16/4/16 – A blog searching for a title

Sometimes the hardest part of writing the blog is the title.  Trying to find something catchy to draw the readers attention has the potential to cause normally clear thinking to descend into a nasty spiral of ever decreasing circles.

So let’s just look at what we had today.  An amazing mid-autumn day with an expected high of 24 degrees. A beautiful clear morning greeted literally hundreds of swimmers as they made their way to B&B Central.

Rainer brought along all his toys today!  He is a man prepared for any situation.

In the midst of a huge crowd some find a quiet personal space for deep contemplation. Thoughts of ‘beach or half way’, is many times the idea being considered.  Certainly this morning there were waves. Not huge crashing ones, but big enough to cause the pulse to rise.  To add to the challenge, they were breaking on the sandbank which made them look more fierce than the were.

Confession number one; I do find them challenging. However, good advice from those who don’t fear the walls of water is to count the sets – after four waves check for a rouge fifth, if it’s not there, swim as fast as you can.

JK also made a public request to MEET AT THE POINT!. Indeed it is when you can see the light pole, but you also need to be able to see the blue of the clubhouse roof.

Duly ‘told off’, the horde of swimmers headed out to the beach.

And the waves were fun. . .

There was love at the point today. Or was it a congratulatory kiss for having made it through the waves.

The swell has stirred up the water so not as clear as earlier in the week, but still gloriously warm at 22.2 degrees.

Gareth is loving the weather.

Sterling of the sub-group that shall not be named (although sometimes referred to as the Year 6 boys), is loving his Manly lifestyle.

Our only management representative today – the lovely JK. Which leads to confession number two; I did ask JK if I could swim with him through the waves. Being the wonderful gentleman that he is, he naturally agreed and suggested if separated, to meet at the point.  We missed each other – but JK waited, and waited, and waited.  Message in this story? Let someone know you are ok before they turn into a wrinkled prune waiting for you.

Wonderful, colourful swimmers and a token blog tart!  I was wondering where they had all gone. . .

This was taken yesterday – but I heard that the puffer fish was spotted again today.

And this poor lost Clown Triggerfish (unless it is on holidays or on an advance scouting mission) usually lives on the Barrier Reef!!

Saturdays are great for taking extra time at the benches to indulge in the real reason we swim – to drink more coffee. Gayle is totally enjoying not having to rush to work as she takes time to sip slowly and catch up on the news.

Lyndall came down (for coffee) to show off her beautiful new bike which was a birthday present.

Culture corner

As the Elizabeth often shares which books she reads, I thought I would share what plays I have seen.  Last night, I saw Hay Fever at the Drama Theatre.  It is a rollicking good show written by Noel Coward, well worth going to see. Hay Fever

Our very own Jeff Parsons will be appearing in a local production of Everything in the Garden later next week.  Check out the details here Everything in the Garden

B&B Swim School is Back

Join Pacific Jules Coach Sarah Anne for an hour at Shelley Beach to learn the essentials of how to breathe in your freestyle stroke, and ultimately how to swim more efficiently in the open water.

If you’ve attended these workshops before, then it’s the perfect chance to brush up on your technique and work on progressing your stroke..

Date: Saturday 30 April 2016 9:45-10:45AM
Cost: $25
Location: Shelly Beach
Open to everyone and all abilities welcome. Bring: swim suit, cap, goggles, wetsuit, water and money for a hot cuppa afterwards!

Pink Wednesdays at Whitewater Restaurant

From 2nd March, every Wednesday will be PINK WEDNESDAY at WHITEWATER RESTAURANT. B&B swimmers will receive a massive 50% discount on all food items when they present their “PINK WEDNESDAY” CARD. See previous blogs for details.

Staying safe

If you bring along a friend please ensure they can swim!!!

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

Regulars:   Lots

Newbies:   At least one – who really should not have gone near the water.

Temp:         22.2 degrees

Sunrise:      6.18am

Sunset:       5.31pm