What a day it was along our 1200' of sandy beachfront! There were people just chillin' - like Bindu with Anjali, Ashok and Ronan.
Sand sculptures being carved, water being played with. Kids were just having a wonderful time in shallow water.
Others were lounging on the Muskoka chairs, soaking up the sun. Or actually swimming -- distances even, not just out to the water toys like the trampoline, iceberg or water slide.
Carol and Brian spent almost the whole day in the water, or on it. They weren't just relaxing, however. They were involved in the very important job of teaching our Bondi Kids how to waterski.
With Carol in the water beside the skier for support and advice, every one of them was up, up and away in just a few attempts. We are really keen on kids learning this sport. It gives them so much more of a sense of accomplishment than just hanging onto a tube -- although that too is great fun. The expressions on their faces, though, when they actually master the art of getting up on skiis -- that is priceless!
Lauren was up on her first try -- although not for long. By her third attempt, she was off around the bay and had mastered a new skill for life.
Taffy found some mermaids on the dock. She spent some quality snuggle time with Rebecca, who was watching her daughter's friend learn to ski.
Anne and Megan were on a distance swim 'mission', but they paused at the dock to chat up Taffy as well.
Melanie was up on her first ever try skiing, and looked like a pro. While the 'usual' trip is Twice Around the Bay for our beginners (and one of our guests, Rob Horne, wrote a memoir of his summers at Bondi titled just that "Twice Around the Bay") Mel just kept sailing on for double that distance.
you can check Mel out in this video clip! What great style for a first-attempt!!
Over at the water slide, there were water-canons, and sliding kids, and kayaks. All action, as Arlene's grandchildren took to the beach. Tim, Nate and Mardy never slow down, and now that Elisa is a year older, she's a true water baby as well. Arlene swims to the Point and Back every day that she is here. It looks like the water gene has definitely run in her family!
Over at the iceberg, there was some serious climbing and jumping taking place. Graeme, Gavin, Ethan, Lauren and Lindsey were all successful in conquering the iceberg. And in departing from it.
While the trampoline was busy most of the day, there were some quiet moments, when Bindu and Anjali could enjoy some sun-time just hanging out.
As the day wound down towards suppertime, Brian and Carol took the opportunity to swim to the Point. Nancy hopped in a kayak to be their boat support -- it is 500 metres each way, in deep water, so it's good to have a boat along for safety. Taffy, who fell out of the kayak twice on her first attempt to master the craft, pretty much had it down to a science this time round.
She is, of course, wearing a PFD. A Poodle Flotation Device. If you have ever had to pull a wet dog back into a boat, you will appreciate the convenient handle on the back that is custom made for just such an occurence.