Wednesday 18th August – Hello from the other side (of the Spit Bridge – aka Mexico) – Balmoral Beach once again becomes a fabulous “home” for B&B swimmers like me, who are unable to access manly for our daily dose of Vitamin Sea.. what it lacks in abundant sea life it makes up in beauty and serenity, and where the waves are from fellow swimmers, greeting all with a friendly smile. Actually how could you not smile before, during and after an infusion of vitamin sea?
water temperature: Manly 15.8 degrees; Balmoral 15.0 degrees (confession time – i wore my wetsuit today!)!
Air temperature at 7am: 9.8 degrees
Conditions: flat and relatively clear at balmoral, flat and average vis at manly. They sky was grey at 7am but the sun made an appearance after 8 (a sensible hour!) warming everyone up as they exited the water!
Vibe: balmoral – friendly!
A few fun facts about Balmoral Beach:
- Balmoral means “magnificent place” in gaelic – aptly named and used to be a favourite spot for day picnics in the early days when Balmoral was a small village accessed via boat and tram (yes, tram!)!
- Actually there are two beaches – Balmoral to the South of the Island and Edwards to the north (in front of the pavillion) with Rock pools at the northern end
- Edwards beach was named for retired whaling Captain John Edwards who was the third permanent settler in Balmoral
- the baths (the shark netted area) were constructed in 1899 and men and women had separate bathing enclosures
- the balmoral Amateur swimming club has been operating since 1911, originally from the baths, and there are a number of other regular swim groups – Salty Crocs, Balmoral Swimming Idiots and the Balmoral Beach Club (interestingly started by a group of men calling themselves “the Smugglers” in 1914) – the regular local swimmers are very welcoming!
- the water is often a degree or so colder & feels less buoyant than the ocean – research for next blog!
- HOT public showers – yes, HOT showers!
- lots of boats – so be alert if your buddy tells you they are heading for the “white hull” or the “yacht” or the “blue hull” – you may end up at the wrong one!
- feared bull sharks are rarely seen in winter (they sensibly head North to warmer waters – no “winter without wetsuit” badge for them!), note the existence of a “shark netted” pool for a reason!
- the harbour is teeming with life, although it may be hard to find… loads of fish, reports of rays, flathead, crabs, and the occasional pair of undies…
- parking is relatively easy in the mornings – free before 8am beachfront, after which – ca-ching! however, there are several 2 hour free parking spots in the side streets.
- quite a few good places for coffee and take away breakfasts, cocktails, whatever takes your fancy – a future blog may involve a review of the coffee places!
- quite a few walking tracks around from balmoral all the way around past the Zoo and bradleys head or North to the Spit if swimming isnt enough exercise for you
Here are some familiar faces you are no doubt missing right now (and we are missing you all too!):
Lucy & Claire – on a mission to find the rumoured Port Jackson Sharks near rocky point!
Manmaid Ben – my 7am swim buddy! re-joining the B&B after a few injury prone years! we saw several sand rays and lots of entree sized fish (no marine protections here!)
David and Lisa – swam from Edwards Beach to the baths and back !
David and Tony- very brave without wetsuits!
Gaye and Bec – Bec swam without flippers for the first time – well done! they searched for Groupers (one of their favourite fish) however the groupers are sensibly folllowing the rules and staying in their LGA (or should that be local marine area?)
Full of gratitude this morning that we have the freedom to swim where we can within the rules – hope you can enjoy a bathe in nature today, stay safe and sane and happy hump day!
Jocelyn