Happy birthday Shmope!

Just a quick blog this morning as Victoria and I are celebrating our little Hope’s 1st birthday today. What a joy to have her in our lives, and thank you to all the Bold and Beautiful’ers who have babysat (Kelly, Dr Becky), cuddled her in the morning (most of you), given her coffee (Dr Becky), taken her away to a farm (Dreamboat, Sterling, Sophie, Woody, Scotty). We do life better when we do it together!

Well, the sun is coming up earlier and earlier with every passing day. Hello beach truck.

The water was a cool 16.6 degrees this morning. It certainly felt cold on getting in. Bit of wind and chop around too… but as usual, once you get going you are so glad you have come down! 77 of us at last count took on the Pacific Ocean this morning.

Here are 3 of Manly’s finest come in from the swim. On the left is Rob, centre Dreamboat Dave and on the right JP. In the background Drinksy entertains the 6:30am mob with stories about waves, sharks and where to buy the cheapest tiles on the Northern Beaches.

And after talking up how this morning was his type of conditions, here is the Spaniard hiding from the camera after only collecting silver this morning!

Finally it was off to Manly Wine to open some presents and get some cuddles with the Shmope on her first birthday!

Have a great day.

Special Event – Guest Speaker!

The next B&B monthly dinner is on Tuesday 12th August at 6.30pm at Bluewater Restaurant. This month’s special presenter is Ruth Hollows, the youngest daughter of Fred Hollows.  Her presentation is on how she is helping fulfil her father’s legacy through her role as Ambassador for Wild Women On Top Sydney Coastrek.

The cost of the dinner is only $20 a head which includes shared entrees, a selection of mains to choose (incl a vegetarian option), corkage (for byo wine only) and a little thank you for the staff. Glasses of beer or wine and desserts are also available at the special price of only $5 each. Numbers are limited, so bookings are essential.  Avoid disappointment and Book Now!

Fred Hollows is a modern legend, and was many things to many people – a husband, a father, a friend, a skilled ophthalmologist and for a few politicians and bureaucrats, an irritating thorn in their side. Above all else he was a humanitarian. This explains why he was so passionate about improving the health of indigenous Australians. In 80% of cases blindness is unnecessary, it can either be avoided or it can be overcome through a simple operation. Since Fred died The Fred Hollows Foundation has restored sight to well over one million people in the developing world.

Winter Badge season – only 5 weeks to go.

There are 14 weeks in the winter season.  To qualify for the prized Cold & Bold Badge you simply need to swim 20 times within the season ensuring you have swum in a minimum of 7 different weeks.  So, attempting to do it all in the first few weeks does not count!!  Make sure you use the i-Log to register your without wetsuit for the WWW badge.  The badge ceremony is being held straight after the swim on 21 September at the Royal Far West.

Staying safe

Are you prepared for the return of the surf? 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.