In a newspaper article recently our swim was referred to as ‘The Rock Star of Ocean Swims’… Whatever that means we know our swim is pretty special…Today there was a smoke haze from burn off but it made for a spectacular sky to swim under (and the smoky smell did remind me of being in a nightclub in the 80’s 😉
For the last couple of weeks conditions have been perfect! We’ve had warm, sunny temps in and out of the water, calm seas and loads of fish. Miguel Maestre swimming with us last Thursday said it was his best swim ever! The fact that over 17,000 people have swam with us since Julie Isbill started this amazing group in 2008 is huge! There were around 130 today on this stunning morning. Sunrise at 6.43am with air temp 16 and rising! Water temp is still 21!
Here are the 6.30am crew
In the same article we were referred to as a ‘community of souls appreciating nature and a small adventure’. That’s a great description. I’ve been swimming since 2011, blogging since 2012 and every day seems to bring a ‘moment of awe’…
Sometimes it can be a chat and laugh with a friend or the chance to see an awesome creature like the Giant Cuttlefish in first photo. Here are some of The Wows before the swim.
It really felt like a ‘Rock Star’ of a swim as we went in through that smoky, sexy haze!
Lori, Anita and I were diverted pretty quickly by a Giant Cuttlefish well camouflaged in the weed!
Then a Wobbie on the sand. I didn’t quite make it to Shelly today…
The Yellowtail were forming a perfect circle today over the rocks
and there were schools of Silver sweep
Debbie.Did a. Double. today
Greg, Sue, Janet, Bernard and Charlotte. Sue did a Quadruple swim. Again!
Chilling out on the wall post-swim, Shelley and Melisse…
And below a few pics from swims the last 2 weeks of the amazing creatures we come across in this amazing Marine Reserve, Cabbage Tree Bay
There’s been a couple of Giant Cuttlefish enthralling swimmers lately. I took these photos here yesterday afternoon but I think it’s the same Cuttlefish a few of us have seen in the mornings. He hangs about between the pool and Shelley. I followed him for about 25 minutes yesterday watching him change colour and texture. Amazing! Check this video out https://click herewww.facebook.com/elaine.dejager/videos/10211812348338106/
There are still loads of Duskies around near the toilet block. What is the greatest amount you’ve seen in one swim? Comment in blog comments. Someone mentioned 65 to me! Surely some were the same!
This is a lucky close up photo of a Crimson Banded Wrasse which we often see. Love seeing that glimpse of orange and red especially near the bright green sea grass.
This Catfish was pretty close to me the other day too. They aren’t my favourite but look at those eyes!
In the same area I saw the Moray Eel too. Another scary looking one!
and to finish… lovely Lucy above. Not in the sky with diamonds but…in the ocean with Yellowtail!
Hope you all enjoyed your swim today and post and pre swim chats! No notices today although I have heard MSLC are starting up Friday nights drinks again and all B&B ers are welcome to attend starting from Friday week, 31st May from 5pm. Come along!
Signing off
Lainey
17 comments
Jenny
22/05/2019 at 10:49 am
Stunning photos today Lainey 🙏👍😊✅🙋🏻♀️
Lainey
22/05/2019 at 10:51 am
Thanks Jenny. I was lucky with that smoky sky and Cuttlefish encounters!
Bernhard
22/05/2019 at 11:54 am
… and you are our rock star blogger, Lainey. Amazing, blogging now for 7 years in a row, never running out of ideas and stunning photos, my compliments (in comparison, I blogged for about 6 months and then ran out of ideas). Keep up the excellent work, we all appreciate
Lainey
22/05/2019 at 12:17 pm
Thanks Bernhard. There have been times I’ve felt like quitting but still feel very lucky to have found the swim group and do enjoy sharing the awesome moments. I am away in July so we do need another Wednesday blogger to help Lucy soon if anyone knows of someone!
Lucy C
22/05/2019 at 1:05 pm
I second Bernhard’s comments Lainey! You are a rockstar blogger! Love reading your excellent blogs and looking at the stunning photos. You are a natural! I hope you can blog for another 7 years and more! xx
kierin
22/05/2019 at 2:57 pm
is it just me, or has the B&B daily attendance / swim log site gone down today?
Jenny Andrew
22/05/2019 at 3:03 pm
Fabulous photos and blog. I’ve yet to see the cuttlefish but live in hope.!
Michael S
22/05/2019 at 3:51 pm
Great blog Lainey. I’m really missing my morning BnB ritual. Especially in this cold and rain on my bike.
Lesbubs
22/05/2019 at 4:07 pm
Wow how do you get such great underwater photos Lainey??
Mine are always rubbish!!
Would you be able to teach me?? Anyone else up for lessons??
Elaine de Jager
22/05/2019 at 5:28 pm
Thanks Lucy. It didn’t come as natural as to you. Love sharing blogging Wednesdays with you!
Elaine de Jager
22/05/2019 at 5:29 pm
We can go looking together Jenny!
Elaine de Jager
22/05/2019 at 5:30 pm
It sounds quite an arduous cycle ride Michael. We are having exceptional weather here at the moment but it will change soon!
Elaine de Jager
22/05/2019 at 5:34 pm
Make sure the camera is on the correct underwater setting. Take your camera every day so you are prepared when the water is clear and fish about. Dive down to the creature and try and get their eye! Keep your camera steady and click!
Thanks Lesbubs
Shelley K
22/05/2019 at 6:19 pm
Fantastic blog, as usual Lainey. All your hard work and creativity is greatly appreciated.
Does anyone know of a Tinder-style app for people looking for a new canine relationship? I want a dog just like Maggie, since my pooch Badger passed. I think I’m ready to find a new love.
Michele Franks
23/05/2019 at 8:30 am
Lovely Blog Lainey
Roz
23/05/2019 at 10:20 am
Great blog Lainey xx
Emma
26/05/2019 at 11:35 am
Lainey EPIC PICS!!! Omg just AMAZING of the cuttlefish 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻