03/01/2016 – Cloudy with a Chance of Jimble

Heaps happening this morning. For starters, it was Leisa’s and John’s 500km. Thanks to Lainey for capturing the momentous occasion so beautifully.

 

 

Grey clouds as we started gathering. The kind of morning an Englishman would love. Or a jimble.

 

And indeed, there were reports of a few minor jimble encounters in the bay.

 

Undeterred, new swimmers still signing up in large numbers. Like Naomi, who went for her second swim with us today. And doubled!

 

 

Not so new but still good for a photo – Tim, John, Martin..

 

The ladies..

 

 

Happy Birthday Kathryn! (below, second from the left)

 

Just back from some serious cycling – Gillian and son Jonathan:

 

Drinks, much happier since quitting his day job: “I love waking up in the IRB. And there are free showers and toilets in the back!”

 

Yesterday’s birthday girl, today’s fish and chip paper..

 

The thing’s people do to get on the blog:

 

Submarine. Rear view:

 

Dreamboat. Front view:

 

Ghost. Death stare:

 

Lyndall warming up for what would turn out a great morning for her:

 

Interim management conducting business. I don’t care what everyone says, Shaun’s an alright bloke. And that whole ‘ticks-for-cash’ story will blow over in a matter of weeks..

 

And so it begins:

 

 

Sarge, working it..

 

Not working – Louise’s zipper:

 

Errol about to double high five me:

 

While generally struggling to stay afloat, Shaun did a wonderful job in keeping everyone together at the point this morning:

 

Nick was back from Japan:

 

Rusty never left:

 

 

 

Shelly crowd shots. It did take a bit of effort getting people to clown for the camera this morning. I blame the weather..

 

That’s better..

 

 

 

Birthday girl Kathryn visibly enjoying her ‘Happy Birthday’:

 

And a kiss..

 

500km-Leisa joining Kathryn for a textbook ‘Let’s Go!’:

 

Rusty taking off. The camera measured a staggering 230km/h. He came 65th:

 

 

If I had to pick ‘Blog Tart of the Day’ – it would be toss-up between Lyndall and Dr Patrick:

 

Leaning towards Dr Patrick actually..

 

 

Don’t pay the ferryman until he gets to the other side..

 

 

 

Wilf waiting for the surfboat:

 

 

I think Kerry swam a 6.5km today..

 

Fun Fact #1: Marco informed me that monkeys, unlike humans, peel their bananas from the bottom.

 

The stem (the part where it is attached to the rest of the cluster) is the toughest part of the banana. Pinching the stem to get to the fruit is much more difficult than getting to it from the bottom. The monkey will choose the path of least resistance almost every single time if the banana is ripe. Monkeys deserve respect and admiration in this regard.

 

Lyndall shouting ‘COFFEE’ for Leisa:

 

Bill was being mocked for taking business calls on the beach before 9am:

 

Did you know Bill is a grandpa?

 

Over at the benches, Kendelle was sharing some kick-ass chocolate cake this morning:

I also met Jason and Kirby..

 

Fun fact #2: Kirby was named after the famous video game character Kirby, Star Warrior of Dreamland.

 

 

Take note, BnB Trivia Team!

In other news: Elaine decided to support today’s swim blog by passing a wig around..

 

 

 

 

 

And in non-wig related news..

Finally, here is the official finisher photo from yesterday’s 6km swim – bunch of legends:

 

The GPS doesn’t lie – clearly indicating the mandated toilet breaks at 750m, 1.2km, 2.7km, 3.5km, and 4.3km.

 

Well done everyone! And well done Jeff for doing a Triple yesterday.

Have a great Sunday everyone.

Swell is forecast to pick up over the next couple of days. Stay safe, swim within your limits, and listen to the life guards.

Group Hug!
Lips x

 

Summer Badges

More badges just for the Summer months:

You all know about the 6 km summer badge swims. These are on every Saturday during summer.

There is one 10 km swim each month over Summer 2015/16. Watch the blog for details of the next 10 km swim.

The new badge, the Shelly Triple, involves a triple lap of Cabbage Tree Bay (ie swim between Shelly Beach and the point three times – total 3.5 km). This swim can be completed any day and should be logged on the i-log system. Since this is designed for those who are unable (or unwilling) to do the longer swims, this badge is only available to those who haven’t completed a 6 km or 10 km swim during the season and really want the pretty pink badge.

2016 Calendars are HERE!!

The 2016 B&B calendars are now on sale. Get your copy from Ian or management standin, any day at the swim, or order online HERE. This year the calendars are even more impressive in a larger A3 format, all for the same cost as last year – just $15 each.

Staying safe

Remember that there are no badges for scaring yourself silly!

While it is great to extend your boundaries, it is important to know your limits. Also, if you have a bit more experience, keep an eye out for new swimmers who might need company. Do read these excellent tips on staying safe in the surf. To read, or even download, click here.

The Stats

Regulars:    There were lots

Newbies:     also lots

Temp:     21.5

Sunrise:   5.48am

Sunset:    8.09pm