16/12/2015 – Fish, Fun and Fair Weather

Yes believe it or not those of you who thought it would be rainy and miserable this morning and stayed in bed… it was beautiful down at our favourite corner from 5.30- 8.30am! You should have joined the +/- 145 of us who swam in great conditions!

 

The Booty Campers at 6.30am

 

Penny, Lisa, Al, Jenny, Jim, Shelly, Henrietta, Nicky, Dorset, Richard, John, Martin, David, Justus and John. Say ‘Hello’ to them tomorrow if you don’t know them!

Martin, second from left is on his 5th swim. Soon he’ll be addicted. The best drug, the B&B swim!

 

I love catching swimmers being caught by a wave, only small ones today though and the water was 21 degrees!

 

Lucy with her friend Shelly. (We’ve got a few Shellys swimming with us now. The one who blogs with me on Wednesdays has the biggest boobs though 😉 It’s a big day for Lucy tomorrow!

 

Woody and Rob. Rob told me he’s dining with Harrison Ford at the weekend. (Woody is dining with Peter Anthony.)

and Bruce gives us a thumbs up!

 

Stace is happy. Louise has finished teaching for the year and can join him on every swim now!

 

This happy trio are off to do their ‘Map of Tassie’ swim!

 

It was just stunning swimming to The Point and seeing that sun struggling to shine on us again!

 

Ian, Lesbubbs and Rusty pose for an underwater shot but the water wasn’t too clear at The Point.

 

I swam off to the flat rocks though and it was a lot clearer there. A Sergeant Baker speeds away as I dive down.

 

Then I see a fish I haven’t seen before. It’s not a Bannerfish which we have had before. Can our Marine Biologists Penny and Penny or Jane identify please?

 

This beautiful, large Blue Groper seemed pleased to see me and came close!

 

Even the Crimson Banded Wrasse wasn’t too shy…

 

Taking fish photos did make me late to catch you up so I missed most of the action at Shelly.

 

I ran around from halfway but just got there for the ‘Let’s Go’.

Luckily these Blog Tarts were left for a photo! Little Sarah has been clocking up the kms since recovering from her chest infection. She did 10 kms on Saturday with Storchy and has been doing Doubles or Triples every day since. Unfortunately she is returning to Hong Kong with John tomorrow for a couple of months 🙁

 

I snorkelled back with Sarah B and we saw loads of fish. This large Stingray…

 

Lovely Wobbie…

 

and the friendly Groper was back!

 

 

Bullseyes

 

Bengali Sergeant

 

and a beautiful group of Old Wives all huddled together!

 

Sarah and the Groper!

Goatfish and Wrasse

 

That’s all for today. Just a reminder below about the 6 and 10km swims. I’ve reposted one of Roger’s amazing cartoons to remind us all.

Also remember everyone is welcome to join us at The Benches on Christmas Day after the swim. Bring a plate of cakes, slices, frittata or fruit to share if you can and wear Christmassy clothes! Here’s a couple of photos from last year!

 

 

My amazing friend Margaret-Anne Hayes has almost raised $200,000 for Can Too/Cure Cancer. She asked if I could post this on today’s blog.

   CAN TOO FOUNDATION, Cancer Research Auction Prize

    Emirates Economy flight for two to Auckland, New Zealand, valid till 6th December, 2016

   

    One nights accommodation at Auckland’s top hotel, The Langham.  This package also includes:

    Butler service including pressing of three garments and shoe shine

    Full use of the Health and Wellbeing facilities including the fitness studio and outdoor pool

    Full access to The Langham Club including breakfast, afternoon tea and evening canapes.

 

    High Tea at new cafe opening March 2016 by one of Auckland’s leading cafe owners and patisserers.

 

    Mystery gift.   Plus still hoping to get transport to and from home to Sydney airport.

 

    Offers: Around the $1300 mark.  Further details, margaretanneh@bigpond.com or 0412 175 006.

    Payment to be made to www.cantoo.org.au/fundraisers/MargaretAnneHayes

    For more details re Can Too/Margaret-Anne Hayes (Centurion) www.cantoo.org.au

   

   

B&B Notice Board

2016 Calendars

The 2016 B&B calendars are now on sale. Get your copy from Ian any day at the swim, or order online HERE. They make a great Christmas gift for family and friends, here or overseas. This year the calendars are even more impressive in a larger A3 format, all for the same cost as last year – just $15 each.

Parking

B&B members do not have permission to park in any car spot or bay that belongs to the surf club.  Please adhere to this rule.  There is plenty of parking in the Council car park at no charge to you.

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.

Signing off Lainey Loo

P.S. Our lovely swimmer Deanna who had a heart scare yesterday is undergoing tests at North Shore this afternoon. She thanks everyone for their help, care and concern especially Dr Cathie xx