“It never rains on Laineys sunny Thursday mornings, but girl don’t they warn ya?, it pours, man, yes it pours” (Mamas & the Papas)
I could barely see South Head as I hopped on my bike at 6.14am this morning
I had to use the many Manly signs to find my way up the The Corso to the beach
Took shelter in Humphreys & bought a springy thingy to hold my camera in the water
But at least the rain gave us the pleasure of seeing a reflected Christmas tree
The Steyne was still closed after hosting the B&B Christmas party
In addition to the rain & surf Manly also gives away free water??
The South Curl Curl rowers (girls) were adjusting their bottoms as I finally arrived at the beach
Bluewater’s lights were blazing but the only activity was the reflected surf
A sure sign of rain ->>> 6.28am and the club coffee bar is still alseep!!!
Never fear “the boys”are here
Drinky’s call to the colts & fillies for the first race of the day – “The Drinks Express”
Renae is a hot favourite in the pink silks
My money is on Cass to beat Sterling
Fifi was not taking interviews but she did want to win the race.
There were a few obstacles on the track before they reached the starting gates
The field was neck and neck as they passed the “Oceanides” sculpture by Helen Leete
(check out the plaque the next time you walk to Shelly)
Renae was the winner in race 1 “To Shelly”
Drinky sensed the threat and tried to muzzle Fifi ahead of race 2
“….and they’re off” for Race 2 – “The Back to Manly Beach”
For those who read this blog but have never been to Sydney, this shot also shows the “shells” of Shelly Beach.
They’re into the home straight, in front of a wave, and Fifi was ahead of Drinky & Sterling
In the end Drinky won race 2, by a wave. It is “Ocean swimming ” afterall so
body surfing plays a factor on this race track
I did manage to swim to Shelly for race 3 of the day ” 7am to Shelly”
and was rewarded with a kiss from Jules who will be with us for two weeks.
Jules was straight back into her “leader of the 5788 B&B swimmers” role giving the “let’s go” for
race 4 ” Get back to Manly beach before 7.30 if you can””.
Jules also reminded those that could hear, ” …to please wait at the point at the beginning of the 7am swim – that is,
you need to position yourself so you can see the blue roof of the surf club”.
Not sure who won race 4 because
I waited while Nick used my camera to take this rare shot of
Mrs Duck and her family who were playing on the rocks 60 metres along the board walk from Shelly.
Enjoy your Thursday…..
Simon (back-up blogger for Elaine & Pa to the very cool Leila & Max)
The Stats
Regulars: 64
Newbie: nil
Temp: 19.6 degrees celcius
Sunrise: 5.37am
Sunset: 7.55pm
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12 comments
lesbuttlegbubbles
05/12/2013 at 11:43 am
aaaw love the ducklings!
You are getting good at this Simon!
Alyson
05/12/2013 at 11:46 am
Great blog! I was scrolling through the pictures and thought, hold on! That’s Jules!! So great to see you back amongst it! And sorry Lainey left you a Rainey Thursday!
LSA aka HKTQ
05/12/2013 at 12:08 pm
Great blog, Simon! It was rainy because Lainey was away and Jules was back:-)
Midday – for any surfers or swimmers able to hit the waves, it’s looking perfect at North Steyne right now – rolling waves, off-shore breeze……sunny!
ros
05/12/2013 at 1:17 pm
Very artist blog Simon: I liked the Christmas Tree reflection, and the race call for the Drinks Express! And those little duckies are amazing!
John.S
05/12/2013 at 1:43 pm
Yeah Thanks LSA, thinking of what surf I’m missing whilst at work, contributing to the economy of this great country of ours!
Cute duckies Simon, what did the big one taste like?
Candy Bingham
05/12/2013 at 2:26 pm
Loved the blog Simon! You have really captured Manly and why we love our village so much.
Lips
05/12/2013 at 3:32 pm
Agree. Masterpiece of a blog.
Great storytelling. I really felt like I was walking down the Corso in the pouring rain myself. So immersive..
Mary
05/12/2013 at 4:03 pm
Great blog Simon. It looks like it was a wild swim!!
Fifi
05/12/2013 at 4:06 pm
Fabulous blog Simon. I was a second to slow on the take off…:-)
Gorgeous ducks. Since that was so cute I forgive you for the ugly shots of me!
mauricio
05/12/2013 at 4:33 pm
This blogging stuff is becoming better and better every day. Might switch from reading news completely and stick to this much more optimistic and pleasant version of daily news. Well done Simon.
Binnsy
05/12/2013 at 5:07 pm
Fi thats a great shot of you.
first shot in a long time with you fully dressed.
Fifi
05/12/2013 at 5:45 pm
Good point
*rolls eyes*