I woke early this morning with the early chill thinking I had jumped a bit early in removing the winter dooner, and about all the excited steeds probably having a sleep in today given their appointment this afternoon. It did make me wonder if I could find my fascinator in time for the pre swim parade.
A great sunrise this morning as it battled to burn off the early cloud. Not a lot of swell with a forecast half a meter of south planned for the rest of the week which will keep the cold water away along with the Jimbals/Bluebottles. There was a slight breeze from the west sou west this morning around 7 knots.
The corner looked nice a protected and a high tide helped to smooth the small swell that was shuttling in.
An unusual site with Roger passed out on the sand after his strenuous early morning exercise regime.
Ian sporting his new improved right wing, noticeably chipper with the loss of his under arm floatation device. Managment though keeping a close eye on him in case he gets exuberant and decides he will test the otter with a French kick. Being an elite athlete, probably best to continue his taper given his imminent circumnavigation of Lord Howe planned for the 20th.
A few degrees south this morning but with a forecast 3 or 4 days of south swell we should see that lift again.
The early crew came in with smiles remarking how enjoyable it was with no Jimbals.
I figure we had about 150 this morning with no signs of any newbies, just seasoned vetrans, with some testing new Summer briefs expecting a 20 degree embrace but instead copping the 18 degree chill.
It was a colourful affair.
Another few weeks and wetsuits will be a thing of the past.
The high tide forcing an early kickoff.
It was helter skelter to the point and not a great deal of clarity beyond the green carpet.
The crew seemed spread from the point to Shelley before the lets go.
A Ray trying to keep a low profile as the crowd raced overhead.
At Shelley, Patrick Dagassan in fine form after his Hawksbury river overnight 111K paddle to raise money for the Bone Marrow Foundation. Congratulations from all of us, and a sensational effort after only a few short practices but clearly he was already in peak condition being a regular Shelley swimmer.
A bit of a snap in the air arriving at Shelley
South Steyne was positively balmy though and the last furlong was sensational.
Back on the hard stand, Roger had woken and Ian seemed keen to piece together the morning events in case he finds himself in a similar situation. I think he realised that would be unlikely given his pending training regime.
Have a great week everyone and best of luck for a Whinnying day.
Brian
A few messages from management
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4 comments
jenny
November 1, 2016 at 11:56 am
Great blog Brian, hope you found your facinator.
Elizabeth
November 1, 2016 at 1:25 pm
The winter doona is one measure of warmer weather but the real test is the wetsuits disappearing. Great photos
edwina harrison
November 1, 2016 at 2:57 pm
that sunrise is stunning 🙂
Simon
November 2, 2016 at 3:04 pm
Go Brian!
I loved this blog, it gave me the vibe of the B&B day.