14 April 2020
Today marked our return to sobriety and it feels good. It helps when the weather is awesome, which it has been now for the past few weeks. I don’t think I’ve ever been this tanned at this time of year in Australia. I guess unemployment and sunshine will do that.
Today was a typical day in isolation to be honest. Not a lot happened of note, so my post doesn’t really have a theme per say. But here are some highlights.
First up, we saw a praying mantis. This was a first for me. I didn’t realise they had them in Australia. Fun fact: A praying mantis has two large eyes, but only one ear – on the underside of its belly.

I went for a swim in the ocean, but only managed a few hundred metres as it was choppy, the visibility was poor and I freaked out to be honest. I hope to go again tomorrow with a friend and do the usual 1,500-metre loop.
The highlight was probably a mid-afternoon beach walk, which was lovely. After my failed swim attempt, we walked up and down Manly beach on the sand in the mid-afternoon sunlight. Lovely.

On our walk home we pass another beach on the Harbour side, known as ‘The Office’ to Manly locals. Here we spotted a seal frolicking in the water. I attempted to get a photo – but he was underwater. So you can only see his head here.

This evening, as we’re not drinking alcohol, we went for another walk. This time to Little Manly beach.

Overall it was a nice relaxing day enjoying our surroundings. It does make me realise how lucky we are to live in such a beautiful part of the world. We can get outside every day and do something different. It definitely helps stay sane in these insane times.
In terms of coronavirus – there were only 16 new cases of COVID-19 reported in new South Wales today.