25/04/2018 – Lest We Forget…

Over 800 Bold and Beautiful swimmers experienced a beautiful and moving Anzac Day service this morning down on the beach in our favourite corner of the world, before a gorgeous swim…

The sky put on a special display for us. The sun tried hard to squeeze through clouds, we even had a bit of rain, adding to the majestic grandeur of this special Anzac Day morning when we reflect and remember those who gave their lives for our freedom…

 Even Turbo arrived in his camouflage jacket to respect those who fought and served their country in war 😉

Thank you to the B&B volunteers who made the pre-swim service so special this morning. Bruce, Lee, Claudia and Dorset spoke beautifully…

In the absence of Greg McDonaugh, Joe played The Last Post on his trumpet. It sounded wonderful and hundreds listened respectfully on the sand…

Cathie once again did an amazing job of leading us in the singing of Advance Australia Fair .https://www.facebook.com/elaine.dejager/videos/pcb.10209752481722728/10209752477242616/?type=3&theater

Ian told us there wouldn’t be any waiting at the point today, it was straight to Shelly. The water is still warm at 20.9 degrees!

Ian counted 810 swimmers but admits he missed quite a few. I thought there were more swimmers than ever today so it could be a record!

A joyous bunch wait for the ‘Let’s Go’ which didn’t quite happen as a few impatient people set off before the call and everyone followed 🙁

We do like to wait for the last swimmers so there will be no collisions

It was a morning when lots of people brought their children or family along. Paula has company today!

On the swim back Nat and Fiona bump in to each other. Fiona worked hard this morning signing in the 55 new swimmers and came across the bay last to check everyone was Ok. Thanks Fiona and all the other B&B volunteers that made it such an awesome morning for so many.

Such a beautiful light and sky as we swam back.

Here is Simon with his daughter Lola who only swim October – April he told me. Winter swimming is the best folks, they are missing out!

and back at the wall the ‘Wows’ have baked Anzac biscuits and Di her delicious South African ‘Crunch’. Thanks ladies 🙂

I’m sure most of us did reflect on  the bravery, comradeship, tenacity, strength and mateship shared by those who have fought for their country, as they swam today. We can’t begin to imagine the hardships they must have endured but we thank them and revere them today.

and a few underwater pics from the last few days…

 Gary the Groper on Saturday

Julia and the Yellowtail on Monday

Numbfish in the shallows on Monday

Groper, Goatfish, Crimson Banded Wrasse and Mados feeding together yesterday

Enjoy the rest of your day folks

Lainey