Hi Folks,
Well I’ve been asked back to contribute to the blog again. I clearly didn’t insult enough people in my first blog to get voted off the blogging panel and I’ve managed to get the photos around the right way.
So her goes blog number 2.
“There was movement at the station as word had passed around that John Bond was about to reach 2,000km of swimming with B&B”. I’m sure Banjo Paterson wouldn’t have minded me borrowing his words for such a grand occassion.
This edition is dedicated to John Bond who celebrated 2,000 km by completing a double from Manly to Shelly today. Huge congratulations!!!!! Having only racked up a little over 15 km’s myself I’m in awe at this achievement. He is the very first member of B&B to achieve this milestone and I understand 30 odd members have achieved the 1,000 km mark.
The surf was up today with overcast conditions. as a result many chose to hop in from Fairy Bower (wise choice). Several swimmers felt what it’s like to be in a washing machine as they took on the big waves on the return journey. Much sand was lodged in swimming costumes as a result of being dumped. What a great way to start the weekend!
Speaking of that, it was noticed by observing quite a few bleary eyed swimmers, that pre xmas celebrations had been in full swing on Friday night. However it was great to see a sizeable turnout for this mornings’ swim.
John Bond after finishing his 2,000kms
John Bond’s fan club help to celebrate!
Not the best piccie, however the waves were challenging today!
Even Premier Mike Baird made an appearance and was graced with a leg raise from Annie
Looks like long beards and moustaches are back in vogue seaweed style!
Just makes you want to dance!
Skylarking at Shelly Beach
Fit lads gearing up for the return journey!
Smiles all round!
The girls following their hubbies around to Shelly Beach
The guys couldn’t wait to get back to their little ones! Tim was childless today!
No subtletly with this photo bomb!
A family affair!
Happiness times 5!
The dynamic duo of Annie and Arabella (after a few too many cocktails last night, great effort to turn up today)
I never tire of seeing this shot as the pink caps congregrate at Shelly!
Couldn’t resist getting a snap these two pooches
For those embarking on xmas holidays, safe travels and mega fun times with friends and family during the festive season.
Until next time, be well!
Hugs and more hugs,
Declan Barnett
16 comments
Mary
13/12/2014 at 12:21 pm
Congrats 007! Inspiring commitment to open water swimming.
Great account of today’s swim Declan. It was a murky, lumpy swim. Well done to the certified maniacs who braced the surf.
Snorkles
13/12/2014 at 12:47 pm
Great blog Declan! And you already know so many of the regulars.
The pooch photo is worthy of a caption competition!
LSA aka HKTQ
13/12/2014 at 1:27 pm
Great blog, great achievement, OO7!
Wishing everyone a great Xmas and holiday season and looking forward to seeing your all again on our return!
Go for it on the PC all of you who’ve been crushed in the last few weeks and have lots of lovely long swims…..I’m not expecting my no 24 spot or 30 day record again for a very long time:)
Anne E
13/12/2014 at 1:28 pm
Massive effort, John Bond! A double today and a double millennium deserves a second 1000 badge! We might have to direct the Pacific Challenge to the moon soon! Congratulations!
Tayls
13/12/2014 at 1:51 pm
fantastic effort JB. Inspirational….
Alyson
13/12/2014 at 1:51 pm
You’re the man, John!, booyyaaaa!! That is crazy incredible, congratulations!!
Management
13/12/2014 at 2:09 pm
Unfortunately there is no 2000 km badge, but JB is now eligible for a second 1000 km badge.
Annie Wannie Wu
13/12/2014 at 2:13 pm
The temperature’s heating up with Mr Bond around….he has ignited a fire in all our bellies’ to aim for anything even remotely close to his epic 2000km. I’ll do a double one day….its just that at the point, my body seems to automatically swim to shore where my trusty uggies and hot coffee await.
Awesome Blog Declan… It captures the inclusivity of our wonderful community. I enjoy catching up on the photos of people who were there that I didn’t happen to see….and especially this morning, with a slight Premier distraction…..
And speaking of which, Bella and I are trying to work out who loves Mike Baird more….and in fact, the entire Baird family..
John
13/12/2014 at 2:14 pm
Thank you Declan and for the complimentary words from swimmers this morning and in the comments above.
I might drop in for a beer when I reach Townsville.
The cancellation of the 6k and 10k was our safe option today. Rough conditions prevailed especially at South Curl Curl when I checked at 5.30 this morning. We will have to reassess next Saturday.
Have a safe trip Sarah and Jon and have a great Xmas.
ros ex
13/12/2014 at 2:20 pm
I never tire of seeing all the happy faces in the blog! Great work Declan!
Bernhard
13/12/2014 at 2:32 pm
inspiring effort John, congrats. This deserves the SOTY title (Swimmer of the Year). What are your next objectives, crossing the Torres Strait and heading for PNG, or will you be turning back to Manly once you have reached the Top end (assuming retirement is not an option)?
Jane
13/12/2014 at 5:53 pm
Fab achievement 007! …..and fab photobomb, Nick – one of the best.
Elizabeth X
13/12/2014 at 8:31 pm
Thanks for a great blog Declan and well done on a superb photobomb Nick – perfectly timed. Well done John Bond !!
Claudia
13/12/2014 at 8:56 pm
Congratulations John Bond!! You are a legend!!
Jenny Holmes
14/12/2014 at 3:45 pm
Good on you, John. All those early mornings come rain, hail or shine are an inspiration. What a hero!
Neil Richardson
15/12/2014 at 10:51 am
Congratulations to John from afar too! 2000 km of swimming in total over the period Pacific Challenge has been running is a great achievement.
I struggle to keep my TOTAL open water swim distance – river, lake or sea – advancing at the rate of the first column Pacific Challenge distances. (For comparison my total OW distance (wherever swum) since my visit in 2012 is 1647 km: a lot of that is river swims with some current assistance.)