Despite rumours to the contrary, social distancing continues as does our love of all things marine

Bold and Beautiful is still suspended

Pools are closed. Eastern Suburbs beaches have been closed on and off.

The surf can be unpredictable (not my photo)

Surf club members continue to train and we and they must give each other space, remembering that they often come to the aid of swimmers in trouble in the water

So people who are not regulars are flocking to Manly and Cabbage Tree Bay and who can blame them?

There was a conspicuous police presence here today and yesterday. Yesterday I asked a very pleasant policewoman what they were measuring and it’s the time between when people leave the water and when they leave the beach. I didn’t get to talk to them today, but from the water I did see them talking to the people congregated at the rocks near the yellow shed, telling them to move on.

I did manage to ask 2 of the lifeguards, (one being the lifeguard coordinator) if any swimmers had abused them and both gave the same response (I spoke to them separately). The response was no and that their opinion was that people on the beach had generally been pretty well behaved and that Manly was a good example of a well managed beach and people doing the right thing.

This is a really good response considering the restrictions and conditions and influx of non regulars. We are doing the right thing, need to keep doing it and take comfort in the knowledge that This Too Shall Pass.

Enough of the soap box. Our restrictions have been nothing compared to the lockdown across the ditch. My sister lives in Auckland and had her first day at the beach today. This is Muriwai which can be a notoriously dangerous and sharky beach.

And now for something completely different. I’ve been to the city! For a chiro appointment I hasten to add. In what is normally peak hour the CBD looked like a gost town.

Back in CTB the conditions have been OK, and the later sunrise and autumn light afford some lovely photo opportunities.

Has anyone seen the flutemouth change colours before their eyes? We did today but it happened so fast I couldn’t capture it.

We never tire of these

Social distancing in the water – that’s how it’s done (the people who look close actually are not – one is in front of the other)

A close up of the seagrass near the beach

No stats but water temps are dropping. 19 or so, waddayareckon?

What am I listening to? A wonderful interview right now – Spectacle: Elvis Costello interview with Lou Reed – google it if interested.

But yesterday I started listening to a new album by Truckstop Honeymoon. This is Momma Don’t Know Your Name. Tomorrow is Mothers Day. Have a great day with your Mum and if you don’t have her any more, remember her her fondly.

Enjoy your weened, stay safe and healthy