Saturday 17th September 2016- ALIVE

Watching the sunrise never ever gets old. It makes feel so ALIVE. This time in the morning is my favourite part of the day. I would never choose to sleep through it. Jumping in the water today awakened all my senses and made me feel ALIVE. My body had thousands if not millions of goosebumps on it, my eyes were overwhelmed with the brightness of the sun, I could taste the saltwater in my mouth and smell the freshness of the ocean. It was like sensory overload. I LOVED every minute.

I love watching people. I am a massive fan of people watching, not in a stalkerish way (maybe sometimes). I love watching peoples body language and expressions on their faces. Coming down here and seeing the Bold and Beautiful Squad buzzing makes me smile. So much hustle and bustle and chatting and giggling. I see that this time in the morning plus being a part of the Bold and Beautiful Squad  makes you all feel  ALIVE too. Happy Saturday Legends.

A rare shot of the  usually busy footpath completely unoccupied.

 

Sunrise before 6am. I mean it literally took my breath away.

 

Hello Saturday

 

At least 15 board riders enjoying each others company watching the sunrise. I want to do that one day.

I love the fact the Manly to Shelly walk way has reopened since the massive storm in June. I did the walk this morning before my swim. It is just so jaw dropping. The beauty of this area is out of control.

 

6:30am Squad- Drinks Express

I jumped in at 6:30am today. Tried my luck with taking underwater photos (I really need some tips) the water was crystal clear this photo does not do it justice.. Hello stingray!

 

Blue Groper (it was actually a royal blue colour and absolutely gorgeous. But once again my under water photo skills are non existent.

 

 

 

Prime real estate. I would love to live in an apartment here. However, I don’t think any of those apartments would fit my family of 5 sons.

The water was super calm and tranquil today but I was also freezing with just my swimmers on (I went without my high viz wetty today, I am still trying to defrost after the swim 3 hours later…brrrrrr)

 

My buddy Ravi  with the perfect stroke. Nice Buddy

 

#stroke #goals

 

Approaching land again

 

Made it back in one piece. Apparently yesterday there were heaps of jimbles. Ravi and I were approached by many 7am Squad members as we were departing the water asking if there were many jimbles. None in sight. Perfect conditions. I am glad Ravi was unaware of the fact that there were jimbles yesterday and the fact that I am quite ignorant when it comes to jimbles because if we were aware and I was clued up on jimbles I doubt we would have swum. Winning! (Not our greatest selfie Ra)

 

7am Squad in full effect entering the jimble free 17 degrees water.

 

I love writing the blog because I get to meet so many of you. Thank you to all the smiles, hello’s and conversations. I love it!

Each time I blog I ask a few of the squad members:

1) Why did you start swimming with the Bold an Beautiful Squad?

2) How does it make you feel?

INTRODUCING……

Edwina “My friend in Perth told me about the B and B. I have been a part of it now for two and a half years.  I love it. I take photos. I LOVE IT!”

 

Kit “I moved away from Australia for ten years. When I moved back I saw these people doing the swim so about a year ago I started swimming with the Bold and Beautiful. It is the best way to start the day. Plus everyone is so friendly here. The BEST way to start the day!”

 

Johno ” It is a big thing down here in Manly, everybody talks about it. But it took me along time before I came down here. Swimming out to the sunrise, there is nothing better! At 16.5 degrees it just wakes you up and gets your heart going. Doing the swim invigorates and energises me. No matter what happens in the day, after you’ve swum you will have the best day.”

 

Danny ” I have always loved swimming and loved the ocean. Five years ago a couple of friends who were part of the original Bold and Beautiful invited me so I came down. On the way here I feel like, ‘why am i doing this?’ But after every swim I think thank goodness I came.”

 

Ravi “I started swimming with the Bold and Beautiful because it is at the bottom of my stairs plus I love the ocean. I saw all these people swimming of varying abilities and shapes and sizes. I thought, ‘You know what I should do that, it is not just for the elite swimmers.’ So I did! I feel amazing. It is invigorating. You never regret a swim. I swam today because yesterday I made a bit of a commitment to swim on Facebook, I said “I’m going to be swimming here today.” But when I got here I changed my mind because it is very cold but then my friend Nat convinced me it would be a good idea. So I DID!”

(Most of you know by now that it was Ravi that got me swimming down here in the first place. One of my favourite people on earth. Aren’t you super glad you joined me.)

 

My fellow Saturday Blogger ROGER. He writes amazing blogs accompanied by hilarious and creative pics. Whenever he sees me down here he is super awkward and makes me feel slightly uncomfortable most days. However, you really have grown on me Roger and I love seeing your awkwardness down in this corner of the globe. I think you are wonderful and an amazing human.

 

Before I end the blog today. I want to tell you a bit about a fundraiser I am a part of. It is for the One Girl Organisation and the fundraiser is called “Do It in a Dress.” It is to educate girls in Africa. On the 15th October I will participate in 13 workouts in 13 hours with friends at CrossFit Manly Vale. Whilst doing the 13 workouts I will be wearing a school dress. All money raised goes towards educating girls in Africa. It costs A$300 to send a girl to school in Africa for the year. I am trying to send more than one to school.  I am passionate about education. As most of you know I am at the end of my degree in Eduation to be a primary school teacher. When you educate a girl in Africa you educate her family, her village, her city and her country. Any donation will be much appreciated. You can go to this link and read more about this cause and to make a donation if you wish. Thank you so much for reading

http://www.doitinadress.com/natalie-sengchanh

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Stats

Swimmers: 290

Newbies: 7

Temp: 17 degrees

Signing off for this month.

Nat