winter on manly beach

Today was the the 7th official day of winter and we went to Manly Beach. This is the closest suburb to downtown Sydney. It is a ferry ride across the harbor or a 40 minute drive down the Pacific Highway from our house. Mike and I went to get some fresh air and look for some souvenirs to take home for our visit. There is an esplanade to walk all along the beach front and there were "heaps" of people out walking, picnicking, biking, surfing, and beach combing. The temps were about high 60's. It was that kind of weather were we were quite warm, wearing shorts, and the Aussies were cold, wearing leggings with Ugg boots! Along the esplanade is a rock pool were you can swim in an enclosed area and many people swim all year round as the water is always near 20 degrees Celsius ( about 69 f ). We strolled along eating our ice cream and enjoying all the sights and was wondrous in the fact, that this is "winter". Gorgeous.
The only strange thing to adjust to is that we are marching towards the shortest day of the year, June 21. So I am not used to the early darkness at this time of the year. I have just heard the 10 day forecast and there will be possible snow in the Blue Mountains next week and we have been advised to "rug up".