8/2/2014 – Life in the Sun. Amazing start to the day.

Reminder that February is Heart Research Month, and we’re raising $1 for every kilometer we swim which should be easy as the water has been very inviting lately with clear waters and loads of fish.  It’s almost like swimming in a huge fish bowl. 

We need to start kicking this along! –  here’s the update…

https://redfebrelay.everydayhero.com/au/bold-beautiful-swim-squad-manly

It was a beautiful sunrise this morning so thought I would start off at South Curl Curl this morning for a change of scenery (plus i was running late and thought I would miss the sunrise)

It was so calm at the pool.

I found this lonley but very bright Rhino lurking around The Steyne this morning. 

The rhinos will create a trail from Sydney to Dubbo and surrounds from 2nd February to 28th April. 

At the end of the trail, on the 14th May at The Star, Pyrmont the life-sized rhino sculptures will go under the hammer at a charity auction to raise critical funding for Taronga’s rhino conservation programs. You can find out more about them here

 http://taronga.org.au/image/gloria-torres-fragility

If you didn’t manage to get out of bed this morning you missed an amazing sunrise.  It is the most stunning time of the day.  If you haven’t tried it, give it a go sometime. 

Ian welcoming some newbies this morning.  Notice how quiet it is at this time.  We had no idea how many would show up today.  What a turn out!

Robbie, Emer & JK with Robbie’s parents over from Ireland. Welcome to Aus guys. 

Today I thought that I would seek out some of you swimmers who hide from the camera’s and put your mugs on the blog. Sorry guys, I don’t know everyone’s names but if you see yourselves be sure to let me know in the comments so I can get to know everyone better. 

Here is one of Margot who travels 1 1/2 hrs from Springwood every Saturday to join us for the swim.  Well done Margot I think you take out the award for the furthest travelled regularly for the swim.  

For almost as far as you could see, it was a sea of pink caps. 

It was a little cool in the water for some.  Love watching the expressions of people’s faces on the way in. 

 Toni heading out through the waves.  What an amazing start to the day.

an no, that is not a fish in the wave it’s a B&B’er swimming right through it.  

The sun just manages to make some small holes to shine through the water. Looks a little eerie though don’t you think?

I went over to the north side at Shelly this morning to catch some of the regulars who don’t seem to make the blog. As one reminded me, I might get a nose bleed,  being this far away from the usual blog tarts at the other end. No signs of Rainer this morning. 

It was Laura & Jaz’s 8th Birthday today.  Happy Birthday girls. Have a fantastic day today. 

With so many fish surrounding me I don’t always seem to make it to Shelly, choosing to take it easy on my swim over and duck and weave amongst the fish. If only I had gills.  

I can never get enough of the Old Wives.  They are so majestic in the water. 

Be sure when you are looking these up in google images that you type in Old Wives Fish.  If you don’t add the word fish in, this is what you get

and that is just one of them.  There are plenty more that will give you a good laugh. 

Have you ever wondered what these rock dwelling fish are called.  Well I didn’t know so here you go.  ROCK CALE

Alternative Name/s

Cockatoo Fish, Cocky, Joey, Rock Cocky, Sea Carp

Identification

The Rock Cale has a small head with a blunt snout, which give it a “hunchbacked” appearance. It has large pectoral fins with thickened lower rays. Its colouration varies from yellowish-brown in females to bluish-black in males. There is lighter mottling on the body and pale spots on all the fins. Adults have a dark saddle below the first dorsal fin and a row of white blotches on the sides.

The Rock Cale can be separated from other species of Aplodactylus by its larger scales (72-82 in the lateral line versus 83-120) and its lack of vomerine teeth.

Many recent publications list this species as Crinodus lophodon. The research of Dr B.C. Russell (see Further Reading), of the Northern Territory Museum, has shown that this species should be placed in the genus Aplodactylus.

Size range

The species grows to 35 cm in length.

Distribution

The Rock Cale is found from northern New South Wales to northern Victoria.

The waves crashing over the rocks and fish near the point at Manly.

There were loads of sting rays out today enjoying the motion from the waves on the ocean floor. 

We had a fundraiser this morning for the girls (Elaine DeJager, myself, Cathie Coleman and her sister Kirsty) who are doing Coastrek in 3 weeks time.  We had a cake stall and firstly I want to thank everyone who helped out baking and selling the cakes.  Secondly we managed to raise at last count $800 for the Fred Hollows Foundation which has help restore the sight for 32 people .  Well done to everyone at B&B for your generosity and support. Looks like Migel enjoyed our cooking.  If you didn’t make it down to the cake stall donations can still be made at http://www.hollows.org.au/news-media/news/register-now-join-sydney-coastrek-2014?gclid=CIOJ6p7buLwCFYHxpAodJG0A3A

Lastly it looks as if someone has lost their wedding band.  Please contact John Kelly on

0419 277 417 if this is yours.

Have a great weekend everyone.

Renae

 

Stats:

Swimmers: 328

Newbies: 33

Water: 20.8c

Sunrise: 6:23am

Sunset: 7:55pm

B&B i-log

Now that the new work year has kicked in, save time and be ever so efficient, by using the B&B i-log.  It’s a smart phone friendly website so no need to download, just bookmark it.  There are so many good reasons to use the B&B Login – like no queues, no need for glasses to find your name, never missing the 7am call, and you can do it on the bus or ferry on the way to work.

Log your swim ANYTIME that day for an 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). He will check that your email address is activated on the attendance register then send you info on how to get started

Summer badge swims

Every Saturday during summer there will be a 6km swim – usual route is to Freshwater and back; then once a month there is a 10km swim – this is to South Curl Curl and back.  However, the final route depends on conditions that day so it is a good idea to arrive a little early to have a briefing from the designated swim leader.  Both swims kick off at 7am.

The proposed date for the next 10km swim is 15 February depending on conditions.   This date will depend on final confirmation of local surf carnivals so keep checking the blog for updates.

Bolderdash

This daily swim to Queenscliff and back DEPARTS the surf club at 5.50am.  As these are generally intimate groups, please WAIT for everyone in the water before heading off.  Do buddy up with someone – great to be with someone who has the same pace – that way everyone is ‘accounted for’ at Queenscliff.

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.