Mollymook Ocean Swimmers, Simone and Robbie celebrate 20 years in style

Simone shares their lovely two weeks of celebrations: “We road tripped to Moreton Island, stopping at lots of places on the way. Crescent Head SUP surfed, Dorrigo lots of swimming at the bottom of waterfalls more SUP surfing at Byron. Most of the trip we stayed in our roof top camper. We did manage a few nights of luxury at Crystal Creek Rainforest Retreat.

Moreton Island was so beautiful we found a great surf break at North Point, 150 metre ride saw turtles ever session. I had just caught the best wave of the holiday, turned around to paddle out and in the next wave coming towards me, a shark appeared as big as my board, it looked sleek and fast, so I paddled into shallow water for a little while but the surf was to good, so I went back out.

We went snorkelling around the wrecks, it was stunning, there was lots of coral,  tropical fish  and I saw the biggest wobbegong shark that I had ever seen, and there were plenty of turtles.

There were lots of old WW2 bunkers to explore. Stunning scenery everywhere. And on our anniversary day for something extra special, we climbed the highest sand dune in the world ‘Mt Tempest’. It was such a quiet place with no where fancy to go out to at night,  we would just lay back and watch the stars and on some occasions we played card games.  

On The trip home, Robbie’s 1993 Toyota was not liking the hot weather, so we spent some time sitting on the side of the highway. I had a good book to read while Robbie tinkered with car, we did manage to get home to the kids and the house was still in one piece. A memorable holiday. 

I highly recommend a visit to Moreton Island. Check out some of the pics below. Simone.”

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Featuring on the Channel 9 News is the photo of Mollymook Beach that includes the Ocean Swimmers

Tim sent through this news item that may appear on tonight’s Channel 9 news which includes a pic of our morning swim group. Tim and Father Pete are at the rear getting ready to enter the water. Can click on this link to read the news item: Mollymook Beach

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Citrus Catering: Jonny the head chef and staff provided the swimmers with an exceptional dining experience.

A big thank you from John, Jacqui and nephew Chef Jonny.

John writes: “Wow folks, what a great evening we all enjoyed! Besides the exceptional dining experience, the friendships built through our common interest in ocean swimming is something we will always treasure.  It’s inspiring to know that so many of our swimmers and their partners are keen to live life to the full and participate in whatever adventure or experience is planned. And we all are the beneficiaries, part of a merry band of swimmers, partners and friends.  Besides swimming (that’s a given), bike adventures, bush walks, running, music, parties, dining experiences and of course laying turf …. the list is endless. Oh did I overlook Issi and her recent organised activities playing golf and bare foot bowling? How great for us “not so young ones” to enjoy the company and energy of our younger friends, exhausting as that might be at times ha ha!

Thanks to all who joined our group dinner last Saturday at Bawley Bush Retreat. It was very good of you all to help us support our nephew Jonny Staples in his pop-up restaurant venture. Getting the opportunity to meet Kathy’s friend Geoff and having our latest ocean swim members Jules and Rob join us, also made it a special occasion.

Jonny asked that we pass on his thanks to you and says it’s a pleasure to provide for such a wonderful group of guests. He calls you guys our other family. You might have noticed the hugs for Nanny and Poppy received from Jonny’s daughters Maisie and Evie who hold a special place in our hearts as does Jonny’s wife, Jules, who some of you met when we adjourned outside.

Ken did an excellent job of the food, venue and kitchen photography. He was rather taken with the stained glass windows, and took time to enlighten us with the names of the birds depicted in them. No prize for the noisiest table because we all put in a stellar performance with no clear winner.  We’ve received some great complimentary feed back about the menu and the venue, which proved to be a beautiful tranquil spot with cool breezes and immaculate grounds.

Oh and one more thank you to all those who provided lifts. We were treated to a ride in Garry and Noelene’s Porche Macan … what a thrill. Jacqui would have been even more thrilled if she’d been in the drivers seat but the rest of us were quite happy with the designated driver.

Thanks again everyone! Looking forward to the next adventure”. Regards, John.

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P.S. If you would like to personally thank Citrus Catering then feel free to leave them a 5 star review on Google. Link: Citrus Catering 

Click on the pics to enlarge them.

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12 months ago, Lloyd and Ruth’s house burnt to the ground

Ian McLeod files this report: Transformation continues to take place at Lloyd and Ruth’s Place

Latest news: Last Friday morning 6 pallets of turf arrived at Lloyd and Ruth’s place, Little Forest Rd. Word was sent out by Liz for the turf laying team to get off their  backsides and out to Lloyd and Ruth’s. The team arrived with all manner of gear to get the job done. Lloyd had spent 3 days on his trusty Kubota (darling) spreading some 15 tonne of top soil over the back yard. 

At the team meeting, jobs were allocated and into action?? we went. How theatrical does Lloyd look standing on the first laid roll of turf! The team steadily got into rhythm and 2 morning tea breaks later some 320 rolls had been laid out transforming the back yard into a vista of green as can be seen in the pic below.

The team comprised:

Liz… organiser, loader and waterer.

Leonie…morning tea(yum) and waterer.

Ruth… loader, wheel barrow and interpreter of Lloyds barking requests (orders)

Sue…yummy chocolate cake.

Kate…rock remover(has a good throwing )arm, loader, layer and wheelbarrow mover.

Mike, Chris, Don, Greg and Ian…all of the above. Special mention of Don and Greg’s levelling talents. Greg gets the working with thongs award!!

Duncan and Lucas did as directed by Mum and Dad.

Lloyd… the operational supervisor. (You’d think he had some skills in directing turf laying).

It was a great to see the transformation of the backyard to green. We are hoping we don’t get an invite to do the mowing!!  Regards Ian.

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This past week captured in photos. An amazing week from perfect swimming conditions to a big surf that coincided with the brief visit of Peter the Priest and then upon his departure, conditions got back to some form of ‘ideal’ for the swimmers.

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Mollymook Beach – Monday am. Beautiful calm swimming conditions.

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Mollymook Ocean Swimmers Dinner at Bawley Bush Retreat. (Bawley Bush Retreat file image)

John L. provides the following info in regard to the planned dinner this Saturday January 23rd at Bawley Bush Retreat. “We have made a firm booking for all those who have put their name on the list. Total of 42 Mollymook Ocean swimmers and partners, which means that we’ve booked the whole restaurant for the early 5:30 pm sitting. If we can all meet there about 5:15pm that would be great as it allows us to get settled and place our orders early.

Directions: It’s easy to find by turning left off the Princes Highway at the Bawley Point turnoff, Termeil and then turning right onto Willinga Road about 750 metres past the Bawley Vale Estate Winery. The Bush Retreat is about a 3 minute drive past the winery as shown on the map below.

The menu for that night is also included below and it is BYO. They have credit card facility so it will be easy for payment. The menu looks like it will be OK for most diets but anyone who has other particular dietary restrictions can contact me ASAP on 0439588000 and I’ll do my best to arrange something”. Regards, John.

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Mollymook Ocean Swimmers, January 17, 2021

Good News: Laura’s fund raising passes the $6,000 mark. 

Laura’s planned 27 km ocean swim from Palm Beach to Shelly Beach to raise funds to fight Motor Neurone Disease is being supported by family, her ocean swimming fraternity and friends, with funds thus far past the 1/2 way mark and making progress towards achieving her target of $10,000

Due to latest outbreak of covid on the Northern Beaches and with restrictions in place, the event has now been moved to Saturday the 6th of February. She is so grateful to all that have supported her thus far.  She shared our swimmers link with the public: ‘A Beautiful Day’

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Ladies night out (Pic. credit Sue)

Sue commented that this past “Friday night saw fourteen fabulous girls gather at Bannisters Pool Bar in Mollymook, to celebrate our friendships forged by ocean swimming. After a difficult year of bushfires and social isolation, it’s wonderful to be able to meet together, to reconnect and reconfirm our wonderful community of strong women!! Here’s to a better 2021”

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