It’s a sunshine Saturday and we had no plans, so decided to make the most of Manly given our impending departure in a couple of days.

After Andy’s early morning 10k run, we ventured down to Shelly beach with the intention of a brief stop, however once settled on the sand we didn’t want to leave so stayed for a few hours and just enjoyed the sun, sea and smiled!

Today was one of those days that brought happiness and a touch of sadness. We so love this place, but know we had to leave soon and added to this we miss having Amelia and also Meg with us, as they’ve our Manly stay such a memorable and enjoyable one. We will of course be back, so we’ve always got that to look forward to.

The next few hours were spent in and out of the water, with Michelle having now conquered her dislike of getting into the ‘cold’ sea without fear or thought!

By mid-afternoon we gathered enough willpower to extricate ourselves from the beach and walk part of the Manly to Spit Bridge route. Whilst we didn’t make it the whole way, we did Forty Baskets beach to enjoy the rock pools and a little dip to help cool down.

The Manly to North Head walk takes you past numerous small secluded beaches and provides an insight into the Manly locals secret sunbathing spots. Some like to take shade under the Norfolk Island Pine trees which have stood along the beach front for over 150yrs.

As we ebbed along the coastal path we moved onto a route that took us on to the beach and over sand, rock pools passing Manly Boatshed cafe, the North Harbour reserve and Wellings reserve before we turned around at Forty Basket beach and returned to the Manly Pavilion for a late afternoon happy hour drink and enjoy the live music and busy Saturday vibe.

This has got to be one of the best views you’ll get in Manly if not Sydney as you look out into the North Harbour and over to Watsons Bay, with the Hornsby Lighthouse sparkling in the distance.

As we left the Pavilion we passed the busy Espy, where the old aquarium once stood, now a throbbing bar area attracting the great and good of Manly.

We then had an hour snoozing on Manly Cove beach before returning for dinner and then back out for an evenings walk along the Manly main beach.

Tomorrow is our last full day in Manly so we plan to make the most of the day, getting up early for a walk before breakfast then getting out in the sunshine before meeting up with Caroline, Tracy and co to say our goodbyes for now.

We plan to return to Manly in mid March for a few days so it’s not too final and we will still have time to go out for drinks and dinner with them once we come back.