Weird and Wonderful Winter Warmers

Winter is here!!
I was hoping for some sort of fanfare…..a band of trumpeters heralding in the new season, perhaps. Or even just a little sign from Mother Nature – maybe a chilly wind from the south, or distant storm clouds brewing on the horizon……..something….. anything, to show us winter had arrived!

 

 

Well Mother Nature didn’t disappoint! With a cool morning temperature of 13 degrees, the threat and promise of rain to come, and grey skies exposing just a hint of a sunrise, she proved there is no doubt winter is here. It was actually a relief to get into the warm, calm 20 degree water.

 

Denise, Margie, Cathie and Lou from the 6.30 group

 

Max, Dorset and Rusty about to head out

 

Leader of the Drinks Express and his band of wetsuit-less merry swimmers.

 

Quickly followed by the suited up 6.30’s.

There was an air of excitement amongst the 7 o’clock swimmers as we waited our turn. There were many displays of affection and camaraderie and a wonderful assortment of winter warmers. However there are still some die hards in bare feet.

 

Ian and Pauline – part of our wonderful management team. We love you guys!

 

Milly and Les-Bubbles both looking very chic and toasty-warm

 

Martin, Peter, Shelley – providing lovely colour amongst the guys winter shades, and Ian.

 

Midge and Nan from the 6 o’clock team trying to warm up with a post swim hug.

 

Very reduced in numbers, these booty camp members are thrilled winter is here.

 

There was co-ordinated dancing by Leisa and her pals

 

 

 

Gino showing Milly his latest yoga stretch

There are some who have already surrendered to the cooling water temps and donned their wetsuits. And then there are others who stoically persist with their costumes as a symbol of their strength and bravado, but mostly because they want their www badge!

 

Penny’s wetsuit cap will ensure she stays snug.

 

Great excitement for our first winter swim

 

Rosemary and Anne are definitely ready to go.

The most exhilarating part of winter swimming has got to be the fish. I am completely astounded how many there are. They are so easy going and content to swim along with us and suffer our inquisitive diving down, quite happily. The seas clarity is such a bonus at this time of year. I just wish my photographic skills were up to the task!

 

 

 

One thing that continues year round is the fun we have at Shelley. Today it was definitely a “shoulders in at Shelley” kind of day. And a very quick turnaround but still a good opportunity for a chat and a photo.

 

Happy Birthday David! what a perfect start to your birthday!

 

 

Michael has found a nice way to warm up at Shelley……with Shelley!

 

There is still a small group up for the challenge of a double or triple. Admirable!

 

 

One winter delight is the post swim shower but for those who are well prepared their hot water bottles become the envy of many.

 

 

 

Lara enjoying her warm shower.

 

 

Gino, Jason, Kerry and Mary ecstatic to have finished their first winter swim.

 

Rainer is ecstatic to be in a photo all on his own! Not that he would ever want to be the centre of attention.

It is also a wonderful opportunity for quiet contemplation

 

Gone are the balmy relaxed post swim chats, sunning our bare backs on the wall, now we hunker down in warming layers hunched over our coffees shivering, waiting for the feeling to return to our frozen fingers and toes and trying to protect our exposed necks.

 

Alison, Rosemary and Melise warming up with a thermos of tea.

 

Scrappy Scotty, Bruce, The Fat Bishop, Bones and Elizabeth finding warmth in good company and lots of banter!

A quick retreat to Bluewater Cafe for a steamy breakfast was necessary for most of us today.

 

Ian unveils his secret weapon.

 

It is interesting to note the wardrobe changes at this time of year
Thongs are out uggs, boots and slippers are in

 

Sarongs and shirts are replaced with track pants and hoodies

 

 

Jeremy, Michael, John, Jason and Greg, modelling some of the latest winter fashion trends. Note the return of the beanie.

It doesn’t matter which way you choose to keep warm this winter, just make sure you keep swimming, keep laughing, and keep enjoying being with your beautiful friends at B and B.

Just a reminder Winter badges start today. You must swim a minimum of 20 swims over at least 7 weeks of winter. For those who dare, a WWW badge (Winter without Wetsuit) can be achieved if you do these swims without a wetsuit.

The next B&B monthly dinner will be on Tuesday 14th June at 6.30 pm at Bluewater Restaurant. The guest speaker for the night will be Canadian-born, Australian authorCatherine DeVrye, whose talk is titled ‘Shift Happens’. You’ll laugh while you learn about turning obstacles into opportunities, as Catherine shares her journey from an orphanage in Canada to #1 best-selling author, Australian Executive Woman of the Year winner, and the 2010 Australian Keynote Speaker of the Year.

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 BOOK HERE NOW,

Stats

180 swimmers

0 Newbies

20.1 Water Temperature

Enjoy your day

Lisa