Bit of rain this morning… kept the crowds away… sorted the diehards from the ‘simply keen’… but it actually turned out to be a lovely swim!
Check out this rig! Not bad for a 64 year old. I always like to ask Drinky what the condition are like before jumping in at the 7am. Well he was spot on… water was warm, clear and pretty flat – not what I was expecting. We just had to avoid some jimbles on the point.
Here’s the girls. Little known fact that Lainey and Sophie competed together in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics in the Gymnastic Floor Exercise event. They came 4th.
There has been a fair bit of chatter about some stolen bags during the swim in the mornings. I don’t want to diminish the anger you would feel if someone stole your possesions (I’d be pissed off). But I’m also aware that we can be quick to call judgement on people. In my line of work (I’m a Pastor) I come across a lot of broken people (really all of us) who do bad things. There is usually a story of addiction or a very tough upbringing behind most crimes. I love the musical Les Miserables – a thief, Jean Val Jean is transformed into a wonderful man after a kindly Bishop forgives him for stealing his silverware. At Christmas I am reminded that there is no greater power to transform a life than acts of grace and mercy! OK, sermon over…
Here is the top 4 swimmers this morning. Jacob (2nd from left) and the Kid (far left) battled it out up front. Pretty good effort from the Kid considering Jacob was in a wetsuit! Newport John and Jimbob not far behind.
Finally, if you want to get into the Christmas spirit, come and join a bunch of us this Sunday at 5pm for Carols on the Corso. We have an amazing funky band and yours truly will be sharing a little message!
That’s it from me for the year. Geeze I love you guys and our amazing community! Have a great Christmas and a Happy New Year!
The Bishop…
8 comments
Scotty
16/12/2016 at 3:58 pm
Great to have the bishop back!
Shelley K
16/12/2016 at 4:22 pm
Thanks Tim, that jump shot is fantastic, they look like they’re flying. Lovely swimming today despite the outsides of the ocean being rather drear.
kierin
16/12/2016 at 5:04 pm
Bag security is important. I wouldn’t be too concerned about anything outside my car keys. I drive from North Rocks, so I would be screwed if my bag was taken. Perhaps the surf club could offer a solution, such as a temporary “cloak room” operated by a club junior. It could cost a gold coin donation. The club can make money and are bags will be safe? Perhaps a B&B volunteer system could staff the cloak room. Regular swimmers can do 1 morning duty every 2 to 3 months?
These ideas may not be good, but lets nut out a solution.
Fiona Horn
16/12/2016 at 5:11 pm
Yep agree let’s seek a solution without too much sermonising from on high.
Lainey Loo
16/12/2016 at 5:34 pm
Thanks for including Sophie and myself Tim in your blog! I can’t believe there’s not one of Stirling (even if he didn’t swim!) Drinky is always a good one to ask about conditions, positive but practical. Yes, Sophie and I just missed out on a medal back in 1992 😉
Will try to catch your carols on Sunday!
Lesbubs
16/12/2016 at 5:47 pm
There have been about 3000 actual daily swims since the start of BNB in 2008 and let’s say 300,000+ bags have sat outside in all that time and only a handful stolen.. I think we are doing pretty well. 😊
Ages ago we set up a small ‘agreement’ with the coffee shop to leave car keys there… I think they still do it?? Also don’t take your wallet to the swim / just enough for coffee or breakfast.
Leave yr phone home or in the car. 👍🏻
roger
16/12/2016 at 6:24 pm
Merry Christmas, Pastor Tim 🙂
kierin
16/12/2016 at 6:35 pm
keys at a coffee shop. good idea. Though ….. worrying about my bag does make me swim back faster than my skill level would generally dictate 🙂