Feelings of trepidation for the ensuing 2.3km swim today was not helped by the bushfire smoke permeating my bedroom last night, nor was the fear of sleeping in and missing the swim. I donned my wetsuit in the cloying humidity at 6.10am and made my way to the beach. A smoke hazed red sunrise, the water calm as, and a water temp of 22.4C. Nice!
The troops soon arrived – Bevan, Michelle, Rob, Judy, Stephen, Chris, and Katie. A quick clothed photoshoot ensued.
Last minute checks and we were off to the cat in the distance near the Navy Jetty. Bevan’s sister Michelle went with us as far as the cones. Smart woman. Distance to the cat was approximately 458 metres.
Next stop, the second barrel (303 metres). Everyone was feeling good and the non-propellered seasoned swimmers – Bevan and Stephen – were doing as well as the finned propellees of Dave, Chris, and Rob. Judy was miles ahead at every leg with those turbo props adorning her feet. ‘Canadian’ Katie managed to hold her own too. Great effort Katie!
After the second barrel, the next long leg (382 metres) was to some boats moored close to Cobblers.
It was a relief to reach the shore and take a well-earned break. Some Cobbler locals had already arrived and the way that guy was pointing our way… well…
Chris was first to get his kit off and everyone quickly followed suit, except for the photographer. After some great shots were taken, it was time to return from whence we came. The first barrel was the target, a long leg measuring 530 metres.
Next, it was “Island Idyll” (235 metres), then another boat, before cramps that I had yet to encounter hit me with a vengeance. Feeling waterlogged and pruney, it was a relief to make it back to shore (386m).
So, it was another New Year’s Eve 2.3km Cobblers swim entering the record books. Well done everyone!
Next stop was Pasture where John, Bob, and Michelle joined the celebrations. Bevan supplied some top shelf Magios party pies. The perfect refreshment to revive the body. Coffee was mighty fine too.
SI HQ wishes everyone a Happy New Year and hopes that 2020 is filled with joy and personal triumphs. And a special HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Sarah who is celebrating her XXth birthday today.
Dave,
Duplicates allowed this year, 2020.
Bevan, does the temp drop mean wetsuits again
Great reporting Dave – with a super collage of photos to support the words, I almost felt I was with you al. Very jealous of your expedition to Cobblers, one of the great swims of the year. Was it the Chateau Migraine you had with breakfast?
(and Dave – the story & comments were so good they all came through twice).
Happy New Year all.
Water a clear but much cooler 2 degrees temp today….glad we swam yesterday….that Bundy Bear would have been more of a Bundy Cub today !
Cheere.
Thanks Richard. I wanted to make doubly sure you received the notification 😉 Back to the drawing board on that one I’m afraid. I should have had more wine so that I didn’t wake up in the middle of the night! As Stephen has noted, the water temp has dropped almost 2 degrees to 20.5C, air temp 20.4C. Still going to warm up to a sultry 26C though. 🙂
Just a superb morning….water as smooth as the bottoms on view & a wonderful swim with such great friends!
A really happy healthy 2020 everyone.
Cheers & beers…..”The Other Richard”
Brilliant swim today! Glassy seas, warm water and superb company. Thanks for a lovely 2019, thanks to Bev for the most amazing party pies on the planet and here’s to a superb 2020!