lighten Up is also on at The Stables in Darlinghurst. Light, silly with a huge number of Dad jokes and puns, its message about being yourself is a timely as we head into the season of heaving expectation.

If you want to see Rose Byrne on stage – you have just one more week! Speed the Plow at the Roslyn Packer Theatre closes next Saturday. This one, set in the film industry of LA in the 80’s, does focus on hyper masculinity. A subject, perhaps, many of us are well and truly over. . .

B&B Christmas Party – don’t miss out

The B & B Christmas Party is on Tuesday 13^th December at 6.30 pm in the Moonshine Bar (2^nd Floor) at the Steyne Hotel. All swimmers and partners/friends are welcome (no under 18s unfortunately). The theme again this year is simply “Christmas”. So come dressed in your finest Christmas paraphernalia. Lots of fun and dancing are guaranteed, with music by a fantastic rock band “Gluteus Maximus”. The cost is $10 per head, with all proceeds going to the running costs of the B&B. Book HERE now! Don’t miss out on this fun event, numbers are limited.

2016 Calendars

The B&B Christmas calendars are on sale! Grab one for yourself, and many more as stocking fillers!

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

Ocean           Mostly flat with a little swell at Shelly – much bigger at Queenscliff

Temp:           20.4º (or there abouts)

Vis:                still poor

Seaweed:      Going, going ….

Air:               rather pleasant

Sun:              Hiding behind some big grey clouds. Good for the longer swims

Swimmers:   Looked like thousands, but maybe closer to 300

Newbies:      more than one. . .!