22/2/2014 – Perfect 10 today

Well, what can I say, we are so lucky where we live.  It was amazing in the water today.  Warm temperatures and an array of sea life.  Everywhere you turned there were fish. Any stresses you may have had were forgotten and left behind, even it is was short lived.

I arrived to the beach a little later this morning.  When I heard the rain on my roof, i decided there was no rush, however when I arrived at Manly the grounds were dry, so clearly it rains more in the western suburbs of Allambie Heights more than it does on the coastline.  Bugger. I will have to keep that in mind next time it rains.

It was still a stunning start to the morning and I am always so  happy when I manage to roll out of bed and get down for a swim.  It is something that I have never regreted. 

Clearly it’s harder for some people, who managed to drag themselves out of bed only to need a few minutes more sleep before hitting the water.  Late Night?

Others are wide awake and ready for their swim

The 6km swimmers looking forward to their challenge this morning.  Sponsored by Orca of course, well we should be.

As we head out in the water we can almost walk to the point. The tide is amazingly low at the moment and the sun is rising at just the right time to enjoy it on our way over. 

This is one technique of clearing your goggles. Thanks for the demo Toni. Clearly she has been watching Wilson her dog too much. 

A quick pic of Cathie and Toni waiting at the point and filling in time. 

The view as we swim across to Shelley.  I always think of the song Lesley used when putting a video together called “Follow the Sun” by Xavier Rudd.  It fits perfectly while swimming across. I sing it the whole way. Lucky for everyone else I am underwater. 

I decided to venture to the nose bleed section of Shelley again today to get pics of the people who we haven’t seen alot of in the blog.  Remember if anyone ever wants a pic to just pull me aside for a shot. 

an off we go back to manly

There are no words that can describe the feeling of swimming amongst the fish, so from here on I will just add the photos for you to enjoy with a small title.  Hope you enjoyed your swim as much as I did today and the perfect conditions last a little longer.

Blue Groper (male)

Wobbegong

Flathead

This Wobbegong was a little shy

Stingray

Diamond Fish

White Ear Fish

Red Morwong

Toni swimming amongst the fish.

This shows how shallow the waters were

Blue Groper (female)

and finally a little Puffer fish

Stats:

Swimmers: 270

Newbies: 31

Water Temp: 21.9 degrees

Sunrise: 6:36am

Sunset: 7:41pm

Have a great weekend everyone

Renae

February is Heart Research Month, and we’re raising $1 for every kilometre we swim during the month.  

We need to start kicking this along!  The swimming is going ok, but a little more for the $$$$ would be great. Here’s the update…

https://redfebrelay.everydayhero.com/au/bold-beautiful-swim-squad-manly

B&B i-Log

Almost 50% of swimmers are now using the B&B i-Log. Log your swim ANYTIME of day using this really efficient and 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 is going, going . . .

The last Summer Badge Swim for this year is the 6km this coming Saturday!  If you want that badge be at the usual meeting spot by 6.45am for a briefing from the designated swim leader.  The usual route is to Freshwater and back, depending on conditions on the day.  The swim kicks off at 7am with the regular mob.

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.

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.