08/03/2015 – Sunday People

A total of 206 pink swimmers found their way back from Oxford Street to Manly this morning to celebrate what is widely known as the best Mardi Gras after party in town.

 

As it happens, I also covered last year’s celebrations. The full report can be found here:

http://pacificjules.typepad.com/pacific-jules/2014/03/02032014-pink-pride.html

It’s noticeably darker these days, with the sun not rising until close to 7am. Wilf riding in just before sunrise:

 

A total of 19 newbies today. Ian diligently capturing photos, taking names, phone numbers, marital status..

 

Anne with today’s Birthday Boy, Richard:

 

The usual red carpet procession begins:

 

Christmas for JK: Vanessa & Sophia!!

 

Ness demonstrating a few new blog tarting moves from across the Tasman. Apparently this one is all the rage over there at the moment:

 

 

7:00 – swimmers walking down the ramp with clockwork precision:

 

A few little waves as we enter, just enough to wake you up..

 

 

 

A washed up Jon back from his 6:30 swim:

 

 

This next section is inspired by Stephen Coulter’s feature movie ‘Legs at the Point’ (2015):

 

 

 

 

 

This is the time when the blog camera needs to be secured for the crossing to Shelly. Every blogger has his / her own secret technique. None of them are pretty. Best not to go into details.

10 minutes later at Shelly:

 

 

 

A cacophony of 200+ hung over swimmers butchering ‘Happy Birthday’. Richard is savoring every second of it:

 

Let’s Go!!!

 

And while the fast and furious are speeding away, the beautiful swimmers stay behind to get their photos taken:

 

JK still can’t believe his luck.. (nice bomb in the background)

 

Wilf popping up randomly – love it:

 

Back on dry land..

 

Sunday morning traffic: Dr. Nick waiting for the pink caps to make way for the surf skis.

 

Orderly line of swimmers queuing up for their well-deserved cold shower:

 

Did we mention Little Sarah is back?

 

Birthday Boy Richard with his daugher:

 

Rare sighting of Frenchman without beret:

 

Rare sighting of Brad without Lucy:

 

Less rare – DWSSBSFTR (contested) and HKTQ LSA. Please refer to the acronym section in the B&B handbook for further explanation:

 

Derek and Robert:

 

Ian showing off his new Updo:

 

Smile of the Day: Jo after her double..

 

Kiddo of the Day: Saskia (7) with proud dad Brian..

 

 

Scousers of the Day:

 

JK really was on fire today:

 

He told me that his secret is all about loitering around the female toilets. Classic JK.

 

Fifi completed a triple swim this morning, just to avoid JK:

 

I’m told Anna went for a Golden Gaytime:

 

Après swim coffees attracted the usual suspects:

 

 

 

The Ladies-Table:

 

Little plug for Megan – this girl is marriage material. She bakes, she swims, she’s got a high powered job in the city. And best of all, she’s single!

Here she is feeding hungry swimmers with home-made banana bread, served with the most gorgeous smile. What a catch!!

 

Expressions of interest can be sent to Elaine De Jager.

Caption competition on this one:

 

Lastly, some of you might remember Julie Isbill who used to swim with us occasionally but moved to Perth a while ago.

Anyway, Julie just completed an epic double crossing of the Rottnest channel. She is one of only 7 people to have achieved this feat.

Here is Michael’s report:

Conditions were good but the swim was not uneventful. She and the paddler were joined by a 5 metre white pointer at about 12km out from Port Beach. Fortunately it cruised right past her and didn’t seem to take much notice! Then another small shark of some sort on the way back and as we got into Port Beach a group of Dolphins between us and the beach. As far as I know three people set out to do the double today and three people got there.

 

 

That concludes today’s report. Have a great Sunday everyone!

Signing off
Lips & Family

 

The Stats

Regulars:     206

Newbies:     19

Temp:           22.3

Sunrise:       6.48am

Sunset:         7.22pm

 

Really useful stuff below:

Special Event – Wine Tasting Dinner!

B&B Monthly Dinner at Bluewater Restaurant is next Tuesday 10th March at 6.30 pm, and includes an exclusive wine tasting for B&B members and their friends.  Bluewater and FESQ & Company Fine Wine Distributors will provide a fabulous meal with four excellent wines to taste from the Tomich Winery in South Australia.  FESQ’s wine specialist Ryan Montgomery will be on hand to explain the subtleties of each wine.

Only $30 a head – includes wine plus shared entrees, and a selection of mains options.  Beer or (additional) wine and desserts also available at only $5 each. Bookings are essential. Numbers are limited and are filling fast.  Please book HERE to avoid disappointment.

Help Support Shelly the Turtle

A Baking Day will be held on Saturday 14th March to raise funds for Shelly the Turtle’s tracking tag so we can watch where she goes once released, and contribute to research into Green Turtle migration. Any extra funds will go towards turtle rehabilitation programs at SEA LIFE Sanctuary.  Please contribute if you can. Sharnie will be hanging out by the benches on the day please bring baked goods there. Any non-bakers can contribute as consumers on the day!

The Next B&B Swim School

It’s that time again! Join Pacific Jules coaches Warren and Sarah Anne for an hour in the ocean and learn  to swim with less fight and more flow! This one hour session in the water will help you understand the way your body relates to the water, how to slice through with minimal effort and  naturally build up speed and endurance.

When : Saturday 14 March 9:45-10:45am
Cost : $25
Location : Shelly Beach
Open to everyone and all abilities welcome. What to bring: swim suit, cap, goggles, wetsuit compulsory, water and money for a hot cuppa afterwards! Please email info@pacificjules.com.au for more information or to reserve  your place.

2014 Summer Badge Ceremony – Sunday 22nd March

You’ve done the hard yards and got your Summer Badge(s), now come and collect your badges with all the pomp and ceremony the B&B can muster.  Bring along $10 for each badge you have earned (correct money appreciated). The venue is the Royal Far West Children’s Home (opposite the beach) on Sunday 22nd March, straight after the regular swim! Everyone is welcome, family, friends and swimmers alike.

A $5 donation will be payable to the RFW at the gate for hosting this event, Plus RFW will provide a FREE breakfast (bacon and egg sandwich and a coffee/tea). Bookings are essential to ensure there is enough food.  Book here for Badge Breakfast

All 2014 summer badge qualifiers will be presented with their well earned badge(s), so whether you are getting one personally or you want to enjoy the celebrations of your fellow swimmers, a great morning is guaranteed so come along, soak up the atmosphere and get inspired for the upcoming winter badges.

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.