It looked a bit messy arriving at B&B Central. The early swimmers assured us that it ‘wasn’t that bad’, but given that Miles might have been comparing it to a Channel crossing, I’m less than assured.
The great news is the water temperature is steadly rising!!
And Jane is back from holidays.
The squad split between beach and half-way. Renae, who had gone in with the 6:30 crew, told me that the swirling currents had ripped off one of her fins. Plus . . . there are bluebottles!
Half-way is a great option even if the stairs and beach are littered with bluebottles!
At Shelly the sun came out along with radiant smiles and some early season blog tarts.
Despite the swell, there is a slight improvement in visibility, with swimmers reporting sightings of Port Jacksons, Wobbegongs, and Mullet.
And lots of bluebottle stings. . . . Poor JK managed to run into them both ways!
Sharnie found a hessian bag! It must have been floating around for a while as it had barnacles on the straps.
Don’t forget the Winter Badge presentation on Sunday! Start making room on those B&B hoodies – and if you don’t have a hoodie; go to the website and order one.
Have a great day
Mary
Winter Badge Presentation – This Sunday (21 September) after the swim
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 7am 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…
Calling all media tarts
James Pittar is doing his annual swim from Long Reef to North Steyne on Sunday 28th September to raise money for The Fred Hollows Foundation. James is asking swimmers to join him from Shelly to North Steyne with a BBQ to be held afterwards at North Steyne SLSC.
With Channel 9 coming down to film it is hoped that there will be lots of swimmers to join him. As seasoned swimmers along this route, the B&B guys are especially welcome.
To sign up to be part of James’s support team Click here for the link to the website and further information. Got a question? Contact Annabelle Sims via email asims@hollows.org or phone 0422 947 739.
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. Do read these excellent tips on staying safe in the surf. To read, or even download, click here.
The Stats
Regulars: 69
Newbies: 0
Temp: 18.5
Sunrise: 5.54am
Sunset: 5.47pm
7 comments
Jane
16/09/2014 at 12:08 pm
Sharnie – are you sure that isn’t a dead Wobbegong you are holding?
It’s so good to be back after wrestling with Nessie in Scotland – better than Bluebottles any day…….
Miles
16/09/2014 at 12:50 pm
Lots of wildlife around today, in and out of the water!
R Ex
16/09/2014 at 12:54 pm
Loved that last picture, Mary. A very mysterious composition!
Renae Fowler
16/09/2014 at 1:09 pm
That Hessian Bag scared the crap out of me. I had no idea what it was, that’s when I lost my flipper…..
Did anyone manage to come across my flipper?
Lips
16/09/2014 at 3:44 pm
Agree Renae. At first I thought it was a dead seal. Then I thought it was Shaun.
Great blog Mary. Fun swim. Crazy rollercoaster around the point.
The elder blond wobby
16/09/2014 at 7:42 pm
Yes me too, I thought it was a giant monster . Sorry I didn’t find your flipper Renae
lesbubbles
17/09/2014 at 1:29 pm
if you blur your eyes a bit it DOES look like Shaun!!