Manly Harbourside Netted Enclosure

 “The sea is emotion incarnate. It loves, hates, and weeps. It defies all attempts to capture it with words and rejects all shackles. No matter what you say about it, there is always that which you can't.”
― Christopher Paolini, Eragon

 

A fine and sunny Tuesday morning in early March saw Obi Wan on her lonesome in Manly. Parking was at a premium so she slotted Eric, her car (Forester) into a half hour spot across the road on East Esplanade.The pool was at half tide and a few people in it. Mothers and little ones on the waters edge. It had a sandy bottom - about 150 metres long but only about 30 metres across. The floor dipped away and at she  was in deep water at the net. The water was a warmish 22c and fairly clean but not pristine (due I suspect to the Manly ferries constantly coming and going nearby). There were plenty of cafes within easy walking distance and a lovely Manly ambiance. It is very touristy and a bit too busy for a lovely peaceful swim but pleasant none the less.

A good spot for tourists (safe) and the views are superb. Long term parking (say 2 hrs or more) a real problem due to lots of people and this issue would be acerbated on the weekend and holidays!!

One for the tourists - not the locals!

Splosh Rating *** 3 stars.

Northbridge Baths

"Ocean: A body of water occupying about two-thirds of a world made for man - who has no gills"-Ambrose Bierce 

Cousteau headed off to Northbridge baths the last on the list and where she had her first swimming lesson all those years ago........It was a school learn to swim campaign in the summer hols!!
Anywho, Willoughby council has done a great job in keeping these tidal baths in pristine condition. There is no entrance fee, hot water in the clean amenities, BBQ facilities and well kept lawns.
The water temp was posted on the board at 24 degrees and it certainly was the warmest swim of the season.
The water was clear enough to see fish and there were no more that 4 swimmers in the water..... 2 people in the lanes swimming laps.
Cousteau was there at high tide and enjoyed the quite bushland settling as she swam up and down the pool also viewing some expensive real estate and some nice boats in the nearby marina.
There is no public transport nearby but car parking is free. The kiosk was not open..so I could not get that wonderful chocolate paddle pop that I remembered:( Well maybe that was a good thing as I had already had my quota of chocolate Easter eggs:)

Splosh Rating ***1/2 stars

 

Cremorne Point Pool Enclosure

"Roll on, deep and dark blue ocean, roll. Ten thousand fleets sweep over thee in vain. Man marks the earth with ruin, but his control stops with the shore"-
Lord Byron 

 

 

 

 

After a week of rain, Cousteau could not pass up the a sunny opportunity to visit Macallum Pool at Cremorne Point. This enclosure is yet another little harbour side treasure, only a brief walk from transport (Bus and Ferry) at Cremorne wharf.  The views of the Sydney harbour and the city are stunning on the main walkway, however the pool is neatly tucked under a cliff in a secluded spot in a bushland setting. The Macallum pool was rather famously opened in 1938 by Joan Sutherland.... a long time resident of Cremorne point.

 

On this Sunday March the 3rd, the pool water was not the freshest after the heavy rain and the concrete bottom was a little slimy, but that said, the water temp was about 21c and the water refreshing. All in all a very  peaceful swim was had by a solitary member of the Splosh, in the well kept narrow 30 metre pool. There was a sign up by the council to note the pool would be closed Tuesday for cleaning, when I'm sure it will be back to its normal sparkle:)

 

Splosh Rating 3***.and a half ..for the lovely surroundings and unique setting.