25/02/14 – Greetings from Angkor Wat

Simon Cowell has become the first B&Ber to swim his 1500 in the moat around Angkor Wat in Cambodia, the locals thought he was mad:

 

Can you tick the box for this swim?

 

The locals don’t swim and fear dragons and ghosts of the dead live under the water, could this have something to do with the strange appearance of pumice in Cabbage Tree Bay today?

 

No the pumice in the water today is mostly likely the the result of an eruption by the Havre Seamount in July last year in the Kermadac Islands, north of NZ which created the “largest pumice raft” in the last 50 years.

This quote from Doctor Scott Bryan explains the influence that pumice rafts can have on the marine environment:

“Pumice rafts are the only process in evolutionary history that can transport species fairly rapidly – up to 30 kilometres per day – across deep oceans that would normally act as geographic barriers,”

“In the past, we’ve seen rafts become home to micro-communities of more than 80 species including corals, and sometimes the weight of the hitchhikers is so great that it causes the pumice to sink.”

 

 

It is only just light at 6:30 so I am sure there are few people looking forward to the end of daylight saving

 

Ian was on duty early as always

And here are some more early starters

 

 

 

How did I get into that photo?

 

 

 

John and Paige

 

Elaine and friend

 

 

Justice swimming with his son

 

A family re-union

 

 

 

Two international visitors, one from Tokyo and the other from somewhere else in the Orient

 

 

 

Kelly recovering from a cold

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Time to hot the water

 

 

 

 

 

The sun rose over Shelley beach as we swum across

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy birthday Patrick!

 

John Bond waiting at the point for the doublers

 

There were just three, Judy John and me though we were also joined by a few late starters

 

And here is that pesky pumice!

 

A pumice stone with a few hitch-hikers

 

 

The start of the after party

 

Chris Milne was a very late starter

 

What would a swim be without the coffee after?

 

 

 

 

 

Joe Earl signing off

Heart Month

February is Heart Research Month, and we’re raising $1 for every kilometre we swim during the month.

We need to start kicking this along! The swimming is going ok, but a little more for the $$$$ would be great. Here’s the update…

https://redfebrelay.everydayhero.com/au/bold-beautiful-swim-squad-manly

B&B i-Log

Almost 50% of swimmers are now using the B&B i-Log. Log your swim ANYTIME of day using this really efficient and easy way to ensure your swim is recorded in the daily attendance and on the Pacific Challenge. To get started, send an email to Ian Forster (ugoboyo@gmail.com). He will check that your email address is activated on the attendance register then send you info on how to get started.

Bolderdash

This daily swim to Queenscliff and back DEPARTS the surf club at 5.50am. As these are generally intimate groups, please WAIT for everyone in the water before heading off. Do buddy up with someone – great to be with someone who has the same pace – that way everyone is ‘accounted for’ at Queenscliff.

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:  139

Bolderdashers: 3

Doublers: 3

Newbie:  11

Temp:   22.7 degrees

Sunrise: 6.40 am

Sunset: 7.35 pm

High tide: 7:01 PM 1.24M

Low tide: 1:01 PM 0.48M

Water temperarture at Angkor Wat: Warm on top but cold below