Getting to the Point

If it's Thursday, it's time for the great Bondi tradition of the Marathon Swim. We gather at the Main Dock at 9 a.m., while the lake is still calm and there's not much boat traffic, and escort swimmers either to the Point and Back (that's 500 metres each way), or -- for the keeners -- back from the Island, 1.6 km. away.




















First, you have to get in the water -- not a really hard task, it's 23.666 degrees! There are different techniques. Wil opted for the classic dive. Wendy simply jumped, and Tony described his best "pretend you're going scuba diving" form.


















Just as many swimming styles are on display once the gang is in the water, from classic Crawl, to breaststroke and back-stroke. Whatever will get you there. Not all the guests want to swim. Some, like Kyle, are happier as an escort boat, keeping a careful eye on the swimmers.






















Last year, Jo swam from the Island with gritty determination, in some pretty cold water. This year she found the task much easier -- and she still got to the dock before her dad! In this picture, they are passing the half-way cliff, one of our favourite landmarks. At 13, she's still one of our youngest Island swimmers. That's a long way to go in deep water! Especially when part way there, Dad mentions the big snapping turtle he saw at the dock yesterday. "Thanks, Dad."










































A great blue heron flew lazily above the swimmers, checking out the action. As they got inside the bay, the watching duties were taken over, as they always are, by the grumpy old rock at the Point, ever vigilant.