20/01/2014 – Monday again!!

Monday morning at 6.30am and the Manly foreshore is covered with people doing stuff!

The new trees installed over the weekend receive careful attention from Manly’s finest parks and reserves staff.

The frenetic energy of the weekend swims is replaced by a gentle almost sleepy gathering around the tree.   Even the surf has calmed with barely a ripple in sight.

The ever growing 6.30 Dinks Express confirms the conditions are perfect with improved visibility around the rocks. And well done swimmers! Out of the 169 who registered today, 84 used the i-log. That is 50%!!!.

John’s 7am call stirs attention.  It is time to make like the baby turtles and head down to the sea.

There may be cloud about, but the sun does manage to break through as we head to the point.

007 is concerned that there might have been a false start!  At least half of today’s mob are on their way – mind you they had also completely missed the point!!

Never mind, we all come together at Shelly.  Those early arrivals obviously don’t mind waiting when the weather is so mild.  Just wait for winter. . .

On the way back it is great hanging about the reeds and rocks with Annie and Stephen.  At last with the improved clarity it is possible to see the assorted fish gathered to feed about the rocks.

Sadly missed capturing the stunning Dusky Whaler off the point – it just moves sooo fast.

Did you know that tomorrow – 21 January – is Manly Day!!  According to local history buff Stephen, this marks the day that Arthur Philip landed in the Harbour, arriving first at Manly in 21 January, then over to Farm Cove on 26 January.  Manly being named after the local indigenous tribe who looked  ‘manly’.

Have a great day!  Hope to see you tomorrow.

Mary

B&B i-log (yes, it has a new name)

Now that the new work year has kicked in, save time and be ever so efficient, by using the B&B i-log.  It’s a smart phone friendly website so no need to download, just bookmark it.  There are so many good reasons to use the B&B Login – like no queues, no need for glasses to find your name, never missing the 7am call, and you can do it on the bus or ferry on the way to work.

Log your swim ANYTIME that day for an 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 badge swims

Every Saturday during summer there will be a 6km swim – usual route is to Freshwater and back; then once a month there is a 10km swim – this is to South Curl Curl and back.  However, the final route depends on conditions that day so it is a good idea to arrive a little early to have a briefing from the designated swim leader.  Both swims kick off at 7am.

The proposed date for the next 10km swim is 15 February depending on conditions.   This date will depend on final confirmation of local surf carnivals so keep checking the blog for updates.

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.

2014 B&B Calendar ON SALE NOW!!

Get one for yourself or pin it up at work. Give one to friends or send them overseas to the family back home. Only $15!  BUY YOURS HERE NOW

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: 169

Boulderdash: 4

Newbie:  6

Temp:   21.4 degrees

Sunrise: 6.05 am

Sunset: 8.07 pm