Another bitingly cold day and the report from Manly was that a flotilla of Jimbles was camped off the point ready to go to war with anyone attempting to swim to Shelly Beach. We decided to head north and I made it all the way to North Steyne clubhouse. First time I’ve ever made it down to there an back in the middle of winter. Found it hard to cross the road afterwards as my feet were numb and my bad leg doesn’t cope all that well with the cold.

Wednesday so it’s gym day. Belinda was intrigued by all the bushwalking carrying a big pack. Three new exercises. First was a form of deadlift where you stand on the bad leg keeping it straight and bending from the waist. At the same time you reach forward and down with one arm while kicking the good leg backwards. Very tiring. Second was standing up onto the 30cm box carrying a 10kg weight in each hand. Did this for 15 reps x 3 sets. Last was the curious Jacobs ladder. Unusual thing like a perpetual ladder which I was climbing up. Really good exercise. I felt good after today’s exercises. Getting stronger. Injured leg still looks terrible. Wasted and skinny.