Another stunner of a morning. According to Ian Forster’s skilled temperature taking skills, the water is at 22.4 degrees. Is that a medium temp, I wonder, as the bay this morning was still affected in patches by last night’s dumping of Manly Freezer’s oversupply of ice cubes. Brrr.
We were 118 swimmers and had three lovely newbies. Welcome to you all! Be prepared to get addicted to this morning routine…
The impertinence of some men, taking advantage of unsuspecting damsels in distress in the ocean, eh? John Storch, we’re on to you. Jane Stevenson, you’re free to do whatever you want (and indeed you don’t look like you mind the treatment too much), but please stop and think for a moment about your unblemished (so far) reputation.
Now these shenanigans occurred already before the 7am swim started, and that was despite very clear and concise directions given from the beach by one of our fellow swimmers. “Go right”, he instructed.
“On second thoughts, go left”, he then helpfully instructed.
And ladies, in the name of fairness and balance in reporting, today’s centrefold of the blog is dedicated to you. Look how many sweet men we have swimming right alongside of us every day. First out is David Raspberry Ingham.
And this is how the blog tarts operate. Subtle, guys, very subtle.
Since last Friday’s blog revelations, my very dear buddy David Ingham has been doing push-ups, planks and a variety of vinyasas. And the results are incredible. Look at those guns. Whoa!
With all this eye candy, Vanessa’s goggles had to be de-fogged and readjusted.
The sets at the beach were coming in rather big at times, so a few of us decided the half-way option was a safer one. Sarah-Anne enjoyed it.
Bev took a moment to enjoy the spa effect on the thighs and calves, while Russel was practising his Saturday night moves.
Others took a moment of meditation and contemplation by the wall of wisdom.
And then it was time for the most important part of this morning routine. Here’s Nick and his chicks.
And now to some housekeeping.
The sun rose this morning, the tide comes and goes, and it appears we will have some weather also 😉
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.
So long from Girl Friday blogger Anna. X
27 comments
Slow Lips formerly known as Lips
22/03/2013 at 12:07 pm
Fab blog Anna. Apologies for the low quality blog tarting at Shelly. We’ll lift our game for next Friday.
Hot and cold indeed.. at first I thought I was swimming in Lestrunk’s wake again, but the warm patches were all over the place today. Swell was fun getting in but the escalator really disappointed today. Try as they may, some people just didnt seem to find it at all this morning.
I now clocked up 250km on the PC. There should be a ‘Quarter Michael’ badge for people like me!
LSA, it was good finally swimming together again this morning. Can’t believe how you skyrocketed in the PC this summer. Shame you won’t be able to complete ‘Half Michael’ before heading back to HK this weekend.
See you tomorrow!
Anna Alvsdotter
22/03/2013 at 12:13 pm
Thank you mein freund, I thought today’s blog tarting was excellent.
Would you believe it, I forgot to mention that today we have collectively passed the 100,000km mark on the Pacific Challenge. That’s 2.5 times around the planet.
Little Sarah Abbott aka Hong Kong Triad Queen
22/03/2013 at 12:23 pm
I thought we did rather well to make an appearance at all, considering all the competition this morning. Jane & Storchy stole the show – great pics, Girl Friday:)
A challenging swim today, so good to have lots and lots of options, including U-turn options with assistance from good friends:-)
You’ll be in L1 in no time! Let’s aim for an “all the way” tomorrow. Can’t wait:)
See you tomorrow!
Ros
22/03/2013 at 12:39 pm
Anna, lovely blog, and great pics. As for those blog tarts … they are shameless!!
"Snorkles"
22/03/2013 at 1:36 pm
There’s some poor unsuspecting guy waiting patiently to have his photo taken and the LSA/Lips crew breeze on in!
It looks as though they were running around and around him to make him or them dizzy? Strange…so strange….
See you all Sunday!
john S
22/03/2013 at 2:01 pm
Lovely informative blog GFb Anna.
Great to see you bull by, effervescent and happy today!
Pretty rainbows and smiley faces throughout!
Welcome back to Nurse J.
😉
Little Sarah Abbott aka Hong Kong Triad Queen
22/03/2013 at 2:35 pm
I thought Nurse J came back yesterday, eh Storchy????? In fact, did she ever go away???
You were a star out there this morning, assisting not only the gals, but also the guys. Good Show!
alyson
22/03/2013 at 2:53 pm
love the commradery (is that how your spell it?) Jane and Storchy!
Jane
22/03/2013 at 3:09 pm
We certainly have some gorgeous hunks in B&B. Seeing I was drowning on my way out to the point, Andrew D. turned round from his early swim and helped me get going. But after spending too much time under water, I decided to do a U-ey and who should help me back through the rip but Storchy! (see the storyboard). And after that nice cuddle, there was another one from Andrew on dry land. What a nice warm start to the day. Thanks, guys!
Elaine de Jager
22/03/2013 at 3:38 pm
I think we should nickname you ‘Cuddles’ Jane! Do make sure Izzy knows which ones like giving cuddles. We don’t want her running up to the wrong men again!
Elaine de Jager
22/03/2013 at 3:41 pm
Lovely blog as usual Anna.The cold patches were so cold. it did feel like a truck load of ice had been dropped in, in patches and yes Leswee’s wee probably did account for the warm patches! It was really exciting coming back in through the surf but you just had to wait for the lull between sets and follow the surf tits!
Nurse J back from the Middle East
22/03/2013 at 3:54 pm
What do you mean away??
Slow Ian put me through a facial verification scanner and had a handwriting expert check the sign in sheet
It’s official, I am verified as present and had a lovely welcome and swim in the bay.
Good to be back from the desert! 🙂
Julia Guillard
22/03/2013 at 4:02 pm
What a beautiful swim it was again today. Thank you for having me Bold and Beautiful Swim Squad.It certainly beats swimming off the Cardiff coast I must say!
I admit I did initially swim because I heard you swam with dolphins but then found I was misinformed. Your ‘Dolphin Whisperer’ hallucinates with mild hypothermia on long swims I’m told and mistakes surfers for dolphins!
Once again thank you Little Sarah for you know what.
And Anna you look gorgeous on the sign out photo, but I can’t for the life of me understand why you want to take part in those naked swims.
Once again thank you for allowing me to experience your swims.
P.S. Please point me in the direction of the huggy men next time Jane. (Please don’t tell Tim.)
Alyson
22/03/2013 at 5:27 pm
Maybe the dolphin whisperer has a career in politics then? 😉 pleased you enjoyed the swim
Alyson
22/03/2013 at 5:34 pm
Surf tits Elaine? You must educate me on what these are? Btw, blog not showing on Facebook for two days…
Alyson
22/03/2013 at 5:43 pm
Pleased they came to your rescue!
T-Abs
22/03/2013 at 5:46 pm
Who’s this ‘Julia Guillard’ upstart then eh?????
Sounds like someone we’d have had guts for garters back in the big one!
Left wing, mollycoddling bunch of new age pink cap wearing pansies!
Toughen-up or I’ll come down again in me buggies and show youse all a dolphin or two!
Tony
Slow Lips formerly known as Lips
22/03/2013 at 5:47 pm
You’re one of us Ros, and you know it.. no point in denying it!!
Slow Lips formerly known as Lips
22/03/2013 at 5:48 pm
Yes, tell us more about those surf tits Elaine!
Lestrunk
22/03/2013 at 5:49 pm
Hehehehehe
Little Sarah Abbott aka Hong Kong Triad Queen
22/03/2013 at 5:50 pm
Julia, you’re welcome for the “you know what”.
(Rough Diamond, that was naughty of you to spill the beans yesterday, but thank you for your kind words!)
Julia, I also think that you and Shady Shauny Dolphin Whisperer would make a great team. I hear you have a few vacancies these days….
Lestrunk
22/03/2013 at 5:55 pm
OR It could be all an act…pretending to be a helpless female and all just to get man-handled in the surf like Ursula Andress!! In which case Jane’s nickname should be… ??? :-
John S
22/03/2013 at 6:24 pm
What, who, where??????
Little Sarah Abbott aka Hong Kong Triad Queen
22/03/2013 at 6:46 pm
In the blog comments, of course!
Kev Rudd
22/03/2013 at 8:31 pm
I’m thinking of swimming tomorrow. Hope this LSA Triad Queen and ‘Integrity Police ‘ will be there. Can you meet me on the bench directly after the swim (the silver one)? Thank you. I hope the pink cap suits me.
Alyson
22/03/2013 at 9:09 pm
Oh good grief I didn’t understand a word of this ramble, then realized who the author was, as for Julia…. I know it’s been another rough week, but surely you haven’t forgotten how to spell your own surname have you?
Elaine
22/03/2013 at 9:49 pm
Sorry meant surf tiPs!!!