101 Bold and Beautiful swimmers turned up today on one of the coldest days of the year…Yesterday, Lesley’s thought provoking blog encouraged you to comment on why you love swimming with this amazing group. The overwhelming response was that it was always the best part of everyone’s day and so much more than a swim! It was wonderful to read these comments at the end of the blog, so today’s blog has taken some of your thoughts and added them to photos of today’s cold yet glorious swim.
One of Lesley’s reasons was that she feels so appreciative that it is a special place and she wants to be a part of it. That’s how I feel when I arrive at Manly after a 26 km drive down from Avalon…Just in time to see 20 early lappers, (The Drinks Express) venture in…
We love the B&B PEOPLE of course! Ed describes us as, ‘the least judgmental, most diverse group of people, who all want everyone to have a good experience.’He also commented how ‘really exceptional it is, that everyone waits for each other at The Point and Shelly’. Here is the Drinks Express waiting and later us 7amers…
‘We love the unpredictability and beauty of the ocean every day as we set off’ (LSA). It was calm and flat today in our little corner of the world…
‘It’s always a great way to start the day with many laughs and cuddles.’ (Renae)
‘I love the swim, the fish, the people and that I get to laugh every day before 8am when I swim.'(Jalna)
‘I like how I thought anyone who swam without a wetsuit in Winter was crazy and now I’m one of the crazy ones!’ (Marije)
‘The excellent people who make my day so wonderful!’ (Fifi). Here she heads out with the other 19 on the Drinks Express today.
‘The ocean and it’s rejuvenating qualities’ (Lesbubbles) ‘The pride/relief of making it to the point before an unexpected set hits!’ (Anne E)
‘We can wear small pink pants and not feel ashamed!’ (Rusty)
‘Challenging ocean swimming in the best part of Australia’ (LSA). Look how beautiful Cabbage Tree Bay is , even on a cloudyish day the sky formations are so magical…I’m always left behind as I take my photos!
‘The excitement of swimming with amazing and varied marine creatures’ (Jules). Visibility wasn’t so good today but still a few gropers and Port Jacksons about.
One of Ros’s comments was, ‘I love the cold ocean swimming and feeling of numb feet paddling beneath my wetsuit.’After 35 swims without a wetsuit this Winter, I donned a wettie today…and LOVED it! (Doing a pee in it and nobody noticing is such an ecstatic feeling this time of year!)
‘The coincidence of maintaining fitness whilst having fun!’ (Jules) AND ALL BEFORE 8AM!!
A new swimmer Elizabeth, comments that, ‘I am so happy I can swim with a group that has room for slower swimmers.’
l’m not religious at all, but I really know we are all engaging in something so positive and special when that sun always tries it’s very hardest to squeeze through the clouds and shine on us as we swim across this piece of paradise...Have a wonderful day swimmers!!! (and everyone else who reads our blogs!)
To finish off, a couple of quotes from Jules Isbill, the wonderful Founder of this group and our lovely, Sparkles…
‘I love the high it leaves you with for the rest of the day and the camaraderie and inclusiveness of swimming with such fun loving and like minded people!’
‘I never stop feeling grateful for this wonderful group of people, the awesomeness of the ocean, the variable sealife and conditions and that I get to enjoy all of this and stay fit at the same time. totally blessed that’s how I feel… and incredibly grateful.’
I have been asked to bring back my cartoons so a few more reasons to swim with The Bold and Beautiful below!
Thank you for joining in this amazing daily drama everyone and please comment at the bottom of the blog. We bloggers love to know you are reading and enjoying the blog. If you haven’t already, read the comments on the bottom of Lesley’s blog yesterday. They are inspiring!
Please remember the fantastic businesses that sponsor us like Northside Runners on Sydney Road. They have some great swimming wetsuits they will discount for you too! Get your Bold& Beautiful discount card from Lesley!
Call for extras!!
Over the coming weekend, (27 & 28 July) one of our swimmers, Naomi Fryer, will be shooting a documentary about the Bold & Beautiful. Each day she will be interviewing a random selection of people on their B&B experience. A special request is to just act naturally – much like when the Telegraph did their photo shoot. Should you feel a full blown blog tart moment coming over you – look for the nearest B&B Blogger.
The B&B Ball is SOLD OUT – totes!
BUT, there’s a wait list! And it may be that life will get in the way and a few people are may have to cancel. So, make sure your name is on the wait list.
You can join it here http://tiny.cc/f8ph0w
or via the QR Code
Look forward to seeing you at The Ball!
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. Do read these excellent tips on staying safe in the surf. To read, or even download, click here.
Stats
101 swimmers (I guessed right, again!)
Drinks Express 20 Frosty Nuts 6
Air Temp 9 degrees
Water Temp 16.4 degrees
Sunrise 6.51am
Sunset 5.10pm
Signing off Lainey Loo aka Elaine xx
Yes, I was one of those lucky swimmers, 1 year ago yesterday!!!
59 comments
Jane
25/07/2013 at 11:10 am
Such a lovely Blog, Lainey-Loo. And welcome back to your great cartoons! (and it’s nice to have finally thawed out enough to type this).
Ian N
25/07/2013 at 11:22 am
I missed the the swim with the friendly whale a year and a couple of days ago but remember being lucky several months earlier (maybe Oct/Nov) to swim straight out about 400 m with the bunch to have the 4 or 5 humpbacks cruise past on their way south for the summer. I was 20 m behind the bunch and saw the whales 15 m away from me gliding slowly beside and under swimmers who had stopped, treading water. Afterwards, one of them told us he was swimming, looking underwater for the whales, “saw some barnacles, reached down and touched them; IT WAS A WHALE!!”
… an amazing swim.
Renae Fowler
25/07/2013 at 11:40 am
Great Blog Elaine. I loved how you added photo’s to the comments. See, no stress you already had in mind what you were going to do today. It’s fantastic. Keep it up Elaine x
Little Sarah aka LSA aka HKTQ
25/07/2013 at 11:51 am
Great blog! I love the way you’ve added such amazing pics to some of the lovely comments and included some cartoons again as well!
Beautiful swimming conditions again today – glassy, smooth water and no stingers…. Yay! The last pic shows the beauty and the perfect swimming conditions.
Little Sarah aka LSA aka HKTQ
25/07/2013 at 11:53 am
Thanks for sharing that amazing experience, Ian!
lesbubbles
25/07/2013 at 12:16 pm
I loved the comment yesterday from Deb in Arizona! This is what she said:
“Even though I am thousands of miles away, and have never met a single one of you, I start each and every day with BnB through this wonderful Blog. I grew up swimming in the Pacific Ocean in southern California and now swim with Arizona Masters in the US, but hope to pay a visit to your lovely bay sometime in the not too distant future. I am so inspired by all of you. BnB is another reason why I love swimming”.
rusty
25/07/2013 at 12:35 pm
Inspiring blog again Lainey Loo
Great photos as well. I’m going to send to friends and family at home so they can see the amazing things we all do every day.
I’m loving the no wet-suit. So invigorating. It may be cold getting in but once you get to the point it’s all good!
Can’t wait for the ball on Saturday – may not be able to swim on Sunday though!
Rusty
25/07/2013 at 12:35 pm
that’s fantastic! love it.
Little Sarah aka LSA aka HKTQ
25/07/2013 at 12:50 pm
Yes, I thought that was the best one of all and was telling people about it this morning – the fact that the blog inspires people with their swimming on the other side of the world who have never met any of us is incredible!
Hope you come to visit us before too long, Deb!
lesbubbles
25/07/2013 at 12:50 pm
Richard Lacey put this on the blog the other day but it didn’t publish – so here it is again (selling a wetty)
Richard lacey said:
Water getting a little cold!!! 4 sale Orca long sleve S4 Wetsuit Size 8 fits chest 104-108cm 41″-43″ weight 82-89kg, height 5’11″= 6’1″ I purchased on line thru wiggle suggest would suit a swimmer on the smaller side of recomended measurements as it was too small for me and i have since bought a size 9 =not used Purchased $194 looking for $194ono but you can try size before you buy as oposed to going on line and doing what i did . see richard at the BB or call 0428386335
Marije
25/07/2013 at 12:53 pm
Nice blog! Cold swim… Not sure how much longer ill last without a wetsuit.
Alyson
25/07/2013 at 12:58 pm
Baha 6 frosty nuts….
izzy
25/07/2013 at 2:17 pm
lovely blog today and yesterday… I swim to justify the big fat bowl of leftover spaghetti bol. I had for morning tea! after Sarah’s egg!
Little Sarah aka LSA aka HKTQ
25/07/2013 at 2:21 pm
Good one, Izzy! So now we have to swim tomorrow too:-)
Lips
25/07/2013 at 2:29 pm
Here we go again..
Would you please stop complaining and appreciate how lucky we are Marije!!
See you tomorrow. 🙂
Lips
25/07/2013 at 2:40 pm
Nice work Elaine!
Another warm-and-fuzzy feel-good blog. Can’t get enough of them!
It’s great reading how we are all experiencing a similar kind of bliss. The one that’s so hard to put in words. And so hard to describe to someone who’s never tried it.
See you tomorrow! (that’s for you LSA)
Lindsay
25/07/2013 at 2:54 pm
Just a comment to congratulate the bloggers for their fantastic efforts, and all those who make B and B so special.
Like rusty, I’m also loving it without a wetsuit after two previous winters for being in awe of those hardcore sorts who push on through sans neoprene. Now I’m one of them (so far, anyway, as not sure how long I can last…..)!
I love the fact that I’m fortunate enough to be able to swim with such an inclusive and inspiring group of people, get to push my boundaries yet feel safe, and have fun whilst keeping fit. It’s also a great opportunity to get out of the house every other day and do something therapeutic now that I’m on maternity leave, thanks to my wonderful husband Richard!
Ros(-e)
25/07/2013 at 2:57 pm
Amazing!
Ros(-e)
25/07/2013 at 2:58 pm
haha!
Ros(-e)
25/07/2013 at 3:02 pm
Lainey – I loved your photos of the sky this morning, so beautiful. Looking at the patterns of the dawn sky every morning is another treat for B&B swimmers. Today we also had the big pale moon lingering over the pine trees while we swam out to the point.
And I’m still loving my ice-block feet.
Lainey
25/07/2013 at 3:02 pm
No swim, no fame if you miss Sunday Rusty. The doco makers are filming!
Lainey
25/07/2013 at 3:03 pm
Well, I suppose there were actually 12 frosty nuts 😉
Lainey
25/07/2013 at 3:04 pm
Yes the shivering definitely burns up more calories. I’m eating heaps!
Lainey
25/07/2013 at 3:05 pm
Thanks Lips! Strange not getting a sarcastic comment from you!
Lainey
25/07/2013 at 3:06 pm
Thanks Lindsay. We just need Alyson Maier to move to Manly now so another new Mum can get back swimming!
Rob Robinson
25/07/2013 at 3:08 pm
Well done to all contributors …a bit late but …the best things about B&B for me are
1) It’s shown me that most of our limitiations are in our minds …if you give it a go, you CAN swim to shelly and back, you CAN conquer fear of waves/sharks/jellies/ and small Funky Trunks!
2) The Diverse and positive group of people you can chat and laugh with, and all before 8am …
3) as Jules mentioned fitness (both physical and mental!) is a nice consequence of this wonderful group.
Lainey
25/07/2013 at 3:09 pm
Yes, I just love looking at the early morning sky around swim time. I was trying to take photos of the moon and Stephen kept trying to show me a pink moon!(His bum!) I’ll have to relook at my photos and put one up!
Lainey
25/07/2013 at 3:10 pm
The exciting thing is there is a good chance we will have another whale encounter before end of September!
Ros(-e)
25/07/2013 at 3:11 pm
And Lainey, thanks for the return of the cartoons! Looking forward to seeing what the fishies are saying, too.
Another late addition to yesterday’s love-list: I love seeing the morning dogs, Rosie the dignified red cattledog, the gorgeous bulldogs (Winston and Tui), the new puppy-licking pugalier (who owns you?), E & T’s friendly Freddie, Krystyna’s patient poodles, and Derrick’s lovely rescue-and-therapy dog.
Lainey
25/07/2013 at 3:11 pm
Yes it actually only took me 3 hours today, one last night and 2 in the cafe and I managed to sit with you guys and eat brekkie without getting stressed!
Lainey
25/07/2013 at 3:12 pm
I wonder how she heard about us? Maybe the ‘Did you swim today?’ Facebook page?
Ros(-e)
25/07/2013 at 3:14 pm
… oops – spelling (never my forte)! I think that should be ‘Derek’.
Lainey
25/07/2013 at 3:16 pm
If anyone would like to see the new Danny La Rue movie, Behind the Candelabra, a CanToo friend is hosting a fundraiser at Manly cinema on Monday at 7.45pm, $25 inc champagne. Please come and tell friends. All proceeds to Cure Cancer.
lesbubbles
25/07/2013 at 3:22 pm
ooh is Licky-Puppy a Pugalier?? hehe so cute!
Yes all the dogs! Winston even has his own Facebook page now he is so popular!!’
lesbubbles
25/07/2013 at 3:26 pm
hehe
Marije all I can say is each year it DOES get easier to swim in Winter – my first winter was HELL …now it’s just a bit uncomfortable… AND remember COLD WATER swimming is good for you!
lesbubbles
25/07/2013 at 3:27 pm
it would be a problem if there were 7 or 11 frosty nuts – who lost one? 😀
Ros(-e)
25/07/2013 at 3:34 pm
Toni J suggested licks-puppy was a pugalier. Seriously, Winston would brighten anyone’s day.
Also: there’s vivacious Vonny, and Sarah B’s cutie who’s not joined us recently due to a hip operation (she has tried to bring him in a pram!). And I’m sure I’ve forgotten some others …
Lips
25/07/2013 at 3:35 pm
That was sarcasm! Everyone knows I hate morning swims.
Little Sarah aka LSA aka HKTQ
25/07/2013 at 3:46 pm
OK, Lips…that’s a warm and fuzzy promise!
Vanessa Maund
25/07/2013 at 3:55 pm
Wow, that’s pretty impressive, it’s so great to be able to be part of the BnB ‘thing’ I move to Queenstown in January and will miss my swims tremendously, but will find much happiness in reading the blog every day. Thanks bloggers.
John Reid
25/07/2013 at 4:08 pm
I am a new swimmer and missing in action at the moment but love reading the blog – keeps me in touch and I will get back to it soon. A fantastic thing. Hope my good friends Anne C and Jenny K are swimming hard.
JR
Lesley
25/07/2013 at 4:16 pm
Hi everyone – this is from the Documentary Film makers coming this weekend…they have asked the following of us (I put the numbers in because I want to make sure everyone sees point NUMBER 7!!!!!!):
1. Please remain natural!
2. This documentary is being filmed in an Observational style and so it is imperative that you don’t ‘act’ for camera.
3. We may be interviewing some people and will direct you then, but other than that please pretend that we aren’t there.
4. We want to capture the essence of the group and the best way to do this is for you to just carry on as usual;
5. We will only be focusing on people that have given us a release or people that we talk to on the shoot, however we will also be capturing the group as a whole.
6. If anyone is uncomfortable being part of the documentary at all, they are advised not to swim on the days we are filming;
7. Can the group try to wait closer together at the waiting point before swimming to Shelly Beach.
8. We will be set up at the point and want to capture the group waiting for each other and the Lets Go!
DWSS
25/07/2013 at 4:25 pm
Little Chino is owned by our Mr Teys.
You can see Chino give a serious look when you tell him what the water temperature is.
Then he licks again.
DWSS
25/07/2013 at 4:28 pm
Can you please tell the producers only to film my left side!
DWSS
25/07/2013 at 4:31 pm
Lesley, you are on fire. Your blog was sooo good that LL focused on the comments your blog generated creating yet another great blog.
I vote Lesbubbles blog, the blog of the year!!
And thank you LL for highlighting all these thoughts.
lesley
25/07/2013 at 5:04 pm
No no! it wasn’t the blog that was ‘good’ it was the comments that followed that were good!
I wrote that blog coz I couldn’t be bothered to take all the photos and load em up! he he
Lips
25/07/2013 at 5:10 pm
They were pity comments Lesbutt.
Remember, you were crying us a river last Wednesday about no one commenting on your blog etc.
DWSS
25/07/2013 at 5:28 pm
Oh yeaahhhh.
But it was a stroke from a master!! Create a subject, get everyone else to do the writing for you and them play the humble card. I am in awe!!
I predict you might even make it to LLs cartoon next week. 🙂
That’s when you know you have made it.
Or if Mahdi comments on your blog!!
DWSS
25/07/2013 at 5:31 pm
Your a legend in Arizona HKTQ! Haha
Pacific Jules
25/07/2013 at 6:14 pm
Haha 🙂
Marije
25/07/2013 at 6:18 pm
You will never know Rainer how cold that last part is from half way back to manly…
Pacific Jules
25/07/2013 at 6:23 pm
Brilliant Laney Loo. Love the fact you not only encorporated yesterday’s wondeful comments into the blog today but linked them to ur photos – genius !
Lots of first time ‘commenters’ yesterday and more today – love it !! 🙂
Yeh for your special cartoons too 🙂
Sam
25/07/2013 at 7:19 pm
One of our table has a ticket as he had to pull out of the ball…any takers?
Drinks
25/07/2013 at 7:27 pm
Hi All
With the 6.30 early lappers becoming known as the “Drinks Express” some people thinking about an early swim may be thinking they won’t be able to keep up and therefore won’t be welcome, please come and join us.
Everyone in a Pink Cap is welcome and all of the same 7am rules apply. We wait at the Point and we wait at Shelley.
The reason the early swim is the “Express” is that somewhere between 80 and 200 people set off from Manly at 7am every morning. In the interests of everyone’s safety, we need to make sure that all of the 6.30 swimmers are on the beach at Manly by 7, so that there are no headbutts at the Point.
To do this we need to leave Shelly by 6.47 at the latest, otherwise the risk of head on collisions at the Point increases greatly.
So if you are a sedate swimmer who would like a 6.30am dip with other Pink Caps, come and join us and you can take one or more of the following options:
1. Wear a wetsuit. Jules says they increase your speed by 26%!!!!
2. Wear flippers.
3. When you leave Shelley, buddy up and head back to half way
4. Or when you leave Shelley stay a long way to the right of the Point and keep well clear of the 7am masses entering the water
5. Please don’t be late as all of the above can only happen if we leave Manly by 6.30
6. Make sure you come along and enjoy yourself
See you at 6.30 every Monday to Friday
DWSS
25/07/2013 at 8:01 pm
Yup
Michael Teys wants it for sure
Pacific Jules
25/07/2013 at 8:30 pm
56 comments !! Woo hoo !! Oh well with this one it actually makes it 57 !! 🙂
Pacific Jules
25/07/2013 at 8:31 pm
Perfect Drinky 🙂 x
Lesbubbles
25/07/2013 at 9:12 pm
DAMN IT! Elaine beat me! I will have to pull out the big guns next week!
;-p
Pacific Jules
25/07/2013 at 9:14 pm
Indeed !!! Not that its a competition or anything 😉