28/09/2013 – Hall of Fame

221 swimmers, incl. 10 newbies, enjoyed a marvelous morning with fun waves and lots of water moving around in Cabbage Tree Bay.

But most of all, today was about celebrating achievements. The little ones and the big ones.

And the limelight was first and foremost on Lesley, a woman who has become an inspiration to young and old, about to become the second woman ever to complete her 1000k on the Pacific Challenge. Lesley, we salute you!!

 

But let’s start from the beginning..

Today was also supposed to be the day that Baby Jane promised to introduce her new man to the B&B family. Alas, she pulled a ‘Snorkles’ on us:

 

Another case of Gen Y choosing booze over healthy excercise. Disappointing. We’ll miss you Jane!

Here’s what you missed Jane..

The water temperature was officially stated as 18.0 degrees. Some people insisted it felt a lot colder and we are investigating claims of temperature rigging with a certain John B at the centre of these allegations.

 

None of this was sufficient to deter 10 first timers from enlisting with the B&B movement. Here you see John and Ian recoding names, taking photos and fingerprints etc.. the ususal stuff.

 

 

 

Closer to 7am, many familiar faces start to appear..

 

 

Jill R is missing Little Sarah. Be strong Jill – word on the street is the Triad Queen will be back in Manly by then end of next week!

 

Welcome back Stacey B!

 

Between ticking his name and putting on his wetsuit, Bruce finds the time to analyse German Federal Elections last weekend..

Stephen updating his Facebook status..

 

Ed insisted on getting his face up on the blog..

 

Manly’s most famous beard..

 

Manly’s most famous hair-do..

 

Shaun’s still a bit bitter about being beaten by John F during the 2013 winter badge challenge..

 

Back to Lesley and her 1000k swim – she clearly enjoys being the centre of attention today.

 

Swimmers queue up to congratulate her on her achievement..

 

 

But back to the actual swim. Ian F. leading the way, in what fashion-historians will one day recognize as a breakthrough moment for the budgie smuggler movement..

 

 

Mr. Drinks Express crossing over with the 7am crowd.

 

Yay!

 

The waves were back. Making entering the water a lot of fun!

 

 

 

 

Elaine taking a photo of Tony..

 

The Point was a vague concept today, mostly due to the larger waves making it difficult to gather oderly in one spot. John K turned a blind eye.

At Shelly, the festivities for Lesley’s 1000k swim were in full swing. Her speech lasted 20 minutes and Nick will publish a full transcript on his Sunday blog tomorrow.

 

 

 

 

Most awkward kiss in B&B history..

 

Lesley posing for a group shot at Teachers Corner:

 

Lucy says ‘I have read Lesley’s autobiography. Twice. She’s an inspiration for female swimmers all around the world. It’s such an honour to know her in person, to share the same ocean with her’

 

Richard points out ‘Her butt is second to none. I could squeeze it all day if she’d let me’.

 

And it is true, Lesley is an inspiration. Second female swimmer ever to swim 1000k on the Pacific Challenge:

 

Fact: More people have climbed Mt Everest than completed 1000k in Cabbage Tree Bay!

As part of an old B&B tradition, Lesley signed her name on the wall of the white public toilet block at Shelly Beach.

Now, back to the swim. Plenty of water moving around, so not best viz for fish pics. Despite all this, Tony still managed to capture a few of our fishy friends:

 

 

 

Here’s Lesley exiting at Halfway. Yes, I can hear the Integrity Police huffing and puffing..

But really, who are we to judge. That woman has swum 1000k, through jimbles, seaweed, and excrement. If ever someone deserved a 1000k badge it’s this woman!

 

Back at the club, it’s the usual – hot DIY showers and smiles all round.

 

 

Fifi Le Mur, from the 6am Lemur Run, recovering from her mid-swim collision earlier this week.

And talking of injuries, here is Nurse J with what she claims is the outcome of a Wobbegong attack during yesterday’s swim.

As a sidenote, Shaun has a fascinating story to tell about a violent Wobbegong attack on his father when he was a child. Ask him about it. He loves to share his story.

The Table of Knowledge discussing this morning’s events and where to erect the statue in honour of Lesely’s 1000k swim.

 

Anna still waiting for her statue..

 

And last but not least, another achievement shall not stay unmentioned:

Bill’s celebrated his 1000st Cappuccino at Bluewater this morning. Here you have our two heroes together. Both of them an inspiration, showing the rest of us what the human body is capable of if you just put your mind to it..

 

Events Coming Up!

One of our swimmers, Lizzie Crowhust, has organised a fantastic night of storytelling around ocean swimming, next Wednesday October 2nd. It is at Wooloomooloo Bay Hotel and sounds such a fun night and is a fundraiser for Can Too. Good old Nick the Blogger has agreed to do his bit regaling the audience with tales of the B&B swims. We really should go and support him and have a fun night. Click on the link here to find out more and buy tickets!

http://cantoosydneylongswim2014.gofundraise.com.au/page/lizziecrowhurst

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Stats

Swimmers: 221!

Newbies: 10

Water Temp:  18.0 degrees (allegedly)

Air Temp 16 and rising.

 

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Special Event – Monthly Dinner – Bluewater Cafe – Next Tuesday 1st October

At our monthly dinner next Tuesday night at Bluewater Cafe at 6.30 pm we will be launching the new B&B Attendance App! If you are tired of waiting in the queue to tick your name off, then the App is an exciting development. We will have a presentation to show you how you can log on from your phone/computer before you swim, without having to tick. Come along and find out all the details.

The dinner is also a great chance to catch up with your B&B friends at an informal gathering. 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 book early HERE to avoid disappointment, as numbers will be limited to 100. Remember, the latest batch of 500 and 1000 km badges will also be presented, so it should be a HUGE night.

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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.

 

Thanks to both Tony and Lesley for contributing photos today! (the good ones)

That’s it from me. Lips out.

Signing off with a Lesley & Lips selfie..  in honour of her 1000k swim!