Hi Everyone, my name is Declan Barnett and I’m the guest blogger for today!
Stats for Friday December 5, 2014: 130 swimmers, water temp 19.8 degrees (Brrrrrr). 3 newbies!
I must apologise for the upside down piccies. I tried everything but couldn’t sort it out.Let’s just say it puts a different perspective on things.
It’s both an honour and delight to contribute to my 1st B&B blog post. I must say that I was really nervous when I joined B&B as I’m an average but enthusiastic swimmer. What has completely captured my interest is the incredible community that has formed amongst the group. There’s something about people with a common love that come together to celebrate life. It soon became obvious to me that the swimming comes a distant second to the coffee and conversation afterwards. That being said, I believe anyone that takes on the swim to Shelly and back is a true “warrior” and loves the connection to nature. It is the perfect start to the day no matter what the conditions. You really know you’re alive when you return back to the surf club after the swim home.
It really doesn’t matter what your background or career is, once you plunge into the surf you become one of the family. And what a mix of characters! Not too many places were you have a vicar and playboy share laughs and stories (I’m sure you know who I’m referring to Tim and Dreamboat).
Being a single guy I’ve received plenty of matching making offers (thanks Elaine), a nickname which I won’t write here as I don’t like it and don’t want it to stick and more social invitations that are filling up my calendar. In a nutshell, I’ve found a place where I feel I belong.
I’m always left with a sense of increase every time that I come down to Manly with B&B and can’t wait to continue my journey with these amazing people both in and out of the water!
These guys can swim!
It’s all about the coffee and conversation!
The 7am crew getting ready for the journey home.
Scott’s little one Camryn who is hoping to make her first journey across to Shelly very soon with a liitle help from Dad!
Congratulations Gayle on reaching your 500Km!
Ugg boots are standard uniform for Annie who’s with Elaine the matchmaker!
Bruce and David looking very relaxed before the dash back from Shelly!
Myself and Sarah who recently racked up her 1,000km!
I hope you enjoyed my piccies.
Hugs and more hugs,
Declan
34 comments
Nick Dawkins
05/12/2014 at 10:02 am
Great work Dec –
Fixed my neck too!
LSA aka HKTQ
05/12/2014 at 10:14 am
Love it and agree – it’s all about the incredible community…..and swims
Also love reading the blog like this….. reminds me of being in the waves again:))
Well done, Dec – another top blogger!
Congratulations, Gayle!
Rob
05/12/2014 at 10:33 am
Great first blog and a nice reminder of why we all keep turning up every day! have a goodun
LSA aka HKTQ
05/12/2014 at 10:37 am
I was swimming back to the point, way out with Derek, looking at the waves ahead with apprehension, when we came across a very young swimmer bobbing up and down next to us, completely at ease. A little later his older brother joined him and they dashed off to tackle the surf in, leaving us for dead!
Well done, Dillon and Owen (aged 10 & 11)!
(I hasten to add that their father was guiding them from behind somewhere!)
lesbubbles
05/12/2014 at 10:49 am
lol
lesbubbles
05/12/2014 at 10:52 am
beware all you singles Elaine was in the boatshed last night adding to her data list! god help us
lesbubbles
05/12/2014 at 10:56 am
Yes Declan that’s one of the things I love about BnB – a vicar and a playboy hanging out together! all religions / beliefs / life choices and so on! so much fun! great blog 🙂
AND I love the circle of caps photo!!!
Mary
05/12/2014 at 10:57 am
Ha ha! Headstands are a good way to start the day – so I’ve been told.
Roger
05/12/2014 at 11:10 am
Nice words, Declan … good on you!
Lips
05/12/2014 at 11:54 am
Love your work Declan! Congrats Gayle!
The Spaniard
05/12/2014 at 12:00 pm
We should take selfies trying to see the pictures, loved it Dec! Good job!
Shelly
05/12/2014 at 12:01 pm
Well done Declan on your first blog, cant wait for my swim tomorrow !!! great for a crook neck I believe.
You are a wise man to steer clear of Lainey -Loo and never go near “The Boatshed” without a wingman !
I guess the caps are the “circle of love” when you become a B&Ber
Look forward to future blogs ! now that “what’s his name” isn’t doing Fridays for a while.
Cya
Shelly
Lainey aka E-laine
05/12/2014 at 12:47 pm
Great blog Declan and thank you for acknowledging me as the matchmaker of the group. Monday’s financial Review got it so wrong when they referred to Bruce Baird as ‘Dr Love’ and head matchmaker! I’m now responsible for quite a few first dates, one true love, a snog in an alley and Spaniard getting a walk home. My impressive portfolio of eligible bachelors has increased too since last night’s research trip to The Boatshed!
lesbubbles
05/12/2014 at 1:32 pm
Lips you sound really REALLY ill .. hope you get better soon (and back to your FUNNY comments again!)
Shelly
05/12/2014 at 1:37 pm
Do tell ? who was the snoger or snogeress ? ? ? ?
Pacific Jules
05/12/2014 at 1:37 pm
Really great blog Declan, welcome aboard and thank you 🙂
Love the circle of caps too !
Great idea of the Spaniard’s 😉
Missing you all already 🙁 xx
Simon
05/12/2014 at 1:40 pm
Nice one Declan
Just the right mix of humour and honesty.
You forgot to mention your expertise as a Barista and your plans to speed up the coffee making at Manly Wine.
john.st.xx
05/12/2014 at 2:16 pm
Great blog D.
Gayle after Booty, congrats!
ros ex
05/12/2014 at 2:17 pm
Have you heard the one about the Playboy, the Vicar and the Matchmaker? Well it goes like this …
Lips
05/12/2014 at 2:20 pm
My comment was ironic.
Lips
05/12/2014 at 2:21 pm
You here for the 6k tomorrow Jules? Just asking. No reason..
Anna McBold
05/12/2014 at 3:17 pm
More health troubles Nick? You poor thing 😉
Sandy
05/12/2014 at 3:21 pm
COCO POPS ? Whats wrong with that as a nickname? Some people in the swimgroup have to put up with being called much worse things. COCO POPS isnt that bad mate. Nice blog by the way.
Mary
05/12/2014 at 4:12 pm
Oh can’t wait for the punch line. . .
Ness
05/12/2014 at 4:16 pm
Great first blog, and yes my neck seems to be better too!
Elizabeth X
05/12/2014 at 4:43 pm
Congrats Gayle great achievement
DWSS
05/12/2014 at 5:10 pm
Swimming tomorrow Shelly?
DWSS
05/12/2014 at 5:31 pm
Careful Nick
I can Sharnie at the news agent buying another card tonight.
Shelly
05/12/2014 at 5:37 pm
If the weather is okay, maybe 6k ! so if I do I’ll be to tired for any of your naughty business ! if that’s what you had in mind.
Pacific Jules
05/12/2014 at 6:02 pm
I wish Rainer. I’m sure there’s a reason 😉 but… sadly I’ll be doing my 6km over in the Wild West. Hope to be back to join you for one soon though
Elizabeth
05/12/2014 at 6:11 pm
Hard conditions for the swim but Gayle did it! Well done.
NateDog
05/12/2014 at 6:49 pm
Can someone please let me know what time the 6k is on tomorrow?
Elizabeth X
05/12/2014 at 8:00 pm
I am informed by John Bond that the official 6km swim starts with the 7am swim to Shelly and then upon return to The Point then heads over to Queenscliff and Freshwater.
There are some people heading off earlier to do a 6km swim including a group at 6.30 am.
Sandy
05/12/2014 at 8:07 pm
Oh geez sorry mate ok why dont you delete my comment feel free