6.24am – Even Manly has it’s homeless shelter

The Dolphin Whisperer was in charge today, thanks for the camera Shaun.

6.29am
Drinky decides to get changed

Jo dressing Drinky’s wound before today’s 6.30 am express.


down the ramp at 6.31
Natural pose

Sophie & Annie can’t wait to get wet

First underwater shot off the point at 6.34am

6.47am taking a break at Shelly





and Jo said, “except for my B&B swim I’m a bee’s dick away from a nervous break-down”

Perfect conditions today to see this Port Jackson coupling


the cuttlefish twins

Rapunzel the blond Wobbegong

what a day for the 6.30 swimmers, we also swam with the Mrs Whale


7.02 and I have the pleasure of letting the 7amers know it’s a great day to swim on Cabbage Tree Bay

The four tenors

Pirate Alex shows off his war wounds (bluey at Nth Steyne) after our swim to Freshwater on Saturday
Not to be outdone Clair showed me her bluey love-bite from yesterday

Final underwater shot from Rob, making the most of the “hot” showers


Eliot slept in until 6.15am so mum could miss booty camp

Fast Richard podiumed this morning

Welcome to newbies Emma & Clair, on holidays from the UK

Rosie and Vanessa

It’s easy to see why her nick-name is “Sparkles”

Miss Jones, dressed in Shades and Grey

Thanks shy-Ted for helping me write the blog at the benches today.

Have a great week ahead
Simon – signing off to play in the ‘sandpit’ with Max

======================================================================
The Stats
Regulars: 85+
Newbies: 2
Temp: 23
Sunset today: 7.31pm
Sunrise Tuesday: 6.44am
Sunset: 7.33pm
==================================================================
Help the Surf Boat Girls
If you have admired the dedication of the girls who row for the Manly Surf Club, you can now help them out. For the next two Saturdays, the girls will be running a fundraising barbecue to raise money to compete in the Ocean Thunder, which is an ‘elite’ surf boat competition where the entry fee is $8000. Please assist if you can by buying something to eat at the end of the swim.
B&B Monthly Dinner
The first B&B monthly dinner for the year will be held on Tuesday 10th March at 6.30 pm at Bluewater Restaurant, and will include an exclusive wine tasting for B&B members and their friends. Bluewater Restaurant and Fesq Fine Wine Distributors have combined to provide a fabulous meal with four excellent wines to taste during the evening. Ryan, a wine specialist from Fesq, will be on hand to explain the subtleties of each wine.
The cost of the dinner is great value at only $30 a head, which includes the wine plus shared entrees, and a selection of mains to choose from (including a vegetarian option). Glasses of beer or (additional) wine and desserts are also available at the special price of only $5 each. Numbers are limited, so bookings are essential: These dinners are very popular and a lot of fun, they are a great way to socialise looking half decent with your fellow B&B’s but they sell out fast so book your spot by click HERE
Help Support Shelly the Turtle
A Baking Day will be held on Saturday 14th March to raise funds for Shelly the Turtle’s tracking tag so we can watch where she goes once released, and contribute to research into Green Turtle migration. Any extra funds will go towards turtle rehabilitation programs at SEA LIFE Sanctuary. Please contribute if you can. Sharnie will be hanging out by the benches on the day please bring baked goods there. Any non-bakers can contribute as consumers on the day!
The Next B&B Swim School
It’s that time again! Join Pacific Jules coaches Warren and Sarah Anne for an hour in the ocean and learn to swim with less fight and more flow! This one hour session in the water will help you understand the way your body relates to the water, how to slice through with minimal effort and naturally build up speed and endurance.
When : Saturday 14 March 9:45-10:45am
Cost : $25
Location : Shelly Beach
Open to everyone and all abilities welcome. What to bring: swim suit, cap, goggles, wetsuit compulsory, water and money for a hot cuppa afterwards! Please email info@pacificjules.com.au for more information or to reserve your place.
Summer Swims
The very last of the Summer Swims (that means a badge) are scheduled for Saturday 7 March, 2015 – this week. The 6km and 10km swims both start with the normal swim at 7am.
Staying safe
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. Also, if you have a bit more experience, keep an eye out for new swimmers who might need company. Do read these excellent tips on staying safe in the surf. To read, or even download, click here.



15 comments
DWStillSlow but faster than Rainer
02/03/2015 at 12:08 pm
Great Blog Simon. Magic underwater shots.
Those port Jackson Sharks must have read yesterday’s blog.
Such a pity all those people missed today’s whale day.
Oh well, I finally get a whale badge. Yip yip.
Simon Cowell
02/03/2015 at 12:17 pm
Thanks Shaun
What not a coupling or couples badge?
Sent from my iPhone
roger
02/03/2015 at 2:09 pm
I think you went to type ‘Bluebottles’ – but accidentally wrote ‘Whale’ … hey, Simon? Fess up
ros ex
02/03/2015 at 2:55 pm
Great blog Simon – loved those shark and cuttlefish photos!
Margot
02/03/2015 at 5:51 pm
Beautiful blog today Simon! It looks like weekdays are the best days to swim! Good wildlife today too.
Jo
02/03/2015 at 6:15 pm
Hahaha great blog Simon! Could also have been titled “B&B – cheaper than therapy”.
Simon Cowell
02/03/2015 at 7:13 pm
Hi Jo
Yes indeed. But I liked using your literal quote in the interests of journalistic accuracy.
Sent from my iPhone
LSA aka HKTQ
02/03/2015 at 7:57 pm
Good one! Looking forward to being with you all again very soon, but wait, there I am already next to Nick the Brick and his surfboard that Mrs Whale tried to push away a couple of times! Amazing how the same cast of characters were out again today:)
Wdeck@bigpond.net.au
02/03/2015 at 8:05 pm
I missed the whales completely. I estimate I was at that location about 7:10. Surely you could have had them wait a few minutes
Simon Cowell
02/03/2015 at 8:22 pm
Sarah
Yeah, so that was you, I thought so.
Sent from my iPhone
Simon Cowell
02/03/2015 at 8:23 pm
Hi Wilf
Timing is everything.
Sent from my iPhone
Simon Cowell
02/03/2015 at 8:30 pm
Margot
Dont worry, every day is special at Cabbage Tree Bay.
Sent from my iPhone
Simon Cowell
02/03/2015 at 8:34 pm
Thanks Ros
I figured we can never get enough pictures of sharks cuttlefish fish or whales
Sent from my iPhone
Elizabeth X
02/03/2015 at 11:08 pm
Great blog Simon and great sign off pic
nicolif46@optusnet.com.au
04/03/2015 at 12:04 am
yes Wilf, and I swam past that place 4 times and saw nothing bigger than a 3 ft dusky whaler (not far from the Bower surfing reef).
Does anyone know if whales are attracted by those little bitey things?
Ian