How beautiful is this Indian summer, everyone? It’s been six weeks since my last swim, but the water is still blissfully warm.
A big thank you to Lainey for this simply stunning shot she took before the swim this morning. When I grow up and win the Lotto, I want to wake up to this view every day:
Despite the slightly overcast morning, it was still an amazing 21.5C in the water:
The wonderful Ian welcoming the never-ending stream of newbies, including Sarah:
Newbies Sarah and her friend Flick:
Bright smiley newbie Megan :
…..who wins the prize for the best accessorising for today’s swim:
The ever-patient Juno rounding up the swimmers…which included a purposeful Michael:
….who was meeting the ridiculously cheerful John & Leisa (who always gets my vote for best-dressed-of-the-day):
Another happy newbie, originally from Sth Africa…:
Look out, Sterling & JP! In your absence, Dreamy Dave is replacing the A-Team with his new Dream Team of handsome lads – James & Jacques:
A quiet moment of father-daughter pre-swim contemplation:
The camera-shy Natalie letting her father Richard reluctantly take the spotlight:
Even on an overcast morning, the sunrise was breath-taking:
And thanks to Lainey, here are some pix from the swim. Can you spot yourself?:
I’ve been coming to the B&B for a couple of years now, but it still feels as fun, refreshing and supportive as the first time. The tangible sense of community is what – quite literally – keeps me afloat. Two very small personal moments summed up the B&B for me today…:
Despite being a pretty strong swimmer, on the way back from Shelly I felt dizzy and had to stop and catch my breath for a few minutes just off the Point. Within seconds another swimmer stopped to check on me and make sure I was OK. Then, on my way in through the waves, I lost my fabulous new B&B cap….just to find it being scooped up and returned to me by the lovely Jacqui. Small – but important – moments in the life of the Bold & Beautiful.
Thank you Jacqui, thank you to that anonymous swimmer off the Point, and thank you to all the regulars and newbies who make this swim what it is. It’s such a pleasure to swim with you all.
Have a fabulous Saturday, beautiful people!
Smiley Mary x
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Staying safe – a timely reminder!
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. Also, if you have a bit more experience, keep an eye out for new swimmers who might need company. Do read these excellent tips on staying safe in the surf. To read, or even download, click here.
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Stats:
Regulars: 310
Newbies: 16 newbies
Water temp: 21.5 degrees
Sunrise: 6.29am
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Monthly Dinner – Guest Speaker!
The next B&B monthly dinner will be on Tuesday 10th May at 6.30 pm at Bluewater Restaurant. The guest speaker for the night will be one of our own swimmers, Fiona Reid, who is a family law expert, and has appeared regularly on the Sunrise program on Channel 7. Fiona’s light-hearted talk is titled “Divorce: the new black” and will explore some of the reasons why divorce rates continue to escalate.
The cost of the dinner is only $25 a head and includes shared entrees, a selection of mains to choose (incl a vegetarian option), corkage (for byo wine only) and a little thank you for the staff. Glasses of beer or wine and desserts are also available at the special price of only $5 each. Numbers are limited, so bookings are essential: To avoid disappointment and secure your spot please BOOK HERE NOW,
12 comments
Fiona Horn
30/04/2016 at 1:02 pm
Stunning pics!
Mark
30/04/2016 at 1:04 pm
Fellow B&Bers: any tips on a coach for some stroke correction? Having a lot of shoulder challenges and been doing physio for around 4 months, so really need some expert advice/coaching so I can still be out there when I’m 80 🙂 I’m in my 30s ATM.
Cheers, Mark.
Lainey
30/04/2016 at 1:19 pm
Love your enthusiasm, appreciation and joyful spirit Mary. It all comes out in your wonderful blogs. You do well on names too for someone who can only swim once a week. Thanks for including my swim shots.
Lainey
30/04/2016 at 1:25 pm
We have a few swimmers who do stroke correction Mark. Click on the Pacific Jules ad on right hand side of blog at the top for Sarah-Anne. There’s also Marleen Veldhuis, the ex Olympic Dutch swimmer who swims with us 0427028611
Mark
30/04/2016 at 2:18 pm
Thanks Lainey, much appreciated.
JeffwithaJ
30/04/2016 at 2:41 pm
I really enjoyed reading your blog Smiley Mary. Thanks and well done!
Michael Sh
30/04/2016 at 2:50 pm
Mary, loved your blog. Unfortunately your wish to grow up and win Lotto will forever elude you. Everyone knows that B&Bers never grow up and never want to..
Elizabeth
30/04/2016 at 4:09 pm
I enjoyed the blog. It has been such lovely weather. I agree with you about bob. There are lots of kind people who casually check on how you are going and give tips. I always feel safer if I see another pink cap around when swimming ( although I am taking responsibility for my own safety of course).
Lisa B
30/04/2016 at 5:51 pm
Lovely blog Mary, beautiful photos! What an amazing sunrise this morning.
Elizabeth X
04/05/2016 at 7:55 pm
Hi Mark
I would give a very strong endorsement to Mark from MB Freestyle (find them on Facebook by searching for MB Freestyle) and also Judy Cameron with the gorgeous curly hair as an easy identifier again find her on FB or ask me for contact details for both. Another is Swedish Sarah but she is o/s at present but due back soon.
Good luck. We also have some great physios in the group
Elizabeth X
04/05/2016 at 7:57 pm
What a great blog Smiley Mary. yep we are a fantastic community and may it ever stay that way. Thanks for blogging
– only catching up on a few blogs I missed now ie a little late
Mark
31/05/2016 at 12:27 pm
Thanks Eizabeth. Sorry for the delayed response. I’ve just gotten back from a whole bunch of work travel. Will look into your recommendations! Thanks again!