This morning we farewelled Julie Isbill, Michael Christie and their friendly swimming buddies from WA, The Polar Bears! It was great to have Jules and Michael swimming with us again for the last three days. The amazing pair who started this swim group and made it the inclusive, welcoming, fun loving group it is today! Michael says, ‘Jules got the accolades and I did all the hard work!’ We know they both put in a great amount of time and effort to do what a huge team of bloggers, ‘Meet & Greeters’, attendance keepers etc do now! THANK YOU!
There was a bit of Jimble talk this morning but not enough to deter around 90 swimmers descending the ramp and stepping in to that ocean for their daily dose of ‘Dr Salt’!
Lips, Blog Tart Extraordinaire starts early…
but Kirsty and Naz from The Polar Bears are getting the hang of the blog tarting business. (They also went to The Boatshed on their first night in Manly would you believe!!)
Jules appears!
Derek reaches in for a hug.
The water is 20. something, with a few gentle waves..
Sheena, Derek and Jules cop a little wave!
Love this photo. Such happy faces!
This is what it looked like swimming across, a bit lumpy and bumpy, slightly murky but we don’t care, it’s our ‘Happy Pill’!
With Jules here and a smaller group a great excuse to get a group photo happening.
And it’s Gayle’s birthday! Once again the lucky residents of Bower Street are woken up by our cheery voices singing Happy Birthday!
Jules gets to call the ‘Let’s Go’ of course.
Terry, Dave and Jules
Polar Bears underwater
Wobbegong
Which Polar Bear is this swimming with Diamondfish?
Which Polar Bear is this swimming with Diamondfish?
Great to see the large Eagle Ray who has been around The Point swimming yesterday!
And to finish off… For those who missed Mankini Man on Saturday. Here he is!
and a rear view
Lastly, we had a great afternoon at The Skiff Club yesterday. Thanks for popping along those who could make it. We hope to see The Polar Bears back again next year!
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. 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.
Signing off
Lainey Loo aka Elaine (filling in for Andrew who is hopefully filling in for me Wednesday)
P.S.Have a great day folks. Keep swimming. Vitamin SEA is SO important!
10 comments
Jenny :)
October 19, 2015 at 2:30 pm
Great blog lainey, happy birthday Galye!! Nice mankini shots 🙂
lesbubs
October 19, 2015 at 3:07 pm
OOh as i was reading i thought Andrew has changed his style to Lainey Loo’s! Great blog!!
THose guys all wearing the same FRUITY speedo’s.. I hope that is a banana on the front of them????
lesbubs
October 19, 2015 at 3:09 pm
I just saw this doco on SBS (link below) – about learning to swim in the ocean … 2 non-swimmers .. really interesting:
http://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/video/483097155971/the-tim-ferriss-experiment-open-water-swimming
Lips
October 19, 2015 at 4:41 pm
Nice one Lainey. Love the group photo at Shelly!
Shelley K
October 19, 2015 at 4:46 pm
Yes very interesting doco, amazing what skills we take for granted every morning, but I can still use some of those tips. Thanks for the lovely blog Lainey, fantastic Skiff Club photo.
Sir Michael [ex CI]
October 20, 2015 at 1:37 pm
Hi Lainey. just read your blog this morning. Thanks for all the attention and for organising the drinks etc. I had a wonderful time as did all of us I think, in large part due to the wonderful reception we all had. It would be nice to make it an annual event I think.
Janine M
October 20, 2015 at 1:44 pm
Thanks B&B for a fabulous weekend what a wonderful experience it was for us, we can’t wait to come back ! Any time you get to the West come and join us so we can reciprocate the welcome ! Janine Moldowan
Elizabeth X
October 21, 2015 at 4:11 pm
great blog Lainey
Cat
October 22, 2015 at 1:15 am
Hello BandB’s. Thanks for the great hospitality and welcoming arms. Look forward to seeing you swimming out west one day 🙂 Love Polar Bear Cat
Hilary
October 22, 2015 at 11:10 pm
Dear B & B what a wonderful weekend, I had such a great time, lots of swimming and socialising. Thank you to Greg and Lainey especially for looking after us so well.