Perfect swimming conditions, flat and warm water from the point all the way to Shelly, and I counted only a small group of 7 hard core doublers after the regular swim this morning. Where has the rest of you been today (John, Richard, Dorset, Alanna, Claire, Ann, Robyn, the German guy with the yellow cap)? Have I praised you too much in my last blog that you think you can now relax and rest on your laureates?
Never mind. I still do owe some apologies from the last blog:
to Lesbubbles: for exposing you to undue criticism and sarcasm from some insensitive and apparently ignorant fellow swimmers, after I described you as “young (from my perspective) and charming (how can anybody not agree when looking at this photo?)”
to Robyn: for not including you in the portrait gallery. No excuses for me, I simply missed out last time, but you were a no-show today, so sorry, no photo once again. But no need to threaten me with not letting me getting past you on the PC, I will have a couple of forced breaks from swimming for work travel reasons in the next weeks, so enjoy your swimming without any pressure.
Now to today’s action:
6am: still pitch dark, a couple of fearless swimmers, but too dark to get any good photos
6.30am: The boss with his followers
You’ve done an excellent job, look at the crowd of followers, nearly as big as the regular group (can you spot the green cap – first warning for breach of B&B dress code)
Meanwhile, in front of the surf club, some warming up hugs
curiously observed by lovely Jane
some newbies (what a nice family photo), waiting for the big moment
John Bond, diligently carrying out his duties
Some interesting action on the beach. I haven’t worked out whether this is fitness exercise or more like match making prelude
What is your verdict?
Integrity police checking if everything is ok before the “let’s go” (correct swim outfit, no secret plan hatching for shortcuts and the like)
Then the swim.
Initially, I wanted to title today’s blog “Finally – a Lips free blog”, but then, just when I was about to get the perfect photo, Lips appeared out of blue, spoiled the party and my plans
Look at the joy on Ian’s face. Is it the flow on effect from the fitness exercise (or match m…), or is he just enjoying getting into the water
At the point: actual visibility was much better than the photo is suggesting
and the after swim, socialising with coffee (Mike, John, Andrew & Meagan)
That’s it, have a nice day.
Bernhard
The Stats
Regulars: waiting for final numbers, but I guess a lot (judging by the 6.30am crew)
Newbies: a handful
Water: 22.7
I don’t really mind whether you like my blog and read it to the end, but what follows now is important staff, so you better read it all
Help the Surf Boat Girls
SPECIAL OFFER EXCLUSIVE TO B&B
To help with your heart health, Manly Beach Health Club, in conjunction with REDFEB is offering B&B members a free 30 min Personal Training session. This is a limited offer, so to find out how to take advantage of the offer, click HERE.
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
REDFEB
Our REDFEB swim last Saturday raised $301 for Heart Research Australia. With $1300 of our $3000 commitment raised – and one more week to go – there’s more work to be done! Please donate HERE.
B&B Monthly Dinner The first B&B monthly dinner for the year will be held on Tuesday 10th March at 6.30 pm at Bluewater Restaurant, and will include an exclusive wine tasting for B&B members and their friends. Bluewater Restaurant and Fesq Fine Wine Distributors have combined to provide a fabulous meal with four excellent wines to taste during the evening. Ryan, a wine specialist from Fesq, will be on hand to explain the subtleties of each wine.
The cost of the dinner is great value at only $30 a head, which includes the wine plus shared entrees, and a selection of mains to choose from (including a vegetarian option). Glasses of beer or (additional) wine and desserts are also available at the special price of only $5 each. Numbers are limited, so bookings are essential: These dinners are very popular and a lot of fun, they are a great way to socialise looking half decent with your fellow B&B’s but they sell out fast so book your spot by click HERE
Summer Swims
The last 6km and 10km swims are scheduled for Saturday 7 March, 2015, starting at 7am.
19 comments
Elizabeth
27/02/2015 at 11:25 am
Fabulous blog Bernhard. Divine swimming today and I did do a double although of course I have only just finished so don’t worry about not seeing me. The ore swim action looks like barn dancing to me
Elizabeth
27/02/2015 at 11:46 am
More information about what is required for Shelly the turtle – what the cost is and who is collecting if people are too fat to eat cake for example
lesbubbles
27/02/2015 at 12:00 pm
Yeah love it! A Lips-Free blog! What a shame Lips spoilt it!
No apologising necessary Bernhard after all the hassling I give you in winter for wearing a wet suit I deserve it! 😉
Tayls
27/02/2015 at 12:00 pm
So sad Bernie….no mention of the “triplers “…..Forgiven this time cos your blog is so good but… you’re on notice my friend….
Mark P
27/02/2015 at 12:20 pm
Nice blog Bernhard.
I still need to come along for my first double; my schedule has just made it impossible of late. Looking forward to it though! I saw the small group of you hovering at the point this morning and had to go against my instincts and head for shore.
fifi
27/02/2015 at 12:22 pm
Berhard, I do love your blogs. Great work.
Plenty of doublers today, just that we don’t all start and finish at the same time. Just about time for lights on for us earlybirds.
Lainey aka E-laine
27/02/2015 at 12:33 pm
What about the swimmers who don’t double but finish at the same time as the doublers because they are slow like me. Don’t we get a special mention. You’re good at this blogging lark Bernhard!
Rob
27/02/2015 at 1:30 pm
Top blog Bernhard but it could be time for glasses 😉 i was out with the salty dog “speedy pete”, Huwby & Tayls. Enjoy your trip XX
Lips
27/02/2015 at 2:09 pm
What’s this new obsession with lipsless blogging? I don’t get it.
Great light this morning.
Love 3rd last photo – Ian having wee in the shallows. He looks so happy. It’s the simple things in life..
fifi
27/02/2015 at 2:59 pm
ha ha you beat me to it!
Shelly
27/02/2015 at 3:09 pm
Excellent blog Bernhard !
I’m blogging on Wednesday I’m thinking of going “topless” just to distract lips ! whilst my photographer Ian gets my blog piccies ! my ample bust should do the trick (.)(.)
Love you all
Shelly
xoxoxo
mary
27/02/2015 at 3:11 pm
Lovely blog Bernhard.
Such a beautiful swim this morning! So lovely to actually manage a swim and go to work. . .
Bernhard
27/02/2015 at 3:14 pm
Point taken, and thanks for the hint, this will make a nice future blog “the triplers”
Bernhard
27/02/2015 at 3:16 pm
Fifi I know, and I promise to dedicate a blog to the early birds, we only need more light (maybe at the end of daylight saving)
Bernhard
27/02/2015 at 3:20 pm
Lainey my Dear, that’s a good point, what about a new group the “slow doublers”? I could be the team leader, anybody else welcome.
And yeah, I start liking the blog thing, gives you the opportunity to say (about the others) what you always wanted to say but never could say.
Bernhard
27/02/2015 at 3:21 pm
If you need an assistant blogger then, I am happy to volunteer 🙂
Jane
27/02/2015 at 5:11 pm
Don’t be silly, Lainey – you’re not slow, only you spend so much time fish-spotting and taking wonderful pics of them. All the better for us!
Elizabeth X
27/02/2015 at 6:45 pm
Hey Bernhard – love your work. Today I too was an early doubler along with a newbie friend I have signed up: Jo. Hard for you to know when I forgot to login (until now)
Elizabeth X
27/02/2015 at 6:47 pm
Tomorrow: BRUCE BAIRD’S B & B BENCHES BIRTHDAY BREKKY BASH.