28/05/13 – Swimmers in the mist

A foggy start to the day did not deter the
66 B&B swimmers who rocked up for the daily dip.

Surprisingly, it was rather mild as we
gathered in front of our favourite building site.  And of course we do bring our own special
blend of colour to the morning.

The ‘getting wet’ bit does take your breath
away – initially. 

Despite the proliferation
of wetsuits, which might make you think it is cold, at 21.1 degrees it is more
satisfying to swim without one.  And
there are no jumbles!!!  Hopefully the
turtle had a huge feed and ate all those little nasties. . .

At times it was a little challenging to tell between the sea and sky – mind you visibility was almost clearer underwater.

A gentle swell provided modest exertion for
the crossing to Shelly.  Not that it was too
challenging, or strong enough to distract us from an almost clear view of the
bottom of the bay for the entire swim.

The sun attempted to make an appearance…

And what is this?  Could it be a blog tart or a spontaneous
outpouring of gratitude to the gods?

We tried to not notice. . .

as soon we were off again.

The meander back revealed that it is
cuttlefish mating season!! Truly amazing.

And, of course, there is the usual lovely
assortment of other marine critters.

The ‘Dead Calm’ boat remains anchored in the bay.

While it was still foggy at the end, it was so worth the
effort.

Very
Special Announcement

At the risk of creating an f-stop frenzy, a
portrait photographer is coming to our swims this Wednesday, Thursday
and Friday.   His name is Giles, and he
will probably be set up on the rocks or similar (see Monday’s blog – he was
identified as the paparazzi).  Feel free to
have a chat as he is coming to find everyone’s best side.

Have a great day 🙂

Mary

Winter Badge
starts this Saturday!!  Imagine
yourself proudly displaying the 2013 Winter Badge in just 3 (and a bit) months
time.  Now is the time to join the
nutters who swim through winter.  Really
it is a great time to swim – water clarity is great, wonderful sense of camaraderie
(shared body heat is the way to go) and it is whale migration season! For two badges; do
it without a wetsuit!!

To
kick off the winter season come down on Saturday in your most sartorial Onesie or Jumpsuit. The funnier the
better! No badge but we can all have a good laugh.

Awarding of
the first batch of the Pacific Challenge 500 km badge will take
place at the monthly dinner next Tuesday
4^th June at 6.30 pm (see below).
An amazing 33 people have already qualified for their badge!  To see if you are one of the lucky 33, Check here on the
Pacific Challenge.  If you have qualified, can you please pay your $10 to Ian or Lesley before 4^th
June. If you can’t make it to the dinner you can collect your badge any day
after 4^th June.

Also at the dinner will be, Dr Ray Hodgson.  Ray is
coming along to tell us about the amazing work he does in Nepal with women who
suffer prolapse after child birth. The dinner is also a great chance to catch up with your
B&B friends at an informal gathering, and see what they look like with
their clothes on (you may not recognise them!). The cost is excellent value at $20 for two courses, with $5 drinks, $5
desserts and no corkage for BYO wine. Bluewater also now offers $25 special meals in addition to our
standard $20 deal. Bookings are essential so click here book early and avoid
disappointment.  Numbers will be limited
to 100.  Don’t forget, the first batch
of 500 km badges will also be presented on the night so it will be a HUGE
night.

Staying safe

Now that the waves have returned be sure you stay safe by knowing how to
read the signs with these water safety tips courtesy of champion Ironman Craig
‘Riddo’ Riddington. It’s a great read and can help keep you safe in the surf.  To read, or even download, click here.

The Stats

Regulars:  66

Newbies: 3

Doublers:  I did see a lone swimmer – but maybe he was
just running late. . .

Temp: 21.1 degrees (this is
seriously warm)

Sunrise: 6.49am

Sunset: 4.56pm