Friday 21 August, a morning of messages from bottles to beguiling bluebottles, bountiful marine friends and boundless energy, blissfully bouncing around in the beautiful waters of cabbage tree bay…
water temp: 17.7 degrees
air temp at 7am (feels like summer?): 17 degrees
Breeze: gentle 8-12 kt Northerly (Beaufort 2-3 for those observing from the UK/Europe!) with sufficient East to bring in our blue tentacled frenemies!
conditions: beautiful
vibe: bedazzled and belonging
Todays blog theme was inspired by – literally – a message in a whisky bottle found floating by Jimmy…. On retrival we and others were moved by its contents: messages to a dear departed mate, described also as an enigma, a storyteller, someone who brought everyone together for which his many mates were grateful, someone who is dealy missed. The messages were respectfully placed back in the bottle and the bottle returned to the ocean to continue its journey, carrying memories of a mate and a reminder to live life to the fullest with kindness and care, and no doubt a sense of fun and adventure.
That this message in a bottle floated into our corner of paradise, our happy place is somewhat felicitous. Through the challenges that the ocean, and life, has brought many of our community, the ocean and the friendships we have made through swimming has been a constant presence, bringing fellowship, friendship and companionship and support for those who need it, even if they dont realise. I vividly remember when I started ocean swimming in June 2020, a wise swimmer told me to always remember that the ocean speaks, and we should listen. Channelling also master Yoda, about patience and perseverence, at times we have not listened, or been impatient, and the ocean has reminded us who really makes the decisions. Sometimes the ocean brings us joy, sometimes heartbreak and challenges, and then wraps us in a warm hug.
I asked swimmers about messages the ocean had given them and here are some responses (and out of respect, i have not attributed the comments although with permission some names have been used!):
“value friends and those who love you”
“share the love around”
“thanks for visiting and swimming”
“gave me a much needed slap in the face and reminder to be grateful i am alive”
“never take a northerly for granted, there’s always a bit of East in north”!
“dont mess with me this morning”
“sheer joy”
Dave, ever the caring community “ranger”, picked up a bluebottle out of the water, only for its mate to share its displeasure by stinging him – his message was “dont mess with blueys”!
Nicky said the ocean called her back in (photo published with permission)!
Lainey was welcomed by Basil/Teddy and seeing a female port jackson was a message that Laineys “biology lessons” would commence soon (watch this space!)
have a fabulous Friday, and, as always, look out for and after each other and remember to listen to the ocean, ask her for safe swimming and thank her for a safe return!
Jocelyn
PS – a PSA! only 10 days left to secure your winter badges – the water is so warm so anyone keen to secure the coveted WWW badge for the first time, now is the time!
the badge ceremony will be Sunday 20 September, from 8am at Shelly Beach, please use the link to book your spot and celebrate another season of winter swimming and achievements for everyone!
https://www.boldandbeautifulmanly.com.au/2026-winter-badge-ceremony.html