Looking out to the point the words, half way, came to mind. Just 56 swimmers (so far) fronted up to experience the rough and tumble of the surf today.
Over the past few weeks, I had noticed Vicky and Elaine often doing a pre-swim run up the beach. Looks like the air in Manly just inspires people to move don’t you think?
For those who swim on the weekend with the ever-growing crowds, the weekdays are a more intimate gathering – much like the early days of the squad.
And here are the esteemed founders back for a few days – Jules and Michael.
When they departed for Perth two years ago, the B&B was just nudging 4,000 people. Now there have been over 8,000 who have swum with the pink cap!
Ian calls us to order as he recommends the half-way option.
As many of the 6.30 mob are yet to return, it is an indication that the conditions are on the challenging side.
Mind you, there are always a few brave swimmers who are prepared to face off the waves.
Over at half-way, climbing down the steps into the crashing waves does require some timing! Thankfully, there are those looking out for the safety of the squad with their support in the form of encouragement and a guiding hand. Or even to just scream, “GO!”
Not too bad once you are finally in the water!
The light is beautiful at Shelly with everything washed clean by the overnight rain.
Here is Claudia enjoying her last few swims as she will return to Switzerland in two weeks’ time. She has been here for the past two years and managed to qualify for all the swim badges including the 500km.
Claudia is asking people to sign her calendar on the date of their birthday. So if you see her, please sign so you will know that on your birthday, way over in Switzerland, Claudia will be singing Happy Birthday to you. Perhaps at 7.15am to wake up the neighbours, just like we do at Shelly.
Annie and Bella are chuffed – they were the only girls to brave the waves this morning!
These achievements are worth celebrating! And speaking of celebrating, there are a few people who are approaching the 500km milestone in the next few days.
111 499.5km Annie Larkin
112 496.5km Tania Barra-Shaw Harmelink
113 493.5km Shelly Beach
114 492.0km Gayle McKnight
115 488.0km Huw Gill
Huw, who has been swimming for just 12months, is totally focused on his next 12 swims.
It was a trip down memory lane for Elizabeth as she returned to half-way with Jules standing onshore.
She reminisced that on one of her first swims, she had Jules guiding her to safety as the waves crashed against the seawall.
All safe and all pumped after another great swim.
Reliving the swim at the benches has become a ritual. Did you know this was started by the lovely ladies who called their bench The Table of Knowledge? Vicky is one of this delightful mob. She is also the amazingly generous person who sponsors our pink caps. Today she had a cake to mark a special celebration – she is getting married in two weeks’ time.
Have an amazing Tuesday.
Mary
The B & B Christmas Party is on Tuesday 9th December at 6.30 pm in the Moonshine Bar (2nd Floor) at the Steyne Hotel. All swimmers and partners/friends are welcome. The theme this year is simply “Christmas“. So come dressed in your finest Christmas paraphernalia. There is no need to be shy, as we will have the whole bar to ourselves. The Steyne will provide finger food and pizza, with drinks at bar prices. Lots of fun and dancing guaranteed, with music by our own band “The Troubadors“, who have generously agreed to perform free of charge for us on the night. The cost is $10 per head, with all proceeds going to the running costs of the B&B. Our charity partner, the Royal Far West Children’s Home, will also be running a monster raffle on the night, so please come prepared to support them. Bookings are essential. Book HEREnow! Don’t miss this fun event, numbers are limited.
B&B 2015 Calendar available now for just $15
On sale NOW!!
The B&B Calendar is the perfect item for the ‘hard to buy for’ person in your life. You can pick one up at the swim from Ian (cash only), or online – Click here – with an option to have it posted or collected from Ian.
B&B Merchandise
The Royal Far West will be closing for Christmas and won’t be reopening until 2nd week in January. Therefore, if you are ordering B&B merchandise – and want it BEFORE Christmas, order soon and make sure you collected your items by Friday 12th December. BUY CURRENT MERCHANDISE ONLINE HERE
Summer Swims
It is that time again! 007, or Mr November 2015, has announced the proposed date for the first summer 10K swim challenge is Saturday 13 December 2014. Watch this space for updates.
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. Do read these excellent tips on staying safe in the surf. To read, or even download, click here.
The Stats
Regulars: 47
Newbies: 4
Temp: 20.4
Sunrise: 5.38am
Sunset: 7.51pm
19 comments
Shelly
02/12/2014 at 12:06 pm
I’m so excited coming up to my 500k swim, Hopefully Annie will be there tomorrow getting her 500k badge as I’m doing the blog ….woohoo
oh and good blog Mary BTW
mary
02/12/2014 at 12:13 pm
Thanks Shelly. Great to swim with you today. Hope you get over that ‘man flu’.
Shelly
02/12/2014 at 12:16 pm
Nah,,, its just girly flu, not very strong. I pity those men Like Rainer & Nick they must be pretty tough to keep going, all without a whinge !
Elizabeth
02/12/2014 at 12:36 pm
Great blog Mary. Excellent words and photos. It is great to see julie and Michael. So generous to set up a group swim that we can all enjoy.
Elizabeth X
02/12/2014 at 1:06 pm
Lets not forget Richard Glover’s 1000km coming up. What day do you expect Richard ? So we can have the straight honour guard, sash, hat and mitre etc ready?
Lainey
02/12/2014 at 1:21 pm
We can be there tomorrow for Annie’s 500 and Ruchard’s 1000 with the stuff! Hope Jules and Michael are still going to be there! Well done brave Annie and Bella!
ros ex
02/12/2014 at 1:34 pm
I enjoyed the wavy bay this morning, and your blog Mary!
Fifi
02/12/2014 at 1:54 pm
There were four gurls went out through the waves! Clair Maguire and me too!
LSA, aka HKTQ
02/12/2014 at 1:58 pm
Great blog!
Fun morning, especially hugging Jules again!
Claudia – you went back for a second swim! Loved our first one!
DWSS
02/12/2014 at 2:09 pm
Fantastic blog Mary. Nailed it!
Who’s the random newbies? Jules and Mitchell ? Welcome to the BandB
I look forward to meeting you tomorrow.
Congratulations Carlton on achieving swimmer of the day!
For a few years now I have noticed Carlton doing his early solo along the rocks.
All throughout the year even in the dark, same time same course.
Yes I have checked the integrity by swimming behind him with a notepad on countless occasions.
I can confirm – It’s all good there.
Well done and a well deserved honor and tribute to be selected as “swimmer of the day”
Mary
02/12/2014 at 2:11 pm
Sorry Fifi I should have qualified that statement. Annie and Bella were the only two girls of the 7am mob to brave the waves.
Jane
02/12/2014 at 2:16 pm
Exciting news Vicki – you kept it very quiet! Here’s wishing you wonderful years ahead.
Jeffwitha J
02/12/2014 at 2:36 pm
Enjoyed reading your blog Mary! Thanks.
Claudia
02/12/2014 at 2:56 pm
Yes, I did. I couldn’t help it 😛 Really enjoyed the early swim with you and Jo… Thanks Mari for giving everyone a heads up that I’m collecting calendar signatures. Loved the bday singing and waking up neighbours part! 😉 Here’s another heads up: There will be cake on Dec 16th!! But only for those who swim!
Jill Rankin
02/12/2014 at 2:57 pm
captured the swim beautifully! thanks Mary
Claudia
02/12/2014 at 3:01 pm
Yes, that’s right. I saw them with my very ears! 😉 The waves were big today. And even bigger at 6am!… Brave ladies, the four of you.
Jo
02/12/2014 at 4:43 pm
Dec 16 marked on the calendar! Will swim for cake.
Great blog Mary a morning’s swim captured beautifully.
It was certainly wild and woolly at 6am – thanks for turning up for fun in the bay Sarah and Claudia.
Pacific Jules
02/12/2014 at 5:30 pm
It’s always so wonderful to come home and have a swim and a hug with everyone. I miss the cameraderie and friendship of you all so it’s lovely to get back for a little fix.
Hope to be able to catch up with a few more friends over the next 2 mornings x
Mark
02/12/2014 at 5:52 pm
Sorry to miss you jules and Michael. The girls say hi! We miss you both and I often reminisce about the good old days! Any chance of a transfer back as you can see the bunch can get a tad unruly at times and need strong hands at the tiller.
Love Mark, Claude, Laura and Jazz