Today for me is a day for gratitude and to be thankful for the wonderful life we get to live here on the Northern Beaches and the people we get to share it with.
So today the surf was up a bit and the clarity was not as good as it has been this week, the morning ritual still took place and maybe 100-150 ventured out. For me and may others half way was the entry point, which in hindsight may not have been the easiest option.
But back to being thankful
As a group we are thankful to Ian and Pauline who put in countless hours to make sure we all have the luxury or rocking up and going for a swim with our friends. Ian loves his new whiteboard – it is very shiney and has a great doodle by Roger, not quite sure who it is meant to be – any suggestions?.
We are thankful for John Kelly who warns us when there are stingy things in the water and advises where we can swim that is safe from harm. John also looks after the lovely bunch of bloggers who bring beautiful stories and memories of our swims and the good times we share together – you can thank the team of bloggers by leaving lots of comments as a lot of time and effort goes into this each day.
We are thankful for John Bond who takes the temperature every day and then at the weekend leads us on those longer swims making sure, once again, that we are all safe. John wants everyone to know that there are two 6km swims left this summer, this Saturday, while next Saturday there is a 6km and 10km option – it’s the last opportunity to qualify for your 10km badge so get those longer swims in if you want your summer badges.
We are thankful for new swimmers like Andrew that seem to pop up every day – without whom our group would never be the diverse bunch that it is. Evelyn also tried her hand for the first time today – you both picked a good day to start – well done.
And then the regulars who make sure the new swimmers feel welcome and safe.
Like Sparkles
And this is happy bunch
Ian again who does so much for the group.
And Lani who is always so energetic and brings us those beautiful photos – she always puts a smile on my face and helped me out today with some images which I “broke” the blogging camera – whoops.
We’re thankful for the area we get to swim in and the fish life we get to see – the turtle, the dusky whalers, the port jacksons, the fiddler ray, the eagle rays, the old wives, the kingfish, wobbygongs, flatheads, cuttlefish – the list goes on although today was not the day for fish gazing.
Apparently Shelley found the only bluebottle between Manly and Shelly – I think he was gunning for you mate.
So as you go through your day today don’t forget to say thanks to those around you because you just never know what’s around the corner. And if you are thankful for anything above make sure you donate to RedFeb details of which are listed below. We have had more than 10,000 people swim with B&B so surely we can do much better than a few hundred dollars.
Keep swimming and smiling – this one is for you KB.
D from the Z’s
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.
RED FEB FUNDRAISING RACE – Heart Research Australia
Heart Research Australia would like to thank all those who participated on Saturday in the Red Feb race. But the fundraising race between our two teams is just hotting up and will continue over the whole of February. The “Race” is between our own two teams: The A TEAM and TEAM OMEGA.
The collection boxes on Saturday just favoured Team Omega, who raised$150.40 compared to the A Team total of $122.35. This trend is continuing in the On-line donation, with Team Omega edging further ahead:
A Team = $310
Team Omega = $568
You can donate funds to your chosen team on the team page, or even better, you can create your own page where all your friends can donate towards the cause. Hurry up A-Teamers, jump in quickly and support your team.
To support Team Omega: http://www.everydayhero.com.au/event/TeamOmega
To support the A Team: http://www.everydayhero.com.au/event/ATeam
Also, don’t forget, our friends at Manly Beach Health Club, who are again sponsoring the RED FEB event, are offering a FREE 30 min Personal Training session to our members. This is a great way to kick start your New Years health goals. Click here to download your FREE voucher.
23 comments
Fiona
February 18, 2016 at 10:18 am
Beautiful blog Deanna! A sad day as we farewell KB but a reminder of our wonderful world which she made even more so.
Rusty
February 18, 2016 at 10:50 am
Great blog Deanna. It’s easy to get complacent and I always stop to take in my amazing surroundings. Every day is brilliant and the swim and all the people involved are the reason for that. So keep up the great work everyone. It’s very much appreciated by all.
Lisa B
February 18, 2016 at 11:30 am
Beautiful words Deanna. Every day is special. Your blog encouraged me to sit for a while and encouraged me to think about how lucky I am. Thinking of you today
Bill McCaffeine
February 18, 2016 at 1:00 pm
Deanna, great Blog, well done.
I managed to get out past two huge waves and then it was almost flat calm round the Point
A bit murky so although I had prepared my trusty Aldi underwater camera, ready to shoot the definitive Swim/Surf Classic Movie, I got nothing,zilch,nada,zero …. but as always the coffee tastes better after a swim.
Lainey aka E-laine
February 18, 2016 at 1:40 pm
Lovely words Dea and a great reminder to be thankful for this amazing activity and the people who help. So sorry to hear about your friend, only 49 years… so sad. Enjoy each moment folks xx
lesbubs
February 18, 2016 at 1:44 pm
Yep that bluey got me too!! He was a big tough one – the testicle was strong and wouldn’t break off… that was the worst bluey sting i have had in 5 years… i could actually feel ‘the venom’ trying to paralyse my arm – it was the same feeling as a vaccination .. after 5 mins or so it just was very hot.. My appreciation goes out to BNB because of all these years swimming my Scyphophobia has all but diminished…
John
February 18, 2016 at 1:54 pm
A great blog Deanna. Yes we should never take our swimming in this beautiful environment and the like minded people we meet for granted. We also appreciate the time and effort taken by all the bloggers,like yourself.
Ian
February 18, 2016 at 2:04 pm
OK, I’ll bite. What the hell is Scyphophobia? By the way, did you mean tentacle??
Elizabeth
February 18, 2016 at 2:14 pm
Lovely thought Deanna. Lovely day to swim again today. I was quite scared at the point at HUGE waves going in to shore when all of a sudden there was John Bryan like a spirit guide with some excellent words of advice on how to get in. I am so grateful for all the great swimmers that swim with BB as well as the exquisite place we swim at. I found out about it through the ocean swims website and the film Buoys and Gals. It has changed my life. I got stung by bluebottles on Saturday but I then swam again. A few years ago I would not have done that.
Jenny :)
February 18, 2016 at 2:26 pm
Great Blog Deanna, thanks. :))
Deanna Waters
February 18, 2016 at 2:49 pm
She was a wonderful inspiration to many Fiona. Although she didn’t swim with B&B often, she did impact the lives of many of our swimmers – especially those like you from the Balance Tri Club who regularly swim with us.
Deanna Waters
February 18, 2016 at 2:55 pm
I can remember one day when freaking out about the waves there was lovely Jane – going “you’ll be fine love – just pop under them:. Hope she is back swimming soon. You inspire so many people Elizabeth and teach us that it’s all about having ago – anything is possible.
Elizabeth X
February 18, 2016 at 4:03 pm
Sorry, who is KB and did she pass? or move ? Thanks to John Bond for his example of calm,considered passage back through the big waves this morning and all hail the inspirational JK The Prettier who rescued two people this morning. And by rescue apparently it was literally dragging one of them by the arm back through every one of the big waves. Well done heroine !
Elizabeth X
February 18, 2016 at 4:04 pm
Freudian slip there bubs ?
Deanna Waters
February 18, 2016 at 4:32 pm
It was meant to be a bit of a subtle tribute, but here goes – KB (Cheri Lutz) was a member of the Balance and UTS Tri Club, Pink Ladies that many of our swimmers knew well. She inspired many for her determination and passed away on Saturday far too young, ironically REDFEB day after a short cardiac illness but was farewelled today.
Killer Queen
February 18, 2016 at 4:33 pm
Lovely blog D. Kb would have loved it. She reminded us often to be thankful.
Shelly
February 18, 2016 at 5:04 pm
Agree… Freudian..
Love you all
Shelly
xoxoxo
Shelly
February 18, 2016 at 5:08 pm
Off the top of my head I’d say its a fear of jellyfish.
http://phobia.wikia.com/wiki/Scyphophobia
Love you all
Shelly
xoxoxo
Elizabeth X
February 18, 2016 at 5:29 pm
Thanks for the info. Sorry for your loss. Love to all affected and grieving. Also RIP KB it sounds like her legacy will live on long and strong.
DWSS
February 18, 2016 at 5:35 pm
Your first blog D is of legend status. Thank you for your thoughts.
Sounds like KB was a wonderful lady.
DWSS
February 18, 2016 at 6:05 pm
It’s been a long time since someone has had a tussle with a big strong testicle in the bay.
Veena
February 18, 2016 at 7:14 pm
Lovely blog Dea-wonderful to thank those that turn up day after day to help and organise as all xx
Jenny-Sue
February 18, 2016 at 8:27 pm
Sorry to hear your sad news- way too young.
A beautiful, thoughtful blog – thank you! I feel grateful for all the above and to you for writing!!