Up over the Clyde Mountain to the Capital

Friday was a glorious day, as we travelled up over the Clyde towards Canberra. First stop was the old Bungendore Railway Station for a few snap shots, and then the intention was to browse, in case Margaret wanted to perhaps purchase in both the Timberworks Gallery and Leatherworks stores in Bungendore. Coffee took priority over shopping when we ran into Nalda and Ross who were also en route to Canberra to meet up with their kids and grandkids - they were all flying to the Gold Coast on Sunday for a weeks holiday. Shopping and browsing was resumed after we farewelled Nal and Ross.

We arrived in Canberra around midday and headed straight to the new Parliament House, spent an hour or so roaming around, and quite a bit of time on the roof taking in the vista of Canberra. Looking down to old Parliament House and up Anzac Parade to the War Memorial. Magnificent marble pillars tower in the foyer Many different works of art adorn the walls

The "Gallery of Rogues!" Marg and Kevin with Queen Liz on the rooftop Cafe

Great veiws from the roof

A trip around the Embassies was next - below is the Embassy of Papual New Guinea, the NZ one had some tin cows grazing out the front!!!. We arrived at the War Memorial mid afternoon and spent a couple of hours wandering around and watching Peter Jackson's production on film "Over the Front" of the air conflicts in the First World War. The planes were flimsy machines of wood, fabric and fire. Every time we visit this Memorial I have to stop at my favourite (and most moving) statue of Simpson and his Donkey - at Gallipoli.

The cloisters of the Roll of Honour walkway The dome ceiling in the Hall of Memory A lone Piper plays a lament on the stairs of the Pool of Rememberance at the close of day! The Brigadier opening the 20th National Angora Trophy Show and Sale on Saturday

Andrew, winner of the "doe kid" class invites me up to check out the mohair on this little winner

Always the lady!!!!

Kev, this is how you open the fleece!

What's that old goat behind me up to?

After spending some time at the NATS show we drove out to Crookwell - about 45 klms from Goulburn - gorgeous little tree lined country town. Saturday was Crookwell's annual Fair day, there were 60 plus old cars on display, food and market stalls, grand parade, and many other activities - very country, and very refreshing. We found a wonderful old CWA type cafe to have lunch in, then went to the Caravan Park to meet up with Gail and Steve who were down there for a week with a group of others. Got back to the Goulburn Motel in time to shower and change for the Official NATS dinner which was held in a lovely restored pub building, in fact this was where we held the first NATS dinner 20 years ago, so it was very appropriate to come back to it for this anniversary.

An artist at work in the main street of Crookwell above, and below, Crookwell's roundabout was dressed up for the Fair.

After a late start we drove half way home stopping at the little town of Braidwood for brunch in one of its lovely cafes, then a wander around town in and out of different galleries and shops, then back down the Clyde Mountain to the Bay.

Braidwood's historic Bakery

To close out on a lovely, yet busy weekend, Frank and Margaret called their brother Peter in the UK for a long chat, then Marg preceeded to show her eldest brother how to make lemon souffle, hope he took note - they were delicious!