Wednesday 1st of Autumn

Once again Mother Nature has shown just how creative she can be. The conditions today offered a complexity and diversity that only she could conjure up. With black, heavy storm clouds gathering on the horizon, but patches of clear blue sky directly above us, most swimmers accepted it was going to be a  swim full of surprises. There was a welcoming surf as the 6.30’s entered the water but all swimmers seemed to manage it with ease and made their way to the point as the skies grew darker and more dramatic.

 

I am forever grateful to the 6.30’s aka Drinky Express. We all know that if they come back unscathed by stinger encounters or treacherous conditions we know we will be safe. As the 6.30’s arrive and their preparation begins it is a lovely chance to mingle and soak up the sense of anticipation for another great swim. This morning, I’m not sure if it was the dim grey light or just because everyone knew it was the end of Summer and beginning of Autumn but there was a quieter more reserved group gathering at the club

 

Our wonderful guiding lights of management – Ian and Pauline

 

Sue about to start her normal routine morning swim – about 5 kms – sorry for the blurry picture Sue!

 

Holly, Bails, Mel and David

 

The 6.30’s about to leave

 

 

Bill

 

 

 

 

A delighted Jo finishing her 6am swim said it was beautiful in.

 

 

 

As the 7 o’clockers started to gather, we all marvelled at the warm water temperature. That is the warmest it’s been even through summer.

 

Ian, John and Dorset

 

 

Everyone seemed to be discussing the imminent stormy weather and what appeared to be rough seas.

Ian, Lesley, John and Shelley

 

 

 

Wendy, Jenny and Henrietta

 

Inge, Candace, Wilf and Melise. Great t-shirt Wilf

 

Wendy, Melise, Inge, Shelley and Cheryl

 

Emma and Alanna

 

 

 

Roxanne from Canada and Michael from Scotland. I hope you had a great swim guys.

 

There were none of the normal shrieks from the cold as we entered this morning’s warm water. The waves offered us just a little bounce but were easy to negotiate as we made our way to the point.

 

 

As we swam out towards the blue black of the approaching storm clouds the changing light made for a beautiful backdrop

 

There was a little swell at the point but most of us enjoyed the gentle rolling waves

 

 

 

Shelley

 

Anne

 

Morgane and Stacey looking very relaxed and happy to be starting their swim, calmly posing for this beautiful photo, completely unaware of the approaching danger….

 

…..As Rainer pounces, they seem oblivious to his blog tarting attack

 

Until…..Surprise!!!

 

 

 

a great delayed response from Morgane, much to Rainer’s delight

 

A happy mingling of the troops at Shelly

 

 

As we were busy posing for the perfect shot, the rain started. Gently at first

 

Derek insisted he didn’t want his photo taken so took one of me and Roz instead

 

 

 

As we headed back to Manly, the rain clouds burst and the ESE 10knot winds picked up. I could hear the wind in my snorkel! But it was so warm! both the wind and the water. The chop seemed to intensify as well but it was lovely feeling the raindrops on my back as the dark but surprisingly calming swell carried me home

 

 

 

Just as I made it to the point I came across Jarrod. I wasn’t sure what the waves would be like, so it is always comforting to know there is a friendly face to negotiate the surf with.

 

Jarrod and Matt

Barb

 

Melise, Edwina Alison and Candace

 

Marco, Kerry, Guy, Nicki, Brian, Danny, Michael and Richard seeking shelter under the tree

 

The guys all encouraging Paul (centre) who ran 14kms to Manly, swam and was about to run the 14kms home. Great effort Paul

 

POSITIONS VACANT – PLEASE APPLY

If you love swimming and meeting people, (that’s all of us)

If you enjoy taking photos of happy people (that’s pretty much everyone)

If you own a laptop/computer and can use it (surely that’s everyone)

And you feel you would like to explore ways to release your creativity, then this unique opportunity could be for you!!!

I would love to share my Wednesday blogging duty as I am finding blogging once a fortnight a little tricky. It would mean taking photos and writing the blog once a month as Lainey blogs the other Wednesdays. I have found it a wonderful way to meet people and it really helps you appreciate the swim. If you are interested please let me know at the swim or comment below. Training Provided!

Also!!

Saturdays are looking a bit unloved in the blog schedule…. Could some wonderful generous bloggers be enticed to help out?

On that note, I hope you all have a wonderful day and enjoy the rain, storms, sunshine, wind and warmth that mother nature has given us today.

Lisa

Stats

Swimmers:180

Newbies:2

Water temperature:24 degrees

Monthly Dinner – Chat Night!

The next B&B monthly dinner will be on Tuesday 14th March at 6.30 pm at Bluewater Restaurant. Come along and have a chat with your swimming buddies, or meet new ones. This is always a fun night, so don’t miss out.

The cost of the dinner is only $25 a head and includes shared entrees, a selection of mains to choose (incl a vegetarian option) and corkage (for byo wine only). 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,