Canberra - Day 3

Once again I was up before dawn, this time with the intent purpose of going back down to the lake to photograph the balloons. Dad looked out the window for a weather check and reported cloud cover and drizzle. We debated whether balloons would fly in that, decided probably not and snuggled back into bed. About half an hour later I looked out the window again in tme to see half a dozen of them hovering over the city. I sprang out of bed and belted down the median strip heading towards Parliament House like a demented lunatic. (I know you'd be very surprised at that Chris).

So I think we may have missed the best of them as the possse of photographers were packing up and leaving as we arrived, but I nonetheless got some shots, so that made me happy.


I took a few of the birdlife and we walked a little round the lake , then headed back for breakfast ( at the apartments this time - it was included in the tariff, so thought we should avail. - decent , nothing out of the ordinary, but free:-)





Canberra carillon



After brekkie we headed back to the Gallery precinct to check out the National Portrait Gallery . We were quite pleased we had already done the Renaissance, as the queue for it was quite long! --( only limited numbers admitted each hour). I really enjoyed the contemporary section of the Portrait gallery; Dad was more keen on the historical section. I did learn one fascinating fact there though. Mr David Jones is hung there and apparently, DJ's is the oldest Department Store in the world still trading under it's original name- He would be very proud! I fear his scrupulous standards and ideals of providing the very best the world has to offer, along with a comprehensive stock of everyday items, may not have lived on however.

So, having done the Gallery, it was time to head on back to Sydney.. Megan had told us there was stuff to see in Bundgendore,
so we headed home that way ( the other side of lake George.
She was right!! The biggest attraction was Pansy, who was last seen flaunting her stuff at the closing ceremony of the Sydney Olympics.
We had lunch here at a very very good cafe. It was packed to the rafters - i think a lot of Sydney/Canberra daytrippers must come here on a Sunday as the tiny little town is packed with antique stores. While we were waiting for our lunch to be served ( excellent soup), I was admiring some nature landscape photographs on the wall ( quite large, vertical format..very attractive. ) I went closer for a better look and discovered the photographer was Richard Moorecroft ( remember him-- used to read our news?).

So after Bungendore, we continued on to Goulburn vis Tarago. Tarago is really just a pub and a couple of houses and a bikie gang. Lots to photograph though:-)



We stopped off in Berrima on the way home for a cofffee.

When we got home Megs ad made us a delicious meal. Thanks Megs. and there you have it - our little mini Aussie roadtrip:-)