In Ober-Roden, just out of Frankfurt Germany, the finest ciders in the world are made. On this day a long long time ago the town saw the birth of the finest Master Baker to grace our shores, our very own Andre Arndt. During the great milk shortage of 1969, cider replaced milk for the young...

Wednesday 14th August – something was missing – that yellow ball of nourishing energy that is the sun, for starters, and lake Manly had also disappeared…..  and after 1055 days, it is with gratitude that we appreciate the enormity of Guy’s daily efforts to inform us of the temperature, and with his unique gift, weaving...

Here is a swimmer that enjoyed the swim. I am defeated by typepad. See FB for some more photos of the great swim today

I wake to a roar, 5km from the beach. Guy’s post talks of calmer waters. Say Yes to health & inner peace. Played in the waves for 45 minutes today. 2 Surfers turned into 200 and I exited. Chat to Trooper who was muttering something about surfer free zones. She’ll only come out at night...

Wednesday 24th July – the week the upwelling made a triumphant return to Manly after a year or so away  – testing our resilience, our mind set, and our bravery (or craziness)… also, upwelling sounds a little like a horror movie, and for some, it probably felt like it as we battled through gritted teeth,...

Those were the words used to describe the conditions today. The swell was kinder than yesterday’s but was still some fun / challenge to be had heading out 7 O’Clock! Super athlete Merrilee back from The Aussies, missed a gold by a fingernail Napoleon reasserting his top dog status after a holiday down the South...

The 6am crazies. Flashes of Phosphorescence from the point. Clear skies still full of stars. We talk nautical dawn, an optimistic take on a pitch black night. Frangi picks out his beanie based on the emerging sky colour. Or is it the other way around. With his hand suspiciously in his bag, he tried to...

2 weeks on from the greatest swim of the year, we return to Shelly. A roaring southerly wind whips us, glad we’re not naked this time. No pagan orgy either. I forget my towel. The 6am swimming headlights head back to Manly as we arrive. Still dark, no-one here, (didn’t the dinghys get removed?), and...

Wednesday 3rd July –   Few swimmers dragged themselves (or was that joyfully leapt?) out of warm beds today – however those who braved the arctic vortex were rewarded.  After a cold, rainy, wintery pre dawn, the clouds parted as though on cue at 7am to reveal a bright orange ball of light and energy, painting...

Orange, blue, sharp lines, gathering crowds. The boys on the bench chatter. if you choose, choose to be happy…. Cold hands, warm hearts today. I’m sure it’s warmer in the water than when Guy measures at 2am. The 6am crazies. Flashes of Phosphorescence from the point. Clear skies still full of stars. We talk nautical...