15/04/2014 – Embracing the cooler days

With the changing season there are some people out there who start to slip a little deeper under the doona.  Not us! We laugh as the thermometer displays 11 degrees. . . Well at least 85 of us did today.

The grey morning with rain out to sea has become a bit repetitive these past few weeks – it is beginning to feel like an eternity since we saw the sunshine.

A very bright spot at today’s gathering was the appearance of our gorgeous elder statesman, Michael Christie.  He is here for a couple of weeks, so do make sure that you come for a swim to catch up.  He told me that ‘what’s her name’, may also make an appearance.

Stadler and Waldorf keep an eye on the gathering crowd.

Fifi has a way of standing out in a crowd!!

Then it was the usual drill – head out to the point.  No matter the temperature, water is always wet making those moments wading in a battle between the ears.  Why am I here? Is the oft asked question at this time.

Rhonda attempts a photobomb – then runs away. . .

A little frivolity while hanging about the point until JK does his thing.

With his next swim, Rusty, the one on the right, will hit the magic 1000km mark!!

And here is the 500 and doublers club at the eastern side of Shelly.

While the water looks like a CGI backdrop, it was not clear enough to see the marine life this morning.  Just a couple of the regulars – much like us – hanging about at the point.

Arriving back at Manly, the sun finally came out.  Bliss.  Make me so grateful to be able to do this swim in such wonderful company.

Did anyone find a GoPro?  A young surfer lost his in the surf yesterday afternoon.  He said it was somewhere between the ramp and the point.  Should you find it, please give it to one of the management.

See you tomorrow

Mary

There is nothing trivial about the Trivia Night – Save the date!!

The next significant date in the B&B social calendar is the annual Trivia Night at the Steyne Hotel on Tuesday 6th May!  So save the date, gather your team, and start preparing to join the exclusive ranks of former Trivia Winners who have squared up to our very own quizmaster, John Kelly.

If you would like to help out, we need some volunteers on the night.  Plus if you could donate items for team prizes, auction items or raffle prizes that would be great. Any goods or services will be most gratefully received, and the funds raised will go towards the B&B’s running costs. This year we will be joined by the Royal Far West who will be assisting in fundraising for the event, and will receive part of the funds raised on the night. For donations, please contact Ian (0142 331530 or ugoboyo@gmail.com).

B&B i-Log

Really if you haven’t been using the B&B i-Log then you must be new!!  Almost 75% of swimmers are now using the B&B i-Log. Log your swim ANYTIME of day using this really efficient and easy way to ensure your swim is recorded in the daily attendance and on the Pacific Challenge. To get started, send an email to Ian Forster ugoboyo@gmail.com (This is not a link so please copy and paste into your email). He will check that your email address is activated on the attendance register then send you info on how to get started.

Staying safe

We have had seen the return of some serious waves and rips this past week!  Were you prepared? 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:  85
Newbie:
Temp:   22.4 degrees
Sunrise: 6.17 am

Sunset: 5.33 pm