Eight days into the New Year and another perfect morning in Manly for a B&B start to the day.
My first blog of the year and I’ve been struck by writers block.
I look over the previous week’s blogs and see the wonderful contributions from my fellow bloggers. Nat’s ongoing interviews with swimmers and homage to her family, Elizabeth even got it together after losing her camera and Lisa’s incredible skill of getting to the heart of the day and unbelievably remembering everyone’s name.
Where do I start?
Things were looking good for a while, I heard that Andrew was going to clock up 2,000 ks today. Wrong, it is tomorrow.
All the best for tomorrow.
Then I turned to the old tried and true candid shots of new and old swimmers.
Again not looking good for my first blog of the year.
Then things started looking up with the arrival of Mrs Lower Middle Management and Margot.
Wilf & Sue arrived eager to hit the water.
Plus a happy colourful trio just watching the world go by.
At least the newbies sign in area is always fun.
After the mandatory advice and disclaimer they were presented with their cherished pink caps.
First up Lloyd and James
Followed by the two Nicoles, making it so much easier to recall their names.
Then along came Josh followed by another 23 newbies.
Welcome all.
After that, it was only a matter of turning around, seeing the throng of smiling faces, listen to the laughter and just point the camera anywhere to record another morning in paradise.
Of course the Women Of the Wall (WOW) never cease in their expression of sheer exuberance every morning.
Lauren and her father, Rod have been swimming together regularly. However this is their last swim together for a while as Lauren is heading down to live in Tasmania. She said that she is really going to miss this important, wonderful start to her day.
7AM and time to hit the water.
Across to Shelly where Belinda found a passport belonging to a young New Zealand girl.
Emma made sure it stayed safe on the return trip.
It must have been a special morning.
Rainer finally found someone willing to have a photo taken with him without having to resort to his customary photo bombing. Don’t worry Louise and Michael, you only have to appear with him once a year.
The really great news is that the cake stall on Saturday morning raised almost $2,000 for Dr Ray’s Nepalese hospital fund. A great cause and a wonderful effort by all those who baked, worked and purchased. This money will really contribute in making a big difference to a lot of women in the remote regions of Nepal. It is wonderful that from sea level to some of the highest most remote mountains in the world, we can make a difference.
Stats
Water temperature 22.3 degrees
Newbies 28
Total swimmers 327
Bold and Beautiful is owned and operated by Bold and Beautiful Swim Squad Pty Ltd.
15 comments
Lisa B
January 8, 2017 at 1:37 pm
Great, fun, happy blog Thunderbird. Brilliant photos of such a beautiful morning
Lainey
January 8, 2017 at 1:41 pm
You shouldn’t have worried about writers block Michael, another great, friendly and super inclusive blog! Thanks for mentioning the cake stall and the great amount achieved towards the womens hospital in Nepal. A big thank you again to so many of you that helped, bought or donated from Roz and I.
Robyn
January 8, 2017 at 1:51 pm
Michael, there was no writer’s block evident in your blog. I just love how you made the newbies feel so welcome and included and they all looked so happy even before the swim. All lovely photos of another great Sunday morning swim. Thank you.
Edwina
January 8, 2017 at 2:06 pm
If that’s writers block I have permanent cramp! It was great. Would love to hear how a passport ended up on the sea floor. Thanks for the good read. 👍
Lower Middle Management.
January 8, 2017 at 2:32 pm
Great blog Brains!!!!
Really was. Well done.
Veena
January 8, 2017 at 2:55 pm
Well done Michael. Included beginning , the point…and finish! Plus a good spread of pics😊
Fiona Horn
January 8, 2017 at 4:15 pm
Fab blog Michael….& thanks for demo-ing your camera/goggle retention gizmo…Emma has her eye on one!
Michael S
January 8, 2017 at 4:22 pm
Thanks Lisa,
It was a real fun morning, as usual.
Michael S
January 8, 2017 at 4:22 pm
Thanks Robyn,
As usual, I loved the morning.
Michael S
January 8, 2017 at 4:23 pm
Thanks Edwina
Michael S
January 8, 2017 at 4:23 pm
Thank you.
See you in the morning for some more newbie training.
Michael S
January 8, 2017 at 4:24 pm
Thanks Veena,
Should have the camera strap ready for you by next weekend
Michael S
January 8, 2017 at 4:25 pm
Thanks Fiona,
I ordered the shock cord today so hopefully may have one made up for Emma by the weekend.
Fiona Horn
January 8, 2017 at 4:33 pm
Oh that’s great…she will be very excited….and that is truly something to behold 😉
Snorkles
January 8, 2017 at 5:51 pm
Great blog! I know how that writers block feels, but you nailed and entertaining and informative blog + a Rainer photo. Your blog has it all!!