BurbleChaz

We've been meaning to do the coast walk from Manly towards Middle Harbour for some time. My body has been demanding (and deserves) a day off with pay (or, at least, protein). The surf report made references to millponds and mirrors. The sky was overcast. A perfect opportunity for a gentle stroll, then.

After a breakfast rather longer on cholesterol than carbohydrates, we pottered down to the ferry wharf. Carrying swimming togs was an oversight. They were probably already in the bag. Towel? It keeps the water bottle cool. No surfing planned. The ferry trip from Circular Quay to Manly is just the right length to grab a coffee, watch a bit of harbour activity and gently slip in to beach mode. Well, that's my excuse. Since we were going for a walk, and not, for instance, surfing. No board, see? I might have mentioned that I would be interested in scoping out some fins, if the opportunuty presented. No more than a casual aside.

Somehow, our feet carried us into a surf shop. Then another one. Upstairs, no less. No idea how. A deal was offered. I HAD NOT PLANNED THIS. At all. So, polite withdrawal, and a hike.

Along the beach, over Shelley Beach (awesome snorkelling opportunities. Hmm.), and up a path towards North Head. You can see the plan unravelling here. Middle Harbour is the other direction, you see. We didn't see any lizards. Not surprised. The spiders have probably eaten them. As we stroll, The Persuasive One was guiding my thought processes. It wasn't my fault. Honest. And it was a huge discount. Fantastic board. Fins thrown in. And a bag and leash, too. What's a chap to do? This, apparently:

There is no lack of surf, only a lack of commitment

Also, two videos. I'm the dude in the middle, look for a red board and a sunburned bald spot:

• Big wave. Maybe a foot tall.
• Bigger wave. Well, it goes to the beach.

Tomorrow, there will be No Surfing. A quorum of my major muscle groups have made this clear.