A day in the sun: Christmas 2014

Santa called by the clubhouse, but we could not persuade him to swim.

Santa, and his helpers, were on hand to provide a Christmas feast.

And what a Christmas spread it was - thank you, Santa.

Tempting as it was, the food had to wait.  There is a house rule: no eating until the race program is over. So, we got on with the business of winning. 

Between swims - there were photographs.  Out came the small cameras ...

... and the Ipad.

At the same time, our race timers were bonding over their stop watches. 

Others were simply hanging about.

The official club seats, named after club members, waited under the gum tree for their owners to turn up.  Sadly, some did not. 

Then Kaitlin took over the camera, and she recorded some Christmas cheer.

Special effects in sunscreen (photo by Kaitlin)

An official race timer (photo by Kaitlin)

Other unofficial swimmers who share our pool (photo by Kaitlin)

Aerial ballet in Barmedman

Amazing shot by Nick Mullen

Oatley Baths seen from above: NOW and not so now...

Oatley Baths from above - NOW

Oatley Baths seen from above - by TL Livingstone in 1834

Oatley Amateur Swimming Club as seen by the Dictionary of Sydney

 

Looking back: 1992

Aren't we beautiful?  Do you recognise anyone?

Oatley Swimming Club in 1992. We have not changed a bit.

Spunks, eh?

The river now - as it was then, in 1992.  (Photo by Phil)

Last swim meet of 2013-14 season

It was one of those mild autumn days: sunny, sweet and warm. 

There's always one in every crowd

A length of the baths was scheduled today.  It follows the shark net and is roughly 365 metres: about a year long. 

The start is at the far end of the baths, and is a land component of the program where you walk barefoot along the shore. 

The starting line up for length of baths

Length of baths race in progress

Ditto

Timers clocking the length of baths race

The finishing line: timers tell each swimmer their times. It is not always good news.

As you can see, some swimmers use flippers.

A river mermaid

Atmosphere shot

Our boatie, who crosses the river for the swim meets. 

The river is a friendly place, and here are some warm moments:

Friends with mud boots

Mud high boots with matching gloves

As always, trees stand by, keeping green.

A non-swimmer.