18/02/2014 – Cheer up it’s raining

I was chatting to an Englishman last sunday night who was visiting Australia for the first time and, while visiting some friends on a farm in WA, it started to rain and he said it was the first time he had ever heard people cheer at the sound of rain.  So while it was another dull and overcast day for swimmers I am sure all our firefighters and farmers have been cheering at the recent widespread rain across sothern Australia, I know my garden has been sighing with relief.

The gloomy conditions did not daunt our fearless early morning swimmers, I heard there were some swimmers in the water at 5:30 this morning who proceeded to do a double, we know the gloom would not have deterred them as it would have been pitch black at that hour regardless of the weather.

I had good intentions of arriving nice and early to say good morning to the 6:30 crew but struggled to get of bed in time so I just caught them as they were heading out.

 

 

 

With the speed that this crew swim at you cannot blame a few for starting early!

 

Richard turned up early hoping to pick up his cold and beautiful winter badge but alas Ian was not there today, don’t worry Richard Lesley has promised to bring one tomorrow.

 

Did these bathing beauties compete in the Aussie surfing championships?

 

Hmm, I wonder what our beach would be like without this trusty tractor?

 

The famous Bruce Baird, never one to miss a photo opportunity!

 

Kelly is our latest recruit to the blogging team, if anyone else is interested in doing an occasional blog once a month let Lesley or Ian know, full training will be provided!

 

Some visitors from America

 

The rain hasn’t dampened these smiles

 

 

 

 

Bruce just can’t stay away from the cameras!

 

 

Andrew passing the batton from the 6:30  to the 7AM crew, maybe we should start an all day relay?

 

Into the water!

 

Sparkles was there in spirit!

 

It was a beautiful calm morning for a swim as these B&Bers can attest!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The fish must like the rain as there are plenty about at the moment!

 

Part time blogger Joe Earl filling in for Simon who is visiting Vietnam which I also visited late last year and can highly recommend it, this is how they water the garden over there!

 

The Kam Si Falls in Laos

 

 

February is Heart Research Month, and we’re raising $1 for every kilometre we swim during the month.

We need to start kicking this along!  The swimming is going ok, but a little more for the $$$$ would be great. Here’s the update…

https://redfebrelay.everydayhero.com/au/bold-beautiful-swim-squad-manly

 

B&B i-Log

Almost 50% 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). He will check that your email address is activated on the attendance register then send you info on how to get started.

Summer is going, going . . .

The last Summer Badge Swim for this year is the 6km this coming Saturday!  If you want that badge be at the usual meeting spot by 6.45am for a briefing from the designated swim leader.  The usual route is to Freshwater and back, depending on conditions on the day.  The swim kicks off at 7am with the regular mob.

Bolderdash

This daily swim to Queenscliff and back DEPARTS the surf club at 5.50am.  As these are generally intimate groups, please WAIT for everyone in the water before heading off.  Do buddy up with someone – great to be with someone who has the same pace – that way everyone is ‘accounted for’ at Queenscliff.

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:  136

Newbie:  4

Temp:   21.6 degrees

Sunrise: 6.34 am

Sunset: 7.43 pm