29/07/2015 – Port Jacksons, Pregnant Swimmers and Pees in Wetsuits ;-)

 

 What a morning! Winter swimming is SO worth it on days like these… A glowing sunrise as the 7am swim began, clear water all the way across, no stingers but loads of marine life!

Around 30 Drinks Expressers were out at 6.30am. (Remember the Nudie Winter Swim at 6.20am on Saturday. You are allowed to walk in and out in cossies, then they are tied around your neck as you swim across the bay feeling totally liberated!)

Jane’s trolley wheels had fallen off but Laurie has given her a new one. Jane was very excited on receiving a new trolly today!

The water temp had gone up to 17.1 (unless John Bond just tested a warm patch!)

The glowing sun and sky made it easier to get in today as we headed to the Point…

Lovely local Principal Julie, fitting in a swim before a very busy day at work. (She’s a fantastic Principal!)

 … and John 007 Bond poses for a photo with Naomi and Megan.

 

These photos look much better bigger, click on them and see.

Caitlin has been coming for a swim before school with her next door neighbour Dr Patrick. Good on you Caitlin!

So beautiful… So worth braving the cold!

 Anna A points out a couple of Port Jacksons as we swim off. On the way back I see about 5 more small ones!

 Love the sun lighting up the Bower and St Pats!

A Cormorant dives down for fish in front of me.

No birthdays today so a quick turn around at Shelly.

 Dr Patrick’s best friend he’s known since he was 11 years old is over from Cork enjoying our swim.

 On the way back Patrick, Robbie and I are lucky enough to see a cuttlefish. We see how it changes it’s texture and colour in seconds as it swims over rocks, sand and weed. We see the Smooth Stingray too covered in sand on the ocean floor.

The sand whiting in the shallows as we swim in to the beach.

I’m greeted by this sight as I go to get my hot water bottle. I ask him if he’s Tony from Tennessee but he says he’s just Tony from Eastern Hill 😉

This amazing lady Caroline Kelly is speaking at the next Bluewater dinner. She has set up a Pancreatic Cancer research Foundation following the death of her hubby to this awful disease. Our gorgeous Ed Selby starts chemo today… I’m sure we will be moved and inspired by Caroline’s talk. Please come along! Details below. There is also a walk on 16th August from Queenscliffe to Manly. Let’s get behind this fundraiser!

Monthly Dinner – Guest Speaker!

The next B&B monthly dinner will be on Tuesday 11^th August at 6.30 pm at Bluewater Restaurant. On the night we will have a special presentation by our very own Caroline Kelly, Executive Director and Co-founder of the Avner Pancreatic Cancer Foundation, which was formed on the Northern Beaches in October 2008 and is a national charity dedicated to making a difference to those facing Pancreatic Cancer. Caroline will talk about how her personal experience, including how her husband’s diagnosis with pancreatic cancer and his passing thirteen months later, led to their plan to make a difference to future patients to offer hope of better outcomes.

The cost of the dinner is only $25 a head and includes shared entrees, a selection of mains to choose (incl a vegetarian option), corkage (for byo wine only) and a little thank you for the staff. Glasses of beer or wine and desserts are also available at the special price of only $5 each. Numbers are limited, so bookings are essential:  To avoid disappointment and secure your spot please BOOK HERE NOW,

 

 And a few swimmers enjoying brekkie at Bluewater including Jackson who has been told he has to get his beard shorn off so last chance to see him like this!

A few photos of a great marine encounter I had a few days ago with Kerry. Giant Cuttlefish going through their courtship ritual before mating. I’m not quite sure if the 2 large ones are male with the lady cuttlefish waiting or it could be that the little one is a small male waiting to sneak in on the female! 

 

Groper, Old Wives and Smooth Stingray from earlier in the week.

Below is my video of the Smooth Stingray, dead cuttlefish being eaten by a variety of fish and Port Jackson at the end. It’s now on the Ausmus sight too!

click here

 

These bold and brave ladies Mel and Julie got their www badge a few days ago being 35 and 39 weeks pregnant respectively. Well done ladies!

A Tribute to Will Sullivan R.I.P

Will on left with Mike Stacey and Chris Taylor a few months ago.

 Will, (on left) at Shelly Beach. Will started swimming with us at the start of the year after moving to Queenscliff from Mosman. He heard about the swim from Mike and Louise Stacey and was enjoying it immensely. He swam doubles nearly every day with Robyn, The Staceys, Shelly K and whoever else joined them. He joked that he was doing his ‘Gap Year’ enjoying a break from Engineering. We know some of our swimmers including Robyn, Caroline, Anne E, Jenny M and Melisse were on hand and did all they could to revive him. Our thoughts are with Will’s family and friends. He died doing something that was bringing him an incredible amount of joy. R.I.P Will xx

Stats

Swimmers: 98 

Newbies: 2

Water temperature: 17.1 degrees

Air temperature: 9 degrees

 

Royal Far West Fundraiser

Prior to the Wallabies departure for the 2015 Rugby World Cup, you are invited for lunch and a chat with Bill Pulver (CEO of the Australian Rugby Union)

When:   Thursday 20 August 2015

Time:    12 pm to 3 pm

Where:  The Steyne Hotel, Manly

Cost:     $900 for table of ten

             Or $100 per person

             Includes 3 course meal and beverages

A great opportunity to hear first hand from Royal Far West’s friend and ARU CEO, Bill Pulver, who will be under the spotlight and happy to take questions at this event. 

All proceeds from the luncheon will help Royal Far West continue to provide health services to children living in rural and remote New South Wales.

 

Exclusive offer to B&B Swimmers from:

Whitewater Restaurant– Half price meals!!

35 South Steyne MANLY

Until August 31st, B&B swimmers will receive 50% off total food bill. Conditions apply:  Offer applies to food only, not beverages (note Whitewater is not BYO)

 

Available for dinner only Sunday through to Friday (excludes Saturday and public holidays). Orders must be placed by 7.30pm (the kitchen must have received the order by 7.30pm no later) Not valid in conjunction with any other offer. Swimmers MUST bring along a pink cap (as this deal is exclusive to the B&B).  One pink cap per 4 diners. Maximum group size 10 people (3 caps required) At time of booking please mention Bold and Beautiful to receive the discount.  Book via the website:   or call 9977 0322

http://www.whitewaterrestaurant.com.au/reservations/

 

Signing off

Lainey