When we do this swim we just seem to continually meet people who just make you think…’You’re amazing.’ This group were setting off at 5.40am this morning in the cold and dark as they do on many mornings. A bigger group than usual as they were excited about seeing the beautiful bioluminesence that’s been around lately. The sight was incredible apparently but what guts and bravery to do that so early in the pitch dark and most of them don’t wear wetties!
A huge inspiration is of course the Channel swimmer Brendan Maher who spoke so well at Bluewater last night. He’s so humble and talks as if anyone can swim that distance in the freezing temperatures across shipping lanes. According to Di Schaffers his achievements make ours ‘look like a pimple on a super-dog’s arse ‘, (has anyone else heard that expression before??!! ) She went on to say how it took remarkable resilience to swim for 17 hours (with a detour due to currents). He couldn’t see for the first 6 hours as he got grease in his goggles and they leaked! What a man!
Another legend is Charles Rochester aka ‘Poppy’, who at 87 doesn’t swim with us but is often seen sitting on the bench outside the Surf Club. He has ran in all 48 C2S’s and just loves life. He’s lived in Manly since 1950 and hopes to complete 50 City2Surfs. He’s recognisable with his cheeky smile, diamond stud earrings and calls all the ladies ‘Princess’!
Inspirational Cheryl who usually swims around 5 or 6kms before heading off to work!
Pufferfish are remarkable too
and PJs
The swim was a little bit warmer than yesterday but not so clear especially around Shelly where there was lots of salp.
Bin, Fiona and Alan warming up with the milk bottle shower
Merilee insisted I be in the photo too with Sue, David and Napoleon
John Bond, who told me today he ran the City 2 Surf 28 times and once with a time of 61 minutes, surrounded by Jeff, Mary, Leonie, Paul, Danny, Lyndell, Janet, Marco and Greg
The Wows with a few men!
Fiona with her brother Doug who is over from the UK and nephew Ru. Doug has been swimming at the same speed as the A team and Fi was hoping he’d overtake but he knew it wasn’t a race;-)
Have a great day everyone. We really need Wednesday bloggers if any one can spare a couple of hours. I’m away soon so won’t be able to blog!
lotsaluv
Lainey
Water Temp 16.5
Stingers 0 (didn’t hear of any)
Inspirations 102
5 comments
JeffwithaJ
15/08/2018 at 12:19 pm
Great blog thanks Lainey. Loved the inclusion of Charlie who, as you wrote, is an inspiration.
harrison edwina
15/08/2018 at 12:29 pm
Looks beautiful down there today
Shelley K
15/08/2018 at 3:20 pm
Thanks Lainey. There are indeed many inspiring and humble people in the B&B family, and you are one of them.
Di Schaffer
15/08/2018 at 6:23 pm
Haha Lainey it’s a well known saying 😉.
Georgina
15/08/2018 at 8:21 pm
Love it Lainey, as special as always 💕