I was under strict instructions not to mention the Rugby in today’s blog. So I won’t. This is a swim blog after all.
A total of 165 good-looking swimmers managed to get out of bed to enjoy a bumpy yet beautiful swim across the bay with us this morning. These guys definitely didn’t want to talk about the Rugby. With the exception of Tim in the background:
Ness was over from New Zealand, all smiles.. absolutely not Rugby-related as she assured us:
No interest in Rugby whatsoever – Mariah and Elaine, skillfully bombed by Veena and Shaun:
The following pictures show swimmers walking down the ramp, not caring about Rugby:
Choppy conditions and few waves to navigate as we enter the water:
John and Ness at the Point. Still no mention of Rugby from either one of them:
About 15 minutes later, at the other end. Ness still smiling. John looking exhausted:
Not one bit interested in Rugby – Woody:
Jekyll & Hyde:
The closest thing to a human pyramid this morning:
Marco successfully quit his wetsuit about 4 weeks ago. Unfortunately, he now gets bullied by his wetsuit-wearing friends:
Graceful, elegant, effortless – just some of the words swimmers use to describe Fiona’s unique stoke:
These girls claimed to have seen some sort of 7 inch bluebottle. Or shark. I’m not sure anymore:
BFFs:
There was a decent swell and a few sneaky rips to contend with on the way back – all in all lots of fun though:
Luckily, Derek was on patrol:
Bill was in charge of coffee:
John, Michael, and Richard – not really in charge of anything this morning:
Neighborhood notice board: This lovely dog needs a new home. Not the one holding the coffees. The one in the foreground, with Jo:
Curl Curl Connection: Fiona and her old swimming buddy Martin:
In need of change – Eula taking the life savings from gullible retiree Bill:
John waiting for his Paddle Pop:
Greg is back – restoring badly needed credibility to the tables of knowledge:
Bench bullies:
BnB Role Models:
Noticeably absent from the benches today – ‘manbag’ David Panton:
Role Model 2:
Another ‘high achiever’ worth mentioning this week – Brendan ‘The Submarine’ Maher:
Brendan completed the Palm Beach to Shelly Beach swim (28km!) yesterday in 8 hours and 38 minutes. Congratulations Brendan!!
Above picture shows Brendan (orange shirt) with his superb support crew.
That’s all from me. Have a great Sunday.
Lips x
The Stats:
Water temp: 20.1 degrees
Swimmers: 165
Newbies: 2
Wallabies: 17
All Blacks: 34
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.
Notices:
Lost Camera:
Some months ago Dee Howard lost her camera whilst coming out of the surf – it was an Olympus TG4. If anyone found the camera at the time, could they please contact Dee on 0414749741. She would be able to describe the photos on the camera if necessary.
15 comments
Peter Anthony
01/11/2015 at 2:14 pm
Great blog as always…nice to catch up when i muss a swim…
Veena
01/11/2015 at 2:17 pm
Great fun blog as usual Rainer-love the shot of Fi! x
Elizabeth
01/11/2015 at 2:27 pm
Great blog as always. I think a swim from Palm Beach top Shelly should be the top news story. What a feat. I hope there will be a feature article about it soon. I thought the water was pretty massive today
Bill McCaffeine
01/11/2015 at 3:13 pm
Great newsy Blog and congratulations to Brendan.
JK
01/11/2015 at 4:43 pm
Nice one Rainer, look after that camera !!!!
Fifi
01/11/2015 at 5:40 pm
Ha ha yes, idiot of the day. Is that my surprise Shaun?
Elizabeth X
01/11/2015 at 6:08 pm
That black dog looks lovely. Why does it need a new home? Is it a boy or a girl? And what is its name, age, breed etc? I can’t help out with a new home but it looks very friendly and looks like it is an ‘?xoodle’ ie poodle cross that won’t shed hair so I sure hope it finds a forever home soon. If with a regular swimmer maybe it can come down frequently, become part of the family, enjoy lots of love, hugs/pats and kisses and, if a really good boy/girl, some Midge devon.
Lips
01/11/2015 at 6:58 pm
No worries JK. Soaking it in dish wash liquid as we speak..
Lips
01/11/2015 at 7:01 pm
You look so lovely next to Shaun! Then again, who doesn’t!
Lips
01/11/2015 at 7:06 pm
Yes X, he/she looked beautiful. Forgot the name in afraid. Dolmio? Some kind of -oodle breed. Doesnt lose hair I’m told.
The owner, Jo, was told by her strata that dogs aren’t allowed in her block.
LSA aka HKTQ
01/11/2015 at 8:39 pm
Always great to catch up and see all the ‘clowns’ – close competition today between Exhausted JK, Bullied Marco, Elegant Fi, The Bully Boys….oh and Shaun in his usual pose…
Yes “Julie’s Manbag” sounds so much better than “her handbag”….
Congratulations Brendan!!! – You just scraped in with a mention before the sign-off stats!
See you all soon……xxx
Nicky
02/11/2015 at 9:23 am
Hilarious as usual Rainer!
lesbubs
02/11/2015 at 12:19 pm
does Brendan tick that Palmy swim???? :-O
The Submarine
02/11/2015 at 12:55 pm
Knowing how jealously you are guarding your 8th position on the Pacific Challenge Lesbubs, I wouldn’t dream of it!
I was tempted to swim back from Shelley to Manly when it was all over, so I could tick for a single, but thought enough was enough.
lesbubs
02/11/2015 at 5:07 pm
phew!! and i used to be no. 4 so i am holding on for dear life