17/05/2015 – Norwegian Constitution Day

At least 117 swimmers got their fix of salty Cabbage Tree Bay goodness this morning. And what a good-looking bunch they were.

 

The water was in top condition. Returning from his 6:30 jimble-reconnaissance swim, Roger is giving it the thumbs up:

 

It was Norwegian Constitution Day today, and you could feel the festive vibe around the club as soon as you arrived:

 

 

 

‘The Norwegians really know how to write a kick-ass constitution’ – Richard tells me:

 

Derek trying to hail a taxi.. always a challenge this time of day in front of the surf club:

 

Returning from her 6:30 swim, Jo is overflowing with cuttlefish stories:

 

There were two or three.. and they were huge!

 

Lately I noticed how social groups are increasingly defined by the type of swimming attire. Here an example showing middle-aged non-wetsuit males separating themselves from the wetsuit-wearing majority of swimmers further up west. Fascinating:

 

Talking of wetsuits, the water temp was back up at 19.5 degrees:

 

By his own admission, Luce-less Brad wears his wetsuit more for looks than comfort:

 

We’re looking for a guest speaker for our next B&B dinner – expressions of interest to jmk@balancemanagement.net.au

 

The 7am procession:

 

A few small waves to keep it interesting:

 

 

 

Happiness at the Point:

 

Shortly after, I had to secure my camera you-know-where to make the crossing to Shelly. Alas, by doing so I missed out on taking the photo of the morning.

Alright, stay with me on this one. We all know the Tardis:

 

Lovely boat and kind of part of the furniture now. And I’m sure you’ve all seen the little tinny attached to it:

 

Well, let’s just say that JK didn’t see it this morning. I was swimming right next to him when he crashed (in full speed) into the poor little thing. The sound was something like this:

 

Don’t worry. JK was alright. Slightly embarrassed but otherwise fine. I later heard him walking around complaining to people that the boat had been moved.

At Shelly, the usual sea of happy faces:

 

 

 

 

 

Say hi to Rob Yeates, who just completed his 100km with BnB!

 

 

Lainey Loo action shot:

 

Speaking of Lainey, she took a few outstanding cuttlefish photos this morning – check out a small selection here:

 

 

I call this one ‘Cuttlefish clapping his tentacles in honour of Norwegian Constitution Day:

 

Back to humans:

 

On the way back, you could catch the odd wave to shore if you were lucky:

 

Awww… humans!

 

..and a few more..

 

..aren’t they just gorgeous..

 

.. or at least interesting..

 

Jo still smiling from her cuttlefish encounter earlier:

 

 

There was still cake being sold to support people in Nepal – big thank you again to Lainey and all the baking swimmers. I’m hearing we collected close to $1000 now!

 

Rob Yeates again, who is now considered a ‘made man’ in Manly:

 

Guess the swimmer:

 

 

At the benches, discussions were all about the Norwegian Constitution and Megan’s delicious banana bread:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And here’s Woody, who kindly filled me in on the following A-Team update:

 

A-Team Update:

 

Did someone say caption competition? It would be rude not to…  go ahead, knock yourselves out:

 

BnB on Tour:

Drinks and Storchy living it up in Indo, last seen with Andrew Peard (middle) on Telos Island:

 

The Stats:

This is Anne E, filling in as ‘stats girl’ while Ian is living it up with Pauline overseas:

 

Here are her stats for today:

Regulars:     117 at last count. . .

Newbies:     7

Temp:           19.5

Sunrise:       6.41am

Sunset:         5.01pm

That’s it. Have a great Sunday!

Signing off,

Lips (today with my old mate and ex-BnB swimmer Robbie)

 

The really interesting stuff

Winter badge season starts in 16 days!!

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.