30/04/14 – The Best Free Activity in the World!

The sun did make an appearance early this morning as The Drinks Express early swimmers ventured in to the water on a dull and rainy Wednesday… The water was warm, calm and creamy (ok, murky in spots), but it didn’t stop us swimmers smiling and feeling so glad we made the effort!

Sylvia told me at the weekend how much she enjoys reading our blogs and reliving her swims. Thanks Sylvia, it is nice to get feedback!

It’s Sarah Eade’s birthday today! She did the 6.30am swim as had to get back to get kids off to school. Storchy had to get in on the ‘Butt Shot’!

These two Ironmen Jules and Simon, copped the only wave! Come on HTFU!

Bella, Annie and Anna, our adorable mermaids enter the water. It’s still 22 degrees!

Anna with the old wives. Visibility isn’t so great today but still loads of fish!

Who can guess who this pair of fit looking swimmers are? (Their combined age is over 140, what inspiring youths they are!)

The first ones get in to Shelly.

Happy swimmers half way through their morning adventure!

Ian, ( on the left), has come to swim with us from Tassie where he and Cathy  swim 3kms in 8 degree water in the Derwent River off Hobart. He told me about a Winter Solstice Swim they have down there. Last year over 1000 swimmers took part (in the nuddy!!!) He also said how Cabbage Tree Bay has so much more marine life, fish and weed now than 10 years ago. He can really notice the difference.

It is nice to see yourself on the blog isn’t it? I try and get everyone today! 

These are the guys that think the swim is a race but the speedy Spaniard and Sterling are missing today… (They probably aren’t aware they have a speedy lady to contend with today.)

Don’t these swimmers look glad they got out of bed to come and swim in the rain?!!

Look at Fiona’s serious look on the right. My guess is she’s in for a race  with Tim and co…(She’s been practising swimming with whalesharks in WA.)

Absolute Blog Tart of the Day Award goes to Lyndall! Huw on the other hand tries to escape my lens and ducks under!

Our amazing Ian is back at last from China. We’ve missed him. He does so much to keep this group going, all voluntary of course. Thanks to Jill, Anne and others who helped John Kelly in Ian’s absence. It’s a big job recording attendance, registering newbies etc

Came across this fine figure taking a stroll on the rocks as I swam that way on the way back. Someone at breakfast suggested I send this photo to Razmatazz as they could score a leg modelling contract 😉

The Silver Sweep swim so close to our faces as we swim close to The Point…

And some photos of Monday’s swim when the water was clearer! Also an amazing video from EcoDivers identifying all the creatures we see! click here

 

This interesting looking specimen below looks good enough to eat but is a ‘Wandering Anenome’ according to The Australian Museum.

 

 

I was very happty to come across 2 dusky whalers on Monday near to Halfway. Anna M saw them today too. Did anyone else? (Comment on blog comments below please.)

 I was lucky enough to see a large group of old wives swimming together on Monday. (With a blue groper photobomber adding to the beauty too!)

And in amongst the yellowtail…

 Visibility will come back soon I hope. This was taken only 2 days ago too.

Crimson morwong

 Hope you all agree with me that this B&B swim, in the most beautiful location with such amazing marine life and friendly people…really must be the BEST free activity in the world!!!

Most of us seem to be against the shark culling that has been going on in WA believing we swim in this environment at our own risk and sharks shouldn’t be culled. There is a paddleout on Sunday. Sharnie Connell from Anti-Shark Cull hopes we can attend. This is the poster…

 

THE SHITBOX RALLY – YOU’RE DOING WHAT?!

The Shitbox Rally is an event to support the Cancer Council NSW.  Each year up to 250 competitors, who must raise a minimum of $4000 to enter, participate in a car rally taking in some of the most spectacular routes around and across Australia.  . This year the event starts in Perth on 30th May and ends 6 days later in Darwin (if they get there!!!). Another condition is that the car must in every sense be a “Shitbox” costing the team less than $1000!  At the end of the event the cars are auctioned to further support the fundraising for the Cancer Council.

 It is a challenge that Tim Slessor of team “A Pom and a Kiwi” and regular B&B swimmer is prepared to take on but he needs your help to raise the funds to qualify then make the 8500 km dash across Australia to be on the start line at the end of May!  If you can give just $2 (although more would be welcome) he can make it.  To donate click here.

 

Trivia Night pretty much sold out!!

There might be a random ticket or two if you are lucky.  So, if you want tickets – and haven’t booked, or have booked (and paid) but now can not attend, please send Ian an email at ugogoyo@gmail.com (copy and paste the address ‘cause this is not a link).

This year we will be joined by the Royal Far West who will be assisting in fundraising for the event, and will receive part of the funds raised on the night.

Trivia Night update

For those attending the Trivia Night, here is a list of some of the items that will feature in the silent auction on the night:

• Scubapro long-sleeved ladies swimming vest – size MED – value $120.00 – donated by Sharon Dunn
• The Troubadors – a full gig for your private or social function with the rock band The Troubadors – value – $500.00 – donated by James Partington and The Troubadors
• Dental examination, scale, polish and fluoride – donated by Robin Turner – O’Connell St Dentists
• Couples mutual wills, powers of attorney and enduring guardianships – valued at $4,000.00 – donated by Andrew Williams & Megan McCormick
• 30 minute top down swimming coaching session – value $90.00 – donated by Sarah Anne Evans – Pacific Jules
• Meat tray – half a lamb, butchered – delivered to Manly – value $120.00 – donated by Bev Prior
• 6 months Virtual Office rental – value $1,800.00 – donated by Robert Rowe – Genesis Offices
• 6 week ‘Body Blitz’ package – donated by Manly Beach Health Club
• 3 month membership – donated by Manly Beach Health Club
• 3 hour hands on sailing course for two people – value $330.00 – donated by Sydney by Sail – Matt Hayes
• NRMA MotorServe service voucher – value $159.00 – donated by NRMA – Tony Stuart
• Mawabu Ski Lodge, Perisher – 2 nights’ accommodation for 2 people, including 2 dinners and 2 breakfasts – value $250.00donated by Mawabu Ski Lodge – Stephen Mulvogue 
• Toshiba Blue Ray 3D DVD player – value $180.00 – donated by Toshiba
• Antica Murrina (Venezia) necklace – value $250.00          
• Cooking class for 6 people – value $1,000.00 – donated by Mumu Grill Crows Nest
• Car DVD player – value $100.00 – donated by Shaun Denton
• Manly Paradise Apartments accommodation package – donated by Ian Miller – Manly Paradise Apartments
• One family (2 adults, 3 children) SCG and Allianz Stadium tour experience – value $78.00 –donated by Sydney Cricket Ground
• 4 bottles of Wirrabara Forest 2012 Shiraz – value $88.00 – donated by Better Buy the Dozen

 

There are new items arriving every day, so there will be plenty more to bid on. As well as these items there will be a live auction, and a monster raffle. Details on these in the following days. Watch the Blog.

B&B i-Log

Really if you haven’t been using the B&B i-Log then you must be new!!  Almost 75% 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(This is not a link so please copy and paste into your email). He will check that your email address is activated on the attendance register then send you info on how to get started.

Staying safe

We have had seen the return of some serious waves and rips this past week!  Were you prepared? 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.

 

The Stats

Regulars:  42 at 9am but there must have been at least 80!
Newbie:  1
Temp:   21.8 degrees

Sunrise: 6.28 am

Sunset: 5.18 pm

Signing off

Lainey Loo aka Elaine (with Little Sarah Abbott who made it on the blog even though she’s in Hong Kong!)