Bateman's Bay

Bateman's Bay is two hours from Canberra and many Canberrans go here at weekends to see the sea. We did too.
 

We had lunch at Innes Boatshed sitting out on the wooden deck over the water. I had oysters while Him Outdoors had fish and chips - you choose what you want from the cabinet and they cook it for you in light, crispy, golden batter. Yum! And no, we didn't feed the seagulls.

The Clyde River meets the sea here and according to the brochures it is "a marine playground full of Australia's favourite past times including sailing, big game fishing and river cruising"- not drinking and fighting then?

Corrigan's Beach

Broulee Beach

First Week in Canberra

Canberra is obviously the capital of Australia, so it has all the government and national buildings; parliament, treasury, art galleries and museums. Some accuse it of being sterile, and it is certainly functional. Every tree has been planted for a purpose; every park designed just-so, which makes it an easy city to negotiate with appropriate amenities and facilities where you need them.

The National Treasury of Australia

I was a little surprised that the buildings were so staid - there are few flourishes and curlicues in the architecture department, considering they could have been designed in practically any fashion. However, I saw a quote in the Canberra Times from architect, Paul Wilson, about the High Court that makes sense.

"It's not a mean building. It's bold and confident. [But it was designed] to have a presence that should engender in people visiting it a fear of the power and stength and significance of the law in our country and a respect for that role and position in our democracy."

The High Court

A walk around Lake Burley Griffin proves that there are hills in this city. They are called mountains, which is probably a little debatable, but it's certainly not flat.



Captal Hill across Lake Burley Griffin



King Edward Terrace

These sculptures were created for the Melbourne 1996 Olympic Games bid, and were relocated to Canberra as a permanent exhibition.

The following pictures are especially for The Great Galah, as they feature his namesake. The screeching pink and grey parrot is noisy and ubiquitous, and yet, somehow quite charming.



A couple of lovebirds on Lake Burley Griffin made a cool silhouette. Actually, they're cormorants. They call them shags in New Zealand.

We had a lovely afternoon at Mt Majura Vineyard, where an extremely friendly and knowledgeable bloke talked us through a tasting, while we sampled the wines and a platter. I love these bottle wind chimes; the different levels of water within alter the tune when they chink against each other.

A Fabulous Farewell

CJD had said he and some other friends would take us to a winery for lunch, so they picked us up and drove us out to Frankton - we were slightly perturbed to be going the wrong way, but he said they had a quick errand to run, and Squirt was talking so much we were distracted. And then we arrived at the helicopter place!

CJD and Spik and 'their' chopper

EmC - always in control

Him Outdoors is a little bit excited

CJD had booked a helicopter to fly us all to Mount Difficulty. It was such an incredible way to arrive; luxury and decadence and fabulous views - an incredible buzz!



Mount Difficulty Winery



Our vehicle in the car park

We had a wine-tasting, then platters (featuring olives, sundried tomatoes, salami, smoked moki, wild pork terrine, gingerbread, blue cheese, smoked salmon, cheese balls and sticky fig compote), followed by more wine and chatter. I was on a total high - pun entirely intended.



Is it just me, or does this have a Brokebank Mountain feel about it?

As if it couldn't get any better, the helicopter pilot (Scotty) stopped on top of the Remarkables on the way back. On top! Just below Double Cone on a tiny ridge. Excuse my profanity, but I'm afraid words failed me and all I could say was 'F*%#ing Wow!'

We took photos, threw snowballs, made snowangels, shrieked and giggled and generally behaved like over-excited puppy dogs. It was fantastic being up there: almost unbelievable.

Preparing to throw

Spik throwing like a girl

I'm not the only one who can't stop taking pictures

Squirt briefly stops talking - it is breathtaking, after all!

Scotty's seen it all before

BUNDLE!!!

Yes, ok, we sang 'I'm on the top of the world...'

CJD drove us straight to the Arrow Brewing Company, where we spent the rest of the evening drinking Arrow beers and saying goodbye to all our friends.

Greg hides behind the pumps

The gorgeous Aussie battler

Mischievous Minx and the Great Galah - what a pair!

MM and the Fudge Princess - an even scarier pair!

The Wee Red Hen is on fire tonight!

Good concentraion - are you sure?

The Dairy Queen looking luscious (and only slightly manic)

By this stage it looks as though no one is actually listening to anyone else anymore. But we are all still having fun!



Spik, the Naki Boy and the Great Galah

Squirt has managed to fall asleep with an 'I'm listening to you, honest' expression on her face

It looks as though they are bored with each other's company, but apparently they are all typing my new address into their smart phone

I hug Bad Fairy, because she loves public displays of affection sooooo much!

The Dairy Queen wants the camera

The evening ended with an underpant mile - don't worry, I shall spare you the evidence.

I was overwhelmed with the emotion from all my friends. I am a long way from my family and I miss them all, but these guys (and a few absent friends also) give me their love and support and make me feel part of a whole new and very special family. I would like to quote from the words a friend (I won't mention their name as they will just be embarrassed) wrote in a card and to turn it back on you all.

"We are so privileged to have you as friends. You are so much fun to be around and your wit, intelligence and loving natures put you way at the top of the BEST PEOPLE IN THE WHOLE WORLD list!!! We will miss you dreadfully but look forward to having more good times with you in Canberra and/or who knows where."

Thanks for the most fabulous send-off everyone - you have made it almost impossible for us to come back - almost...