This entry was posted on 2/16/2007 2:34 AM and is filed under Australia.
We decided that the best way to celebrate Valentine's
Day was to go on an adventure to Manly Beach. It's such a funny
name. It was actually named that by the explorer who discovered
this beach and thought that the native aboriginals looked very "manly".
Manly
Beach is 8 miles away from Sydney but feels much further. We got
there by taking our first Sydney ferry boat ride. The ride lasted
about 30 minutes and cost $12 round trip for each of us. It was a
lovely day and the waters were calm. Here's the boat we took...
Here we are leaving Sydney...
Here's a look at the skyline of our neighborhood by the harbour in Sydney...
Lots of sailboats were out celebrating this magnificent day...
As
soon as we docked we walked through the Steyne Promenade and headed for
the beach where we went for a beautiful long walk. This is what
the beach looks like...
Surfs up in Manly...
We
came across 3 different swimming pools built along the sides of the
ocean. They are filled with salt water and offered to the public
for no charge. This is because the ocean very often has furious
currents so the beaches can sometimes be closed to swimmers.
Here's a close up photo of that beautiful sculpture on the side of the middle of the pool.
We
watched this boating team practice their take offs and landings.
They had a well rehearsed synchronisity when getting into the boat as
they took off. The helmsman stood at the end of the boat and
using a long rudder stick, skillfully guided them through the oncoming
big waves. Then he did the same to get them safely back to shore
by riding a large wave all the way in. We watched them when they
capsized the boat at the end of a long run in.
Watch this movie to see them in action...click here Row Boys - Row
Look carefully at the following photo to see them riding a wave back in to shore...
We had a fabulous Valentine's lunch at the Manly Ocean Beach House.
Often
times we had seen "Moreton Bay Bugs" on the menu, but didn't dare ask
about them. Who would want to eat bugs? Turns out that they
are absolutely delicious, a crayfish kind of delicacy that come from
the Moreton Bay area near Brisbane in Queensland.
Here's what they looked like...
We
also had a Prawn Salad that was phenomenally tender. Unlike any
prawns we have ever tasted anywhere else. We had a gorgeous view
of the ocean while enjoying our meal and felt like queens of the beach.
At
the end of the day we remembered that a local Sydney acquaintance had
told us that we absolutely MUST have an ice cream while in Manly.
It was the custom and we had to be sure and participate in this
ritual. So we did and here's the proof of it...
At
the end of the day we took another long walk to the other side of the
bay. We passed by a wall that had this unique sculpture.
Then
we walked back to the wharf and rode the ferry home. Here we are
just passing by our apartment on the way to docking. It's the 2nd
building from the far right end.
Lots
of our fellow passengers had serious sunburns. The sun is
extremely strong here and we have to be very careful not to get
burnt. It felt good to get back into our harbour.
Then
we walked 5 minutes back to our apartment. Ah..."Home Sweet
Home". It was a wonderful way to celebrate Valentine's Day.
2/18/2007 8:37 AM
MARY HERSHEY wrote:
Happy Valentines Day, Pods! Thanks for letting me come along to Manly Beach with you! I love all the photos!! What great fun. Love and light to you both--Mary Hershey Reply to this
2/18/2007 10:02 PM
David wrote:
Dear Evelyn and Dear Mindy, I've just been poring over your blog for the last hour and a half or so, and am utterly enchanted, charmed, pleased, envious, etc, etc! And I've only gotten into Australia so far. I heard of your blog about a month ago, but just never took the time to delve until just this evening. I love your photos and your photography, very nice! I'm not getting the movies yet, just sound so far...some sort of software mischief. I am very happy for you both, and pleased for your adventure. I'll be tuning in more often, and reviewing your earlier entries. I'm so pleased to know you! David. Reply to this
