Wednesday 18/10/17. A good day for a biathlon!

 

Knowing a nor easter was coming, everyone had anticipated the conditions that greeted us this morning. I decided to park at Fairy Bower and walk to Manly to see what the Bay had to offer. The less than 1 metre swell seemed to be whipped up and exaggerated by the 8kt NNE winds. The patchy clouds allowed some early sunlight through, which highlighted the choppiness of the water.  Water temperature was 19.6 and the air temperature was around 18. There were sightings of whales outside the bay and bluebottles had been spotted on the beach, so by the time I arrived at Manly there were many dubious looks and a lot of hesitation amongst the swimmers. We have enjoyed such an amazing winter that some weren’t quite ready for these conditions.

 

We welcomed many friends back to the swim today. Some from holidays others from time out due to surgery. So welcome back Debbie, Di, John, Peter and Penny.

 

 

 

As I walked around to Manly I met the beautiful Mother and daughter team, Sarah and Cheryl heading for their 6.30 swim. I knew straight away if they were walking to Shelley that it must be rough at Manly.

 

Together with Pauline from Management, the girls confirmed the conditions were too rough and shelley beach was the best entry point.

 

Michele agreed

 

However there were many from the 6.30 group who braved the high swell and tricky Nor easter conditions and made their way around the Point.

 

Closely watched by the 7 o’clock gang trying to decide if it was worth the risk.

 

Welcome back Peter and Penny. Its so lovely to see your gorgeous smiling faces again.

 

Richard, Peter, John and Inge

 

David getting ready to swim without his normal swim buddies Mel and Holly

 

Bernhard, Mandy and Michael

 

Iain, Lyndal, Nicky, and Simon

 

Murray, Joel, Bonnie, Irish Mike and Jarrod

 

Ingrid (Polly’s mum), Katrina and Kerrie

 

Ian from our trusty Management team, announced that due to the rough seas and the obvious “strong current” sign on the beach he advised we should all walk to Shelley if we were in any doubt as to our ability to swim in these conditions.

 

Most of the group applauded his good sense and leadership

 

And were very happy with the decision to walk

 

Jane, Di, Georgina, Alison and Melise

 

As most started the trek to Shelley

 

Others headed down the ramp and confirmed with the returning 6.30’s that the conditions were manageable

 

 

Welcome back to John who has been away for 8 months due to shoulder surgery. What a day to return John! I hope your shoulder coped with this “welcome back” from the Bay. Candace, Robyn, Jane, Georgina and Melise

 

 

Our very own Kyle and Jacquie both looking the picture of health and vitality. Jac was also offering free anatomy lessons today. If you want to know what your abdominal organs look like, check out her cossie.

 

Some hardy souls chose to enter at half way, braving the smashing waves and hidden rocks.

 

 

Phew! They made it!

 

But most continued to Shelly where they all excitedly posed for a group shot. The sunlight was breaking through the clouds at this stage making it look like a perfect morning

 

 

Gemma had to rush out to make sure she could catch her ferry to work. Every one was in such high spirits as they finished the swim. The sense of happiness and camaraderie was so evident in all these photos. The swim was surprisingly fantastic! A very comfortable temperature, amazingly good clarity considering the conditions and if you stayed away from the rocks, not too bumpy!

 

Di, Jill, Jacquie and John

 

John

 

Henrietta

 

Bernhard

 

Greta and Xanthe

 

Sue and her friend

 

Craig and Peter

 

Georgina, Melise and Pauline

 

Alan and John

The girls confirming how enjoyable the swim was

Welcome home Di, its so lovely to see your gorgeous face back with us……..but more importantly “HAPPY BIRTHDAY”. To celebrate, Di made some delicious Crunch which everybody loved

 

Di sharing her birthday treats with Alan, Peter and Ian

 

Roz, Danny, John, Michael, Brian and Richard. Richard your arm looks really Sore!!!

 

Robyn, Karen and Lainey wishing Di a Happy Birthday

 

And birthday hugs!!! Di we all wish you a very happy and fun filled day and hope your celebrations bring you much joy and laughter.

 

David and Inge having a quiet post swim chat. Both these strong swimmers went out from Manly and not only enjoyed the rollercoaster ride from the swell but also the less crowded ocean was a big bonus.

 

Such an amazing group of strong, beautiful, funny and wise women

 

The swim is always special, always different and always worthwhile. The camaraderie, laughter, support, genuine affection and caring  are essential for many of us, some would say fundamental  nourishment for the body and soul and a necessary part of our daily routine.

I hope you all continue to have a wonderful day.

Lisa

Stats:

Water temp: 19.6

Swimmers: 124

Newbies: I didn’t see any

 

Expression of Interest!
Royal Far West would love to hear from any Bold & Beautiful members who are keen to help run a surf/sail/kayak or paddleboard program for our seniors during the summer months. These are children from the country who are at RFW for the week to receive medical help, speech pathology, OT, and more. We have foster kids, kids who come with their families or from remote areas where there is simply no assistance available. A working with children check and surf lifesaving qualification required. To register your interest or enquire please call Linda Scott on 86226838 or email lindas@royalfarwest.org.au. Other non water based volunteer opportunities are also available.