MANLY...SURFING...!!!!

Today a group of us went to Manly Beach, and I finally completed a goal I've waited my whole life for-I SURFED!
A thirty minute ferry ride brought us to the north of Sydney and out to Manly Surfer's Beach. We left early, so arrived there around 10:30. The water was magnificent, clear blue, and a bit warmer than at Bondi. After laying out and swimming for a while, Brian rented a surf board and after he had been on it for a while, he taught me! I hopped on the board, and with a push from him, and some intense paddling from me, I was up on my first wave. It's safe to say I'm addicted. It is a very cool feeling to be up on the surf board riding the waves, and I can see why so many people do it all the time--I plan on that for the remainder of my time in Sydney. It is also an amazing workout, as I seemed to be using every muscle in my body. Tonight we are relaxing, because tomorrow 5 of us girls leave for Cairns! For those of you who don't know what is there, it is the Great Barrier Reef! It is a trip I've been wanting to go on for my entire life, so I'm very excited. There seem to be scattered thunderstorms for the week, but hopefully they will clear up for our cruise on Wednesday!