Wednesday 14/9/2016 The best laid plans

My plan this morning was to get up at 5am, come down for a walk before swimming, swim across the calm, gentle clear waters of our bay to Shelley and then enjoy a birthday breakfast with Robyn and Co.

That was Plan A.

Plan B was quickly put into place when the rain put a dampener on my walk, the presence of jimbles motivated many of us to swim a Stingers Special and I had to race away early to service my car.

Going on the number of swimmers this morning I would suggest that many had planned to swim but decided to give it a miss, and went with their plan B – a sleep in under a cosy duvet, a longer breakfast than normal or just an earlier start to their work day.

 

I like to think I am a reasonably organised person. I do like to plan and pre-empt any problems or emergencies with a contingency plan – Plan B. The trouble is most days I get down to Plan G before my day is done. Surely that is a good thing. Surely that shows flexibility and problem solving. I’m not sure as  it could also mean having unrealistic expectations and lacking focus. I do know I plan to get this blog published by 1pm!

There are many different types of “Planners” amongst our B and B group-

‘The Strategic Planners’, better known as Parents. Anyone who has to wake up pre dawn, get numerous babies/children up, washed, dressed, breakfasted, and in to the car with lunches, backpacks, sport uniforms, homework and afternoon activity paraphernalia by 8am, often before heading off to work, has to be the best strategic planner there is. Needless to say we don’t see many of these “planners” mid week at the B and B, however this morning David was organised enough to bring his gorgeous daughter Imogen down to see everyone after the swim. Good planning David!

 

The ‘Fail-to-Planners’ – Those who forget to set their alarm or to pack their swim bag the night before and leave, goggles, flippers, wetsuits at home. These “planners” can often be seen running down the ramp bringing up the rear as the 7 o’clockers go out, trying desperately to get to the Point before the “Let’s go!”

 

 

The ‘Financial Planners’ – Those of us who always remember the coffee money and use the loyalty cards wisely and who know when it is their turn to buy the coffee or breakfast

 

 

 

The ‘Family Planners’ – Many swimmers love to encourage other members of the family to come and swim with us. Often more common on weekends and school holidays, there are a couple of family planners today. Planning this event often involves checking rosters for availability, ensuring alarms are set, a little bribery and a lot of coercion. But the joy everyone gets is worth it.  Cheryl has been swimming with her daughter Dana very regularly (since last week) .

 

and Leisa is planning to celebrate her birthday on Saturday with a birthday swim with her son Ben.

 

Lance is on holiday from New Zealand so he planned a swim with us today and was eagerly supported by Tracy and Lance Jnr. Welcome Lance, you must plan to return!

 

Many of us have a ‘Plan of Attack’, otherwise known as tactical plan- This morning some headed out early to avoid the rush,

 

 

 

 

Claire and Nathan had planned a combined birthday swim. Happy birthday guys!

 

Dan planned to swim up to 4kms a day for 6 weeks. Go Dan!

 

One or two did a revised swim due to shoulder malfunctions, many headed north whilst others doubled. Many things were taken into account: the swell; threat of jimble attack; where your buddies were going to swim, because let’s face it, it is always so much more fun swimming with a pal.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Simon’s plan is clear – a swim AND a paddle.

Others have a Contingency plan, better known as Plan B. This morning there was some sound advice from our fearless, revered leader JK – “Jimble encounters reported on the way to Shelley so head north”.

 

With those sage words ringing in our ears after a little hesitation a large pack headed north through a slight chop and moderate swell. The water temperature was a warm 18.6 and the rocking, rolling waves offered an  enjoyable alternative to calm water swimming. At the pipe we all managed a huddle for a photo or two.

 

 

Gorgeous photo of Henrietta and Richard!

 

 

 

 

 

 

And then a variety of plans were suggested: Keep going north for a Bolderdash; Return to Manly; or just keep swimming until you want to turn around. As a result there were swimmers going all over the place.

A few swimmers have a trusted Game Plan – Head out at 7am, stay for a double and if really keen, a triple. This ensures no queue at the shower or the coffee shop. Today, however with the promise of birthday cake and breakfast, most were out of the water by 8am and heading off to stay dry at Bluewater. Robyn also got a lovely happy birthday smootch from Michael!

 

 

 

 

So what ever you plan to do today, do it enthusiastically and remember, if you fail to plan….. you plan to fail!!

Lisa

120 swimmers
2 newbies
18.6 degrees