Welcome to the 2nd morning of 2019 where the birds were up tweeting before Donald Trump, the sunrise over Manly was its usual stunning self and 800 swimmers were buzzing with holiday fever. A sense of excitement was in the air and a special event was brewing! Something About Michael.
Henrietta and Dorset were doing an excellent job lying down (sorry – the rotate button isn’t working!) and signing in the newbies, as well as selling B&B Keep Cups at the bargain price of $10.
A newbie (right) with a seasoned B& B swimmer!
Jim and Dorset (also lying down – its been a tiring festive season) talking seriously about water safety before announcing the preferred route for today’s choppy conditions. “Everyone – best to get out half way!”
Some thought that was funny! Half way – no way!
In the meantime – everyone was preparing – for that special event. Something About Michael.
Preparing preparing…Karen and her friend are lying down. Janet are you hanging from a tree?
Tim was explaining his tattoo, an ornate sting ray. He relived the time he stepped on a ray overseas which went right through his foot and was horrifically painful. Very lucky he lived to tell the tale. Thanks a million for sharing, Tim.
Tim back!
Tim front!
So many people turned up today including Vanessa and her daughter Milly and two self proclaimed “sexy beasts” Simon and Tim!
Colin, Juliette and their baby Ethan joined in the fun today. Colin is a regular swimmer and Ethan said he’s going to start next week once he’s fitted his goggles properly.
Jo, Ted, Fred and Lainey are in the know and feeling smug about the special event…..Something About Michael. But they aren’t sharing. “You just have to wait!” they chimed in unison!
Why are so many people here today? Are they fulfilling new years resolutions like keeping fit or getting up early? Or is it simply the intrigue of today’s special event? Rainer is sneaking a little kip, snoring with his mouth open to preserve his energy for the excitement that is soon to unfold….!
More excitement as people enter the water. That thing – that special event….. is getting even closer!
Sue and Janet win the blog ‘pose of the day’ photo as they get up close and personal at Shelly and prepare for the fast swim back to Manly. Oops – I mean half way! (fingers crossed behind back!).
Preparing for that swim back!
Before we have time to take too many more photos at Shelly, people are already off! Not like prawns but more like swimmers in anticipation of something exciting. Something About Michael!
As we walk back from half way to Manly, what a sight to see! A whole lot of people… creating a tee pee! Is that like a beach version of red carpet being rolled out for Julie B, David P? Or is the event preparation simply Something About Michael?
More preparations!
Then lo and behold what do we see, a pirate venturing wet from the sea!
Then up he comes toward the ramp, bending like he has a cramp!
He turns around and bids farewell before disappearing down that strange looking well.
Then before you know it what do we see? Michael Sheehan staring back at thee!
Something About Michael – he is actually a pirate!
No, not really. Better than that! He achieved an incredible feat today and a milestone well worth celebrating on this 2nd day of the new year, 2019! He hit his 1000 kilometres! Certainly worthy of one of Mary’s cakes! (that’s Mary Stollery not Something About Mary, Mary!)
CONGRATULATIONS MICHAEL!!! Here’s to the next 1000!
and joining in on the special celebratory event……
Stats:
Water temp: 19.something
Swimmers: Around 800
Newbies: 16
Have a great week!
Lucy
Operation Crayweed Grass planting in Cabbage Tree Bay
If you are interested in supporting/assisting this initiative by way of signing up to be a CV (Citizen Volunteer) please read on.
The SIMS (Sydney Institute of Marine Science) Project Team expect to start the preparation work in late January and in February.
Assistance could take the form of on-land prepping as well as snorkeling assistance helping the netting get secured etc. SIMS/U.NSW do however have strict compliance paperwork to be prepared/signed off on before commencing such assistance.
If you are interested in becoming a CV to help the marine regeneration initiative could you please send your full name, mobile number and email to Dorset Sutton (Project Sponsor) at suttondorset@gmail.com.
Dorset will forward you by email the paperwork required to be completed. At this stage actual prep/dive dates are not know, but we are interested in seeing how many potential CV’s we’ll have.
Forms will also be available at B&B Board each morning at our swim. See Dorset at the swim.
7 comments
Michael S
02/01/2019 at 4:11 pm
Sensational Lucy.. As you can see in the last photo, I too needed a lie down after all that cake. Thank you to everyone who made it such a wonderful start to my day.
Anne
02/01/2019 at 5:18 pm
Love this blog!
edwina harrison
02/01/2019 at 5:40 pm
congrats to Michael, 800 swimmers! wow. and wow to that cake too. generous Mary. love the pics Lucy, we all need a lie down.
DWSS
02/01/2019 at 5:42 pm
Congratulations Michael!
Nice tunnel!
Great Blog Lucy!
Elizabeth
02/01/2019 at 6:18 pm
Congratulations to Michael. Very suspenseful blog!
Lainey
02/01/2019 at 9:21 pm
Such a fun, entertaining and warm and happy blog Lucy, thank you! I chuckled all the way through. We’re so lucky to have you blogging!
Shelley K
03/01/2019 at 10:21 am
Congratulations Michael, and thanks Lucy