I love summer. I really do. Some people hanker after log fires, cosy sweaters and crisp air. Not me. Give me long days, warmth and that heavy Sydney humidity. With the southerly blowing, today wasn’t a classic Sydney summer’s day, but the weather delivered what matters most to us B&Bers: calm seas, good visibility and not a bluebottle in sight.
But you could tell by the atmosphere that there was something different about today. And then it became clear.
JK is back! Discipline has been restored!
Here’s the lovely Neil, who time-checks me most mornings as I pass him on Ashburner Street on my way to the 7am swim. Neil’s most frequently used phrase is “you’re late”. He also provides a conditions report at no extra cost. Thanks Neil – you provide a great service!
The newbies queue. Maybe a few New Year’s resolutions were ticked off today? And why not. Swimming with the B&B is a great addition to anyone’s exercise routine.
Robyn was enjoying her new role as Lower Middle Management Safety and Cap Coordination Manager (Acting). You’re doing a great job, Robyn! Not sure about the career prospects, though.
Meanwhile, Brian was demonstrating the size of the snakes he and Inge saw on their recent trip to Tassie. There’s a reason why I don’t leave Manly.
And Michael reminded me it’s only a month to go to Valentine’s Day. Of course he did!
Then we remembered we’d come here to swim, and started heading down the ramp.
Mary and Leisa can’t contain their excitement.
This smile says it all. This lovely swimmer was still smiling at Shelly as she departed for her double.
These two gents ran enthusiastically towards the blog camera.
Sadly, the same couldn’t be said for Jo, but Mary and Leisa were on hand to ensure she faced the camera.
A bit of a wave as we entered the water.
Daphne and Michael debated leaving the Point and swimming to Shelly.
Then Mary appeared and they decided to pose for the blogger instead.
The crowd looked ten deep when I arrived at Shelly.
But JK marshalled us all in his own unique way. Once he swam off, however, things got a little out of hand.
Daphone demonstrated the outstanding results of her new growth hormone therapy, with Ian and Michael as support.
Rainer and Patrick opened their aquatic dentistry clinic, with Mary as the first victim. After all, how hard can it be?
And someone grabbed the poor blogger’s camera, and did this.
Back in the real world, regular Monday blogger Simon was enjoying a relaxed swim with daughter Peta.
Mary, Rainer and Patrick enjoying the perfect conditions.
On my way back to Manly I spotted an eagle ray – if you look carefully you can see it. If anyone would like to give me lessons in underwater photography, I’d love to have some!
After my communion with the ray I caught up with Patrick, Rainer, Mary and Julia, who seemed to be in no hurry to get back to the beach. And why should they? It’s the weekend.
Caption competition – insert suggestions below.
Then things went to a whole new level of crazy.
Somehow I managed to miss Patrick in all these shots. Sorry, Patrick. Maybe this is your arm.
Or maybe one of these hands is yours. Yes, I definitely think so.
I’m sorry, dear readers. I know you can’t unsee this.
Tracey and Lainey in their post-swim glow.
Sue “The Fish” Marinan heard the blog camera was back on land and charged over from the cafe to make sure she got in front of it. The only downside of spending so much time in the water is that you do miss out on blog-tarting opportunities. Sue is building up to her next big milestone of 3000km!!
Sue then co-opted Lisa, just so she could get in another photo. You’re welcome, Sue.
As I look back on the Christmas holidays just gone, filled with memories of post-swim coffees, Jo’s Happy Hours and Michael’s impromptu New Year’s Eve party, it’s hard not to compare them with the quietness of the Christmas holidays of four years ago, just after we moved to the ‘hood. I knew no one in Manly back then, and now I’m part of a wonderful community that just keeps giving. Thanks guys. I love you all.
Stats:
Swimmers: a few hundred. (155 logged as at time of writing.)
Newbies: lots, judging by the queue.
Water temp: 21.6
SUMMER SWIMS
10km swim [Date TBC]. 7am. Bring own food/water.
As the Summer long distance swimming season approaches, it seems appropriate to explain what it takes to earn a Summer badge. Three long distance swims are on offer:
- The 6 km swims are held every summer Saturday morning at 7am until Feb.
- There is a 10 km swim once a month over summer. Next one inFeb.
- If these swims are too long for you, you can try a Triple Manly to Shelly swim any day during Summer (distance 3.5 km) from 6.30or 7 am.
‘Try a Triple’. Do the Manly to Shelly return swim 3 times non-stop and earn a triple badge.
Please note, Badges will be awarded to swimmers completing any and/or all of the 3 swims at the times and dates stated above and throughout the Summer months.
You will earn a badge if you complete these swims and log them in iLog. The system will only record authorised 6K or 10K swims that are logged on the appropriate days. Badges will be presented at the Summer Badge Ceremony in March. If you are unsure of the routes and protocols for these swims, please ask at the desk before you swim. When swimming these longer distances, we request that, for safety reasons, you stay with the group. We also request that you do not swim in dangerous conditions. The quest for a little cloth badge is not worth putting your life at risk. Enjoy your swimming.
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.
20 comments
Anne E
January 13, 2019 at 12:44 pm
Welcome to the blog team, Ms Piper. It’s a gem-ma!
Lips
January 13, 2019 at 1:30 pm
Cracker blog Gemma! Love the underwater portraits.
I’m happy to report that Mary’s teeth are in great shape. I told her to book another check-up in July.
Anne
January 13, 2019 at 1:32 pm
Love it!
Michael S
January 13, 2019 at 1:50 pm
Gemma, you are a natural born blogger. You captured the many varied aspects of the morning beautifully.
Mary
January 13, 2019 at 1:58 pm
Cracker of a blog. ‘‘Twas a day to be silly in the surf – love that middle picture of Julia. Perfect profile shot.
Shelley K
January 13, 2019 at 4:29 pm
A comprehensive and thorough blog, absent of spelling and grammar ‘snafus’ and exhibiting appropriate punctuation throughout. I especially liked your use of the colon in the first paragraph. 10/10
Lainey
January 13, 2019 at 4:37 pm
Love your blogs Gemma! (Well we’ve only had 2 but what a fun read!) The first paragraph is me too. I lurv Summer in Manly. Lovely to swim and see the bottom all of the way today!
Gemma
January 13, 2019 at 5:52 pm
Thanks Anne! Pun-tastic!
Gemma
January 13, 2019 at 5:53 pm
Thanks Rainer for the timely reminder. Can you fit me in next Sun around 7.20?
Gemma
January 13, 2019 at 5:54 pm
Thanks Anne!
Gemma
January 13, 2019 at 5:54 pm
Thanks Michael! I’ve learned from the best.
Gemma
January 13, 2019 at 5:55 pm
Thanks Mary! I giggled so much when I saw those underwater shots that I’m surprised you didn’t hear me on your walk.
Gemma
January 13, 2019 at 5:56 pm
Thanks Shelley! A semi-colon is sure to follow; it’s only a matter of time.
Gemma
January 13, 2019 at 5:57 pm
Thanks Lainey!
Robyn
January 13, 2019 at 7:40 pm
Great blog and photos Gemma. Love your work and look forward to reading more. Nice conditions today too.
edwina harrison
January 13, 2019 at 8:45 pm
So funny and wonderful, love it Gemma 🙂
LSA aka HKTQ
January 13, 2019 at 9:46 pm
Yes, thanks Gemma! Such a good atmospheric blog for those of us not in Manly too! Love your humourous touches too! See you all mid-Feb…..keep some summer days for us! xx
Rosemary Scog
January 14, 2019 at 1:58 am
Nice blog Gemma. I am one of those winter warriors, currently in the Northern Hemisphere chasing the cold….your blog made me second guess myself….loved it xxx
Michele Franks
January 14, 2019 at 6:34 am
Loved the blog Gemma (neighby)
Inge
January 15, 2019 at 1:57 pm
Okay so I read this great blog a few days late.. and here I am posting to nobody….Gemma there is a writer in you!