I thought I would get up nice and early this morning and see what all this boulderdash stuff was about.
Im still fairly new to the group and was a little apprehensive about swimming so far out to be honest, with a lot less “Chum” to surround me. The shutting down of the beaches yesterday due to our 2.5 metre aquatic friend didnt do anything to quell the nerves either!
Unfortunately I didnt quite calculate the early start time well enough and missed the main group by a few mins…..luckily I had Emer with me, picked up John Kelly on the way and had arranged to meet Lauren (Big SHOUT OUT as requested!!) and Iain and they had waited for us.
The beach is a lot less busy that little bit earlier!
We were blessed with very calm conditions and at the new “Point” it became all very much worth it with a breathtaking sunrise (I think the extra guy in the shot was called Ka-tut)
I pretended to stop in order to take pictures, really I was just tired!
I was about to rescue this poor chap from drowning, but realised it was just Iain taking a break for a blog tart moment. (Hover your mouse over picture for some true gossip)
Eventually after many pit stops on the way, we made it to Queenscliff
Ok, so I didnt exactly go the full way back to Manly….
But was just in time to watch the main group head off for their 7am swim. And quite a big group it was!!!
Rather than a heroes welcome though I just got heckled for not doing the 7am swim!
Every blog needs a Brucely picture, right?
We got this photo in from Vicky Harbutt who is on tour, looks a little chillier than here!!! Great photo Vicky, thanks.
Blown away by the commitment of some B&B’ers…Mark Ayers daughter Emily Grace was born 19th December, but he still managed to get in a swim!!! Some beautiful photos of her, thanks Mark and congrats from all of us to you and your wife!
Lastly, I have no idea who this person is but she sent a photo in so I guess I better put it up….oh no wait, its BLOG QUEEN Sharon! This is her view on NYE in London…awesome Shaz!
I would highly recommend a boulderdash for anyone who hasnt done it yet, its also great preparation for the 6km or 10km badge which are on this Saturday…get into it!!
See you all next Monday where normal service will be resumed…
For now, keep swimming and smiling
Robster the Blogster
To read Michael’s tips on how to stay safe in the surf click here
Today’s stats:
Great White Sharks: 1 somewhere between Dee Why and Bondi, but not Manly!
Regular Shelly swimmers: 197
New swimmers: 15
Bolderdashers: 18 including some late ones!
FYI we are 94 newbies away from the magic 4000 number!
Water Temperature: 21.1
Air Temperature: 20
Sunrise 5.48am
Sunset 8.09pm
High tide:12.06am
Low tide:5.47am
23 comments
Lesley
02/01/2013 at 10:28 am
Oooh like the bolderdash perspective Robster! And Great photos… Love the one of the back of everyone going into the water… Choice Bro!!
mauricio
02/01/2013 at 11:17 am
It sounds a very good option to turn left rather than right,good to have it described first hand in the blog today.
For those who want to check the video of some right turners on their way to shelly please click on the link below:
http://youtu.be/KR8OQ6KtVdY
Worth while watching the dusky whaler though, what an amazing creature.
Have a good day everyone.
Jane
02/01/2013 at 11:23 am
Awesome video at this link – nearly as good as Cabbage Tree Bay!
http://www.youtube.com/embed/mcbHKAWIk3I
Jane
02/01/2013 at 11:28 am
…..and by the way, it’s in 3D if your computer can do that. My 3D cinema glasses definitely improved it.
Brad Edwards
02/01/2013 at 12:43 pm
I think there is something wrong with Michael’s thermometer – felt like 18 today not 21. Must bring my wetsuit down tomorrow 🙂
Little Sarah
02/01/2013 at 1:00 pm
Well done, Rob & Emer with the swim!
But, sent you a NY pic (with back-up to Trusted Offsider) – can’t believe it didn’t make the cut! Will try E-lane tomorrow and if that doesnt work will write to Dear Leader:-)
Jules, you remain my last resort!!
Naughty Ka-Tut
02/01/2013 at 1:21 pm
I am loving your great blog, and you looking so HOT this morning!
Only 94 newbies away from the magic 4,000? No problem, we just find 47 first-time-sexy-ladies and make them come twice (ooh!)
gianino.saralauren@gmail.com
02/01/2013 at 1:33 pm
Nice blog! I feel like part of the group again! Fun times! 🙂 Congrats on your first Boulderdash, Rob and Emer! 🙂
Michael [EX CI]
02/01/2013 at 3:10 pm
Mark! What a beautiful baby you and your wife have.
Robbie Byrne
02/01/2013 at 4:14 pm
Hello Ka-Tut and welcome! So did you and Rhonda hook up or what????
Little Sarah
02/01/2013 at 4:41 pm
Yes, congratulations!
John S
02/01/2013 at 4:46 pm
ahem, Lesley (with the darling butt) didn’t you commit to coming for a bolderdash this morning?
Naughty Ka-Tut
02/01/2013 at 5:13 pm
well, something happened 😉
Alyson
02/01/2013 at 5:48 pm
Oh ka-tut and Robbie, great blog and congratulations on your first bolder dash and to mark and wife on their new little bubba!
Michael [EX CI]
02/01/2013 at 6:01 pm
BTW Anyone thinking of doing the 10k on Saturday, don’t forget a few little nibblies and some drink.
It sounds like the course will be the 7am swim and then TWO laps to Freshwater and back. So it will be easy to leave something at South Steyne.
Final details will depend on our fearless leader John 007. So make sure you have a chat with him before Saturday.
Lindsay
02/01/2013 at 6:36 pm
Great video!
Kazza
02/01/2013 at 9:33 pm
Hey guys,
Quick Question about the boulderdash – how far is it? And what time do they leave?
As much as I love the 7am swim its sometimes too late for me with work so an earlier swim could be good. I must admit I’m a little un-swim-fit at the moment so wondering if I could go one way or something?
Anyway, see you all Friday morning hopefully.
DWSS
03/01/2013 at 5:48 am
HI Kazza
The distance is 1.5km each way. (North Steyne surf club is 1km from our club)
The official start time is 5.50am but a few slowies leave around 5.40 sometimes.
Regarding getting out part way, a wise man once told me – “There are no rules”
so starting is the important thing and feel free to turn west at any given time.
DWSS
03/01/2013 at 5:51 am
So nice to meet you Emily. Quick, Simon, Drinks, get the pink pad, sign her up. hehe
Congratulations Mark
DWSS
03/01/2013 at 5:52 am
Like a sunrise
Rick Arnold
03/01/2013 at 8:46 am
Awesome pictures, it’s great to see everyone out for a good swim in community. I’m curious if anyone has given a Fastlane Pool (http://www.fastlanepools.com.au/fastlane-pool.php) a shot as I’ve heard a lot of great things about them.
Pacific Jules
03/01/2013 at 11:05 am
Pick your days for that though, as the surf can be bigger up the northern end of the beach (depending on the direction of the swell etc) so depending on the conditions on the day you may be better off swimming back to Manly rather than attempting to get into the beach through big surf.
Kazza
03/01/2013 at 8:15 pm
Good advice! Thanks guys. I may give it a go.
Cheers k