Boxing Day

The surf at Manly



We woke up on Boxing Day morning to blazing sun and the promise of high temperatures. Lucy, Mike and the children had left in the early hours of the morning to fly up to Hayman Island for some sun and scuba diving, and we had made arrangements to meet the Watson lot on Manly beach for a bit of surf and sun fun.

Ally is Andrew's best friend, and they have known each other since their school days in Winchmore Hill. He and his family, wife Ally, children Zoe and Samantha and parents in law Sheila and Peter, are on something of a world tour, having visited Japan (and other mutual friends Pete and Christine), then doing Perth, Ayers Rock, Cairns and Surfers Paradise before getting to us. From here they will go on to New Zealand and then San Francisco - then back to St Albans. It is great to see them again.



Ally and Lou

As Ally and Lou are staying in the city, we thought the easiest place to meet them would be Manly Beach, as they could just get the ferry over. Nothing is ever simple though is it?! We had forgotten about the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, as and a result all the ferries were cancelled. However, they all braved the bus again, and by the time they left, the ferries were back on.

We were also joined on the beach by local friends Nicky and Graham with all their children, and a very nice day was had by all - with the possible exception of George, who was got by a blue bottle (a type of jelly fish which leaves a nasty sting). However, he was super brave, and didnt cry at all. When we were finally thrown off the beach by the chap we had hired our sunloungers from, we were all feeling very chilled, and Nicky and Graham invited us back to their house for some supper, which was greatly appreciated.



Nicky



Anna


You know - it's not really Christmas - but I think I like it.....