So it’s the first day of the shortest month of the year and the beginning of the last month of summer. And we know the root of February is the Latin februum, which means purification. So it could be a good time to cleanse yourself of something – a time to clear out that room...

The Manly Daily got it wrong today… Murray and his Babewatch group got on front page and page 9! But…it was mentioned that ‘Babewatch is billed as an alternative to Manly’s popular Bold and Beautiful Swim Squad’. How dare they! As founder Murray told me today, they are an integral part of the B&B and...

Morning all, and what a spectacular morning it was. High tide and about a meter of ENE swell with 23.5 degrees in the water. Very hard to find a good excuse except for the cancellation of the T3 lane and for all those ferrying kids to schools over the small bridge or big one, it...

Yesterday, Bob swam at Northbridge baths today, returned to his favourite bench near lane 1 and passed away peacefully.     I swam at 5:55 with Jo and Ali, after this shot with Miles.     6:30’s swim in pairs.       Jo got to hold 14 wk old Jack while mum Lynette waited...

 The long and winding road I’ve seen that road and it leads me here.   Apologies to Gen X & Y as this sentimental baby boomer reminisces about song lyrics from the 70s.   Because of the carnival at Manly this morning, Guy provided directions and advice, in his own very special way. Using both hands,...

Good morning everyone, and what a gorgeous morning it is. The past few days have been still and close – humid and not much wind. It almost feels as though late summer is holding its breath in anticipation of the transition towards autumn with its crisp, clear air and cool nights. Bring on the cool...

The national anthem, Australian flags and symbols and a cake stall raising money for  Australians for Women’s Health Hospital for Women and Babies. And swimming at the beach. And openly discussing your opinion about the date and the day without fear of anything but possibly social awkwardness or a different view. Australia Day Bold and Beautiful style  – we...

After spending 10 days  in arctic temperatures in the US it is a delight to be back as your humble correspondent in balmy Manly. And since on Australia Day tomorrow we will be hearing a lot (dare I say too much) about ‘lands girt by sea’ and ‘loving a sunburnt county’ let’s celebrate our little...

 It wasn’t as sunny and sparkling today as last Saturday when I took the photo above, but it was a lot quieter with only 330 of us in Cabbage Tree Bay! (620 of us last Saturday). Australia Day Friday will be huge. I started swimming with the B&B on 26 Jan 2011 and there was...

Morning all, not a splendid day by any means but spectacular in its own way. A Low tide, 3k’s of N/E wind, 1 metre of N/E swell pitching into the point and a reasonably strong rip that had punters playing on the periphery.  22.5 degrees not unlike a bath and more of the same for...