It’s definitely spring time

The longer days and the rain we’ve had over the past few weeks have triggered a burst of spring flower growth, on display in the front gardens of Ashburner Street on the way to the beach. Here are some gorgeous azalea, magnolia and brunfelsia aka yesterday today and tomorrow.

The seeds of these trees are very toxic to dogs.

Winter, however is having none of this spring business; its ghost remains, as if to say “I’ll be back”.

 

More pedestrian pursuits occupied our attention while getting ready to swim.

Happy Danny and Fiona

 

More on this from management at the bottom of the blog

Water temps slowly moving from tortuous to invigorating

This young staffy cross is beside himself with the excitement of a morning walk

 

The pulchritudinously blessed WOWs busting out some Tai Chai moves. Bin would be proud.

 

A sad sample of the rubbish in the ocean and on the shore today

7 o’clock creeps up very suddenly

Some had already finished their swim by the time the 7am crew started heading down.

I saw these beautiful swimmers leaving the water as the peloton was making its descent. They boldly consented to be in the blog.

 

A bit of swell but nothing too rough

Milling about the point, waiting for the lets go

Shelley.

John Bond who has swum the most kilometres by far out of all the Bold and Beautiful swimmers. No one will catch John.

Di isn’t really going to punch Ian

A small crew of doublers at the point waiting to head back to Shelley

Visibility wasn’t great today, meaning fewer distractions so I focused on doing a slightly faster swim than I normally do. My talent for going in the wrong direction still shone through.

This lot on the approach to the beach where the visibility is usually pretty good.

First of the season. I was so terrified I couldn’t hold the camera still

Mary, Rainer and Lyndal are about to go travelling but not with each other. Apologies here to my victims. Really.

Maxie taking a breather. Being top dog is a tough gig, isn’t it Maxie?

A calmer, moody ocean following the morning’s activity

Later the pilgrimage to (not so) Secret Sourdough Balgowlah Bakery (not its real name). James is a Bold and Beautiful swimmer and his amazing enterprise is getting the recognition it deserves. Don’t go late like I did

 

Stats

Water temp – 16.3

Swimmers – Not sure. 97 people have logged their swim  so far, so my guess is between 150 and 200

Newbies – no idea

What am I listening to?

More of one of my favourite artists, Courtney Barnett who like some of us much prefers swimming to jogging. Her previous album contains a song about trying  but failing to impress someone she has a crush on with her swimming prowess. Unfortunately her lack of athleticism is a curse.

 

And now for some official messages

 

The tragic death of Aretha Franklin has pushed Pancreatic Cancer into the headlines in recent days with a particular focus on how deadly the disease is, but also how common it is. Our own Bold and Beautiful swimmer, Caroline Kelly, lost her husband, Avner in 2008 but not before they started the Avner Pancreatic Cancer Foundation which aims to raise awareness and vital funding for Pancreatic Cancer research.

How can you help? Pull on your walking shoes and join us for a walk along the Manly Board walk next Sunday 9 September 2018 at 10am. The walk starts and finishes on the grass just north of North Steyne Surf Life Saving Club. Registrations are open at https://putyourfootdownsydney2018.gofundraise.com.au/ .

 but wait there’s more 

Monthly Dinner – 11^th September 2018 – Guest Speaker

The next B&B monthly dinner for the year will be held on Tuesday 11th September at 6.30 pm at Bluewater Restaurant. The guest speaker on the night will be one of our swimmers, Jennifer Mulveny, who will share the benefits of mindfulness during our swims and in our daily lives. Jennifer is a certified yoga instructor and passionate student of mindfulness. She leads the beach yoga sessions on Manly Beach before our swims every Thursday morning, constantly reminding students that mindfulness can be done on and off the yoga mat, before a beautiful sunrise, or just as well sitting in traffic or standing in a queue. The presentation will include some mindfulness practice that can be used during swims or as part of a regular home practice.

The cost of the dinner is great value at only $25 a head, which includes shared entrees, and a selection of mains to choose from (including a vegetarian option). 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:  To avoid disappointment and secure your spot please book HERE

 Have a great Saturday everyone!