The last of summer 2007/08

After a very wet summer we have had some gorgeous early autumn days to enjoy. We recently discovered Shelley Beach near the more famous Manley and have been there often to enjoy its amazing snorkeling. Its in a little bay with wild jungle park on one side and houses on the other and across the water you can see the Manley beachfront towers. The bay is wonderfully sheltered and we have had the most amazing swimming and snorkeling just off the beach, schools of large fish and squid in about 5-6m of crystal clear water. Now that Brendan has a surfboard I can see we will be there even more often next summer!

Below: on the rocks with Lara and Patrick at Shelley Beach.

We have also been snorkeling off our rocks (see photos below) and seen balls of baby catfish, millions and millions of fry, octopus and cuttlefish. Ella is getting better every time and has learned to dive down and clear her snorkel properly. She is so confident that she doesn't hold onto us anymore and floats and swims on her own, very brave considering she is metres out of her depth. Except when she spotted a jellyfish that is - then she tried to climb on Brendan's head! The evenings have been magnificent, no wind and warm but not humid with the skies glowing pink at sunset. The fishermen have been out in full force on the rocks below the house catching flathead, trevalli and the occasional octopus or shark. Ella delights in chatting to them and inspecting their catches. One evening Brendan was home a little early and went down with his rod for a few casts with Ella hugging his leg in her little red pyjamas. One of those special moments.