Thursday 9 February 2017: A murky morning with jellyfish visitors

After a couple of days of rain and lumpy seas today things had settled down quite a bit.  We are all bracing ourselves for the heatwave that is about to hit us over the next few days but what better way to cool down than a beautiful swim from Manly to Shelly and back.   This morning the talk from the 6am “bait” – I mean early swimmers was the visitors to Cabbage Tree Bay and exactly how big they were.  We love the morning reports of conditions/stingys and general advice from the early group and we do appreciate them putting their bodies on the line for us.

Ken was trying to convince Ian how big the jelly was, but he wasn’t having a bar of it.

Elaine had a more realistic interpretation.

Then tried to show me a photo which I promptly stole from her facebook page – thanks lani.

Meanwhile back at the surf club it was the usual morning banter on what’s happened in the last couple of days and what’s going to happen on the weekend.

Lisa was wondering where the “women of the wall” were.  Just before 7am Georgina and the rest of the team rocked up ready for their swim.

The surf was looking a bit flatter than yesterday.

Lani and Nicky are getting ready for a weekend of fundraising for Dr Ray’s hospital in Nepal.  On Saturday to coincide with the last 10k swim of the summer, there will be a cake stall so if you can bake please bring some lovely cakes, biscuits and slices before 7am.  If you can’t bring any cake or slices then make sure you bring plenty of cash to purchase some yummy after swim snacks.  Meanwhile on Sunday Nicky is having a clothes swap at her place.  Keep an eye out for the flyer with further details. 

As for Rainer and LesBubs, they’ll do anything to appear in the blog.

The women of the wall getting ready for their swim.

Pete did a triple yesterday in those bumpy conditions, but today it was just a single.

Here we go.

Guess who, wanting a photo again!

Over at Shelly the A-team getting ready for the return journey.

Michelle did a triple today. 

Love these girls, they always have a smile and are so enthusiastic.

Danny celebrated his birthday with the usual splash and yelling lets go for the return journey.

We heard Marco was playing up in Nicky’s absense – not really, but they did enjoy their swim.

Pauline and Maria saw the jellyfish too.

These lovely ladies swim form Shelly every morning and have done for most of their lives.  They love their morning encounter and chats with the B&Bers.  It is a reminder that while we swim together, it is not our exclusive route so be mindful of other swimmers that may be coming in the opposite direction as you head across to Shelly and back.

And our famous doublers and triplers.

Well done team, another fabulous morning even if clarity was a bit low.

Till next time

D from the Z’s

Stats:

Water temperature:  23.7
New simmers:   5
Total swimmers:  131

A note that the final B&B 10km Ocean swim is on Saturday 11 of Feb. There is still a couple of weeks left to get your 6k badge but this weekend is the last opportunity to grab that 10km badge one.  Let John Bond know if you are joining the swim – wait and meet at the point on the return leg of the Manly/Shelly swim before heading towards Queenscliff.  Remember the route may be changed on the morning depending on conditions so check before you head off.

The B & B Monthly Dinner is on Tuesday 14^th February
The first B&B monthly dinner for 2017 will be on Tuesday 14th February at 6.30 pm at Bluewater Restaurant. Our guest speaker on the night will be Nigel Marsh, who is best known for his creative pursuits. As well as the author of three books – Fat, Forty and Fired, Overworked and Underlaid and Fit, Fifty and Fired-Up – he is also the co-founder of Earth Hour and the founder of the Sydney Skinny. Nigel will talk to us about the Sydney Skinny swim. So bring your special friend and celebrate Valentine’s Day with your B&B friends.

The cost of the dinner is only $25 a head and includes shared entrees, a selection of mains to choose (incl a vegetarian option), corkage (for byo wine only) and a little thank you for the staff. Glasses of beer or wine and desserts are also available at the special price of only $5 each. Numbers are limited, so bookings are essential:  To avoid disappointment and secure your spot please BOOK HERE NOW.

New B&B Budgy Smugglers…
The new B&B Budgy Smugglers are now available on line from the Budgy Smuggler website. Remember, part of the profit from the sale of our swimwear range goes to the Royal Far West. Here’s where to go to order them:
Mens: http://budgysmuggler.com.au/mens-swimwear/bold-and-beautiful.html
Womens Bottoms: http://budgysmuggler.com.au/womens-swimwear/bold-and-beautiful-bottoms.html}
Womens Sports Tops: http://budgysmuggler.com.au/womens-swimwear/bold-and-beautiful-sports-top.html
Womens one-piece swimmers will be available in January.
Budgy Smuggler creates 100% Australian made swimwear.
Available for Men, Women and Kids.
Shop at: www.budgysmuggler.com.au

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.