The Band is Back Together 1

Dear Diary,

It is with happiness that I pen the following…

The offshore idiots numbers have risen to the full autumn complement this week. Enjoying the sensational 19C water temp and a balmy air temp of 15C with no wind chill this morning were Chris, Dave U., Bevan, Judy, and Dave. Standing in the shallows preparing for the swim out to the cat was challenging with a storm surge of water almost pushing us off our feet. Once underway however, the turbulence was hardly noticeable. I felt surprisingly energised and managed to stay with Bevan and Dave for part of the trip out despite having only managed 4 hours of sleep last night. I highly recommend the “early to bed, early to rise” motto. If only, I could put that into practice…

Judy is swimming really well and we only caught up to her when she had stopped at the cat. Dave U. exited stage right and the rest of us headed across to the slowly disappearing post which is more aptly described as a stump. Despite my call to Yachting NSW to report the traffic hazard, the rescue party has yet to arrive.

Across to the island was next. I really enjoyed swimming alongside Bevan until I noticed we were heading for Bathers. A quick course adjustment had us pointing at Bevan’s rock. The surge of water pushing against the island was noticeable here too. Down the coast and along to the steps to finish. Ran into Rosemary and Vic (literally) who were also feeling the effects of the aforementioned storm surge.

Seasoned Idiots aplenty with Di, Claire, Di E., Gail, Linda, Peter, Robert, Suzie!, Mike, Malcolm & Chris, Rod, Fran, Mac, Pam, Meg, Pam, Margot, Vic & Rosemary, Robyn, Ken (and the others that I have unwittingly omitted), all enjoying the water. John arrived for coffee.

The light and reflections on the water were stunning yesterday as Chris can attest with his sensational shots. This morning after coffee proved to be the best time for me to capture a few.

Speaking of coffee, we had a visit from rowing powerhouse/juggernaut/extraordinaire (insert the most apt adjective or add your own) Rowena Meredith who made the trek from Penrith. She managed a swim out to the cone and back and was pleasantly surprised by the water temp. Rowena (Roo) will be heading abroad soon to prepare for the World Cup regattas in Posnan (Poland) and Lucerne (Switzerland) representing Australia in the Womens Quad and U23 Womens Quad. We wish Roo all the best with her endeavours.

Also heading abroad at the end of the week are Judy & John, and Bob & Carmel – who departed on Sunday for Frankfurt, Prague and  Budapest. Very nice!