Sunday 3 March: Rubber Duckie

The board provided the all-important statistic:

Yes, after climbing all week, the temperature has finally breached 25 degrees!!  Combined with the lumpy and somewhat murky conditions, it really did feel like swimming in bath water today.  My little mate would have felt right at home:

Sadly, I didn’t pack him in my swim bag.  I’ve heard some swimmers remark over the last week that the water is almost too warm, but I say bring it on!  It will create happy memories to cherish on those windy August mornings!

Michelle, Robyn and Sarah relaxing before the swim.

Ed was getting the lowdown from John on yesterday’s 10km, the last of the season.  Well done to everyone who completed a badge swim!

Anne with a swimsuit she found in the changing rooms yesterday.  Being the awesome person that she is, Anne took it home and washed it, and has now left it with lost property so it can be reunited with its owner.

Marion and Kate.  Kate’s a local, while Marion comes all the way from Castle Hill to swim.  Great dedication!  I was driving out of Manly around 6.30am yesterday and was struck (figuratively) by all the traffic heading the other way so early in the morning – then I realised they were probably fellow B&Bers!

Chris was looking very happy to be down at the beach.

But, strangely, the grin disappeared when Little Sarah and Chris’ wife Sophia appeared!  As an example of how the B&B brings people together, I bumped into Chris and Soph at the swim a few years ago, having not seen them for years since we all worked together in London.  Thankfully they recognised me, despite the passage of time and the fact they’d never seen me in a swimsuit before!

Lisa couldn’t wait to get in the water.

But first, JK told us about the slightly tricky conditions and that halfway was a good option.  He also reminded us about the talk on drumlines being held at the surf club after today’s swim.

Meanwhile, Ian and Fiona greeted a steady stream of new swimmers.  Some looked less excited than others:

As the 7am starters headed into the water, these boys had already ticked their swim.  This is Chris, Graham (I think?) and Carl.

Then, just when it was looking like this might be an inappropriately serious Sunday blog, Nick turned up, keen to show me how to put on a swimming cap full of water:

Nick totally nailed it on the second attempt:

Navigating the bumpy entry.

Georgina and Lucy hangin’ at Shelly.

Big news of the day – the lovely Rob chalked up his 1000km!!  Rob gave the “Let’s go” and here he is in action (thanks Ian for the photos):

Rob – very sorry I didn’t make it back in time to capture your arch or to get the photo with your buddies – I ended up doing an unplanned double due to an aborted surf entry!

And now it’s time for the ever-popular “Grab the Blogger’s Camera” segment, brought to you this week by Daphne, Janet and Rainer (disclaimer: I didn’t take these shots):

I finally wrestled the camera back from my swim buddies and it started to rain on me – no, wait – it was just Master Splasher Michael Stacey:

Michael has the most amazing ability to swim and splash simultaneously.  I’m sure he’d be happy to demonstrate it for you if you ask him!

Michael and Rainer, still at Shelly.  I think by this time the A Team were probably back at the beach.

Fellow Sunday bloggers Rainer (behind the drop of water – sorry!) and Jac.

Near the point I bumped into Jacqui and Anne, who had just seen duskies!!  I also heard that the cow nose rays were cruising in shallow water at the Bower.  Sadly I didn’t see either 🙁

Back at Cafe Corner, Rainer and Wilf discussed the big issues of the day – best nail bar in Manly, etc.

Lucy, Jo, Clare and Rainer.  Jo has swum EVERY DAY since September 2018!!  Yes, really!!  That run is about to stop as she’s off to NZ next week.  (Jo, I know you’re travelling with other B&Bers, but a cycle ride is definitely NOT tickable!)

Lisa, Izzy, Rainer and Greg swapped stories of the swim before Rainer dashed off to the talk on drumlines and then to buy another KeepCup.

Meanwhile, after the morning’s exertions, I felt more like Polly:

So I headed home to my other little mate:

See you at the beach soon!

The Monthly Dinner– 12^th March 2019 – Guest Speaker

The first B&B monthly dinner for the year will be held on Tuesday 12th February at 6.30 pm at Bluewater Restaurant. Our guest on the night will be Helen Pitt, a Sydney Morning Herald journalist who won the 2018 Walkley Book Award for her book The House, the dramatic story of the Sydney Opera House. In 2016, she wrote a story about the Bold and Beautiful swim club, which is where she met veteran B&B swimmer Wilf Deck, a former Opera House engineer with Arup’s who features in the book. Helen will talk about the book and will have copies for sale on the night.

Please book early for this event as it is sure to be popular. The cost of the dinner is great value at only $25 a head, which includes shared entrees, and a selection of mains to choose from (including a vegetarian option). 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 at www.boldandbeautifulmanly.com.au/bb-bluewater-monthly-dinner.html

2019 Summer Badge Ceremony – Sunday 24^th March

You’ve done the hard yards and got your Summer Badge(s), now come and collect your badges with all the pomp and ceremony the B&B can muster.  Bring along $10 for each badge you have earned (correct money appreciated). The ceremony will be held at the Royal Far West’s new Centre for Country Kids at 14-18 Wentworth St (opposite Rialto Square) on Sunday 24^th March, straight after the regular swim! Everyone is welcome, family, friends and swimmers alike.

A $5 per person donation will be payable to the RFW at the gate for hosting this event, and …. RFW will provide a FREE breakfast (sausage sandwich and a coffee/tea). Bookings are essential to ensure there is enough food. Book here NOW  https://www.boldandbeautifulmanly.com.au/2019-summer-badge-ceremony.html

All 2019 summer badge qualifiers will be presented with their well-earned badge(s), so whether you are getting one personally or you want to enjoy the celebrations of your fellow swimmers, a great morning is guaranteed so come along, soak up the atmosphere and get inspired for the upcoming winter badges…