As we approach the autumn equinox, 103 sun
loving, pink capped, swimmers hit the surf this morning. Ok, so there wasn’t any surf – but you know
what I mean.
The cooler morning
temperature might make throwing off the bedclothes more challenging, but the
water is warm and inviting at 22.4 degrees. And after all, you’re never alone ’cause there are always a few other maniacs ready to take the plunge.
The early lappers reported all was perfect for the swim. Indeed it was simply stunning in the water.
And then there is the glorious sunrise!
This is what greeted us at the point this morning.
Lots of happy smiles all round as the
conditions were given 9 out of 10. Loss
of 1 point for the sea lice. . .
Shelly was all a buzz with sightings of the
remarkable array of sea life this morning!
While visibility has improved I have
to apologise for not being able to bring you photos. The low light is a challenge for my camera (where is Stephen when you need him. . .!) Nice bubbles tho!!!
It was a perfect day for a double – if you
are into that sort of thing. Mind you it
was an even better day to stalk the Eagle Ray swimming just off the point! This elegant creature was not alone! Also spotted were a Fiddler Ray, Port Jackson,
Dusky Whalers and a huge school of yellow tail which in a certain light did
indeed look pink.
No doubt Elaine
and Alyson will provide a long list in the comments later today.
Such a perfect start to the day. If you didn’t make it today, do try for
tomorrow. It is so worth the effort.
Mary
Summer
badges
The Summer Badge Ceremony will be held at Whitewater
Restaurant at 8 am, after our regular swim on Sunday 24th March, when the 6 km
and 10 km badges will be awarded. All swimmers are welcome but bookings are
essential. If you want breakfast, the cost for coffee and breakfast is $15,
payable on the day. Please book by following the link Summer Badge
Ceremony
Badges are $10 each. To assist with the smooth running of the
event, you can please pay in advance if possible – see Ian, John K. or Lesley
before or after the swim any day. You must pay on the day if you don’t pay
beforehand.
For
the diary . . .
Tuesday 2nd April is the next Bluewater
dinner. You’ve seen the photos, so come
along and make merry. Great value at just $20 for two courses with
$5 drinks. To register your attendance follow the link Bluewater
Monthly Dinner
Relay
For Life
Last year
the B&B had a team in very successful Relay For Life event. The staggering
$209,000 raised by the event will go towards research, support, prevention,
education, information and advocacy program.
To celebrate
the success the organisers want to thank all the 2012 teams by inviting them to
an action packed afternoon of Barefoot Bowls hosted by Rock ‘n Bowl.
As part of
the afternoon festivities the B&B team’s efforts will be recognised with a
special presentation, followed by many laughs, a delicious barbeque and some
barefoot bowls. The Manly Relay For Life Rock n Bowl is free to attend. Please RSVP by Wednesday 27th March,
2013 by calling 9334 1600 or email: northernsydneyevent@nswcc.org.au
And because
it was so much fun last year, there is an exclusive Early Bird Special for the
B&B of only $10pp to register for the 2013
Manly Relay For Life. Jules Mackin
is the team captain and chief organiser.
Give her a call on 0430 156 170 if you want to join the team.
Staying safe
NEW water safety tips!!!
Michael’s tips remain valid but this updated guide is courtesy of champion Ironman Craig ‘Riddo’
Riddington. He has put this RIP/ Surf
swim education document together for the B&B and it’s a good read. To read and even download click here.
The Stats
Regulars: 103
Newbies: 2
Doubles: 4
Temp: 22.4
degrees
Sunrise:
6.57am
Sunset: 7.09pm
17 comments
Lainey Loo
19/03/2013 at 11:21 am
It was an absolutely beautiful swim today. You captured the swim with the sunrise perfectly Mary. The eagle ray and blind sharks were amazing and I’ve just been back in to look for them but didn’t see them. Great aquarium swimming at moment though! Hope it keeps that way for my Thursday blog!
Little Sarah Abbott aka Hong Kong Triad Queen
19/03/2013 at 11:40 am
Beautiful photography, Mary. We’re so fortunate to be able to do this lovely swim and to have lovely Bloggers to capture it on film too:-)
To add to the statistics, 4 Frosty Nutters set off at 6.15 on a bolderdash. Jon and I followed at 6.30 and it was heavenly, every stroke of the way there and back (apart from a sting!)…… Also at 6.30, about ten set off on the Shelly ghost-train.
For those struggling with the dark mornings, join us at 7.00 (or earlier) while these perfect conditions last!
Slow Lips formerly known as Lips
19/03/2013 at 12:00 pm
LSA, missed you this morning. Neil stepped up to the challenge, however, and led the 6:59 splinter group to the point and on to Shelly. So I just followed his big blue flippers.
Perfect day for your Bolderdash though. I was a bit jealous when I saw the conditions. Who got stung btw? And by what?? Sea lice?
See you tomorrow!
Ian Mac
19/03/2013 at 12:08 pm
I look forward to celebrating the huge success of Manly’s first ever Relay For Life with the B & B over a lot of laughs and some Bare Foot Bowls on April 7th 2-4pm.
Bring friends and Family down but please RSVP by Wednesday 27th March, 2013 by calling 9334 1600 or email: northernsydneyevent@nswcc.org.au
Ian MacDougall
Relay Chair
Little Sarah Abbott aka Hong Kong Triad Queen
19/03/2013 at 12:21 pm
We missed you too. It was perfect timing as we arrived back with Leswee and the pack for the first time ever! Sunrise on the right, lit up shore on the left…easy, glassy glide….
Not sure if it was a jimble or a rogue bluey on my cheek , but it certainly didn’t affect the swim or our smiles… a very minor one.
See you tomorrow!
Robster the Blogster
19/03/2013 at 1:03 pm
Love the soft tone of your blogs Mary, really nice to read. That sunrise pic is even better than mine! See you all tomorrow.
Leswee
19/03/2013 at 1:06 pm
I don’t think they were bubbles Mary… but sea lice!! or baby jelly fish??
the water was full of them!!
What an amazing swim…so calm and the clearest I have seen it on ages!! And there’s those new sand ridges on the sea bed coming into Shelley…did anyone else see them??
John
19/03/2013 at 1:12 pm
Mary you were right,it was a perfect day for a double. Joe, Brian,Chris and myself enjoyed the calm conditions in beautiful sunshine.
MIAJules
19/03/2013 at 1:13 pm
Thanks Mary for your wonderful blog and for mentioning the Manly Relay, as per Ian Mac – Relay Chair please get involved folks and join in the celebrations with some free Bare Foot Bowls fun on Sunday April 7th, starting at 2pm. Take your family and friends along, please RSVP by Wednesday 27th March, 2013 by calling 9334 1600 or email: northernsydneyevent@nswcc.org.au
Celebrate the Success!!
Alyson
19/03/2013 at 1:24 pm
I wont let you down Mary….. Another great blog, beautiful shots of the sunrise. I had a friend come along today who was spoilt by the marine life and awesome conditions, and she is now keen to come every week! The eagle ray was awesome and I think Elaine saw a big albino ray ( not sure what they are called?)
Alyson
19/03/2013 at 1:25 pm
You went back in without me? 🙁 can’t blame you, hard to resist with conditions so good!
Alyson
19/03/2013 at 1:26 pm
Ouch, Renea got stung on the cheek too, so there must have been a rogue little patch or one very busy lone bluey!
Little Sarah Abbott aka Hong Kong Triad Queen
19/03/2013 at 1:40 pm
007, how about a triple tomorrow starting with the 6.30 Shelly ghost train?
OK, Super Slowies, that means five mins earlier (or more!) for us….. Just talked myself into it:)
Leswee, see you at 6.23 for the ghost train blog!
"Snorkles"
19/03/2013 at 3:27 pm
So clear today and nice to be in the water!!! Well done Mary …I do believe that the Lips has snuck in one of the photos though!
Mary
19/03/2013 at 3:52 pm
Yes, Lips is ever present! But in a nice way.
Slow Lips formerly known as Lips
19/03/2013 at 4:10 pm
Don’t be too hard on yourself Mary. You tried. You even resisted capturing my little stunt at Shelly. To no avail.
It is practically impossible to produce a Lips-free blog. Many bloggers before you have tried and failed.
Laney-Loo formerly known as E-lane
19/03/2013 at 5:41 pm
I don’t think they were sea lice as i felt zapped as i swam through them but haven’t got any bites on me. I think Renae and LSa just copped a rogue bluey. The eagle ray and blind shark or sharks were fantastic. I called that white stingray an albino stingray as thought it sounded interesting. Not sure if it’s a real name!