14/01/2018 – Chilled Sunday Morning

It was a gentler dawn that greeted us this morning. A kinder temperature of 13 degrees plus rain, made it a chilled Sunday morning. Delightfully the big swell of yesterday was replaced with the occasional, very little wave.

Paul and Richard are still in waking up mode as they shelter under the marquee kindly provided by the club – although not really for us. . .

 

In the absence of the official B&B Calendar, Peter Barford has produced one using his photos.  Here he is with Anne, another keen photographer. If you have not seen Peter’s remarkable photography maybe check out his Facebook page.  He is truly a master at capturing the sights of Cabbage Tree Bay with his beautiful work.

Inge introduced me to David this morning. David is not a swimmer, but comes down every day with his dog to soak up the warm, collegial atmosphere of the B&B. Do say ‘hello’, next time you see him.

 

And look who is back!  JK has recently completed a tour of boutique breweries of the NSW North Coast. He is welcomed back by Jeff, the stylish master of the casual debonair ‘tude.

 

 

Aly and Martin arrived back from Germany last night. Hopefully here for a little while. . .

 

 

Roger leads the return of the 6.30am – the water is a balmy 22 degrees today!

 

A couple of dodgy blokes on the ramp. Beware! They splash.

 

Not sure how many out there today – but it looked quite a sizable crowd for a rainy, chilly, Sunday morning.

 

However, for some – like this smiley swimmer – it was their very FIRST swim.

 

 

 

 

 

Remarkably there was a large contingent of the squad actually at the Point!

 

Possible reason was a very large Eagle Ray doing laps around the point.

 

The crossing of the bay was so peaceful this morning. No big rolling waves, or choppy swell, plus there was reasonable visibility.

There was a rather large boat not far off Shelly. Those on board did look a little surprised to be surrounded by pink capped swimmers! They were friendly and waved for the camera. Sadly they were not offering coffee or egg and bacon rolls. . .

 

The big event today was Jo’s 1000km!!!

 

A hunt for the Giant Cuttlefish was mounted by Julia, however all that was found were the Old Wives, Yellowtails along with the Eagle Ray still doing laps at the Point.

Back at the cafe, Jo regaled a captive audience with stories from her 1000km.

 

 

 

Gemma even baked a cake for the occasion. Here she and Sue are contemplating how to divide the last few pieces among the remaining swimmers, or just eat it themselves?

 

Jo’s dog offered to relieve them of the dilemma.

 

And then that was it! The rain had disappeared, and the sun shone on Manly beach. Just another easy Sunday morning.

 

Have a great day.

 

Mary

 

Management Notices

Volunteers Needed

The upcoming Cole Classic is coming to Manly and the surf club wishes to apply as many Bronze Medallion qualified lifesavers as they can to water safety. Those interested and able to help out with the running of this years event – if you can donate any time to help with beach side activities such as bag control, registrations, lost children etc.

Can you please email our own Jim Stackpool who will coordinate with club?

email Jim – jjs@scat.com.au or talk to him during the swim.

Ask at the desk to point out Jim if you do not know him.

Shelly Beach Clean & Snorkel

Clear Tides is a non-profit organisation that was established in 2017 by Marine biology student, bold and beautiful swimmer and cabbage tree bay snorkel instructor – Jessica Brading. The mission of the organisation is to spread our love and respect for the ocean, environment and marine animals.

On Sunday 21st January, Clear Tides is holding their first ever event – SHELLY BEACH CLEAN AND SNORKEL!

Head on over to Shelly beach after your morning swim and help Jess and her team clean up our beloved bay and then head out for a snorkel after (or another swim if your game). If thats not enough incentive… theres free brunch!

Invite your friends and family – lets team up and support local organisations in maintaining our beautiful cabbage tree bay.