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!

Some local touring

The past week has really flown - this tourism "leader" role I have assumed is loads of fun. Last Sunday night was a great evening, invited another 2 of my cousins (Nalda and Gail) and their husbands (Ross and Steve) over for dinner to meet Margaret and Kevin. Nalda and Ross's garden adjoins ours, so not far to go, and Gail and Steve live on the other side of the Bay. I'm afraid my description of artificially inseminating, and transplanting embryos in goats was met with far too much hilarity, lots and lots of jokes (some from the pommie relo) outrageous mirth, and to top it off one mere male attendee (not to be named) was reduced to crying with laughter!!!

On Monday it was a little miserable, but we still went to a local wildlife park so Margaret and Kevin could get up close and personal to our unique animals. Fortunately I know the ranger who was on duty, so there were many extra privileges, though Kevin didn't consider having a boah constrictor python around his neck - a privilege. Margaret was much more appreciative holding an orphaned baby wombat. They got to pat koalas, kangaroos and many other animals. - nice day.

Tuesday was fine and sunny, so we started with a tour of a couple of local beaches, then onto Mogo Zoo, it's a privately owned zoo, that is involved in worldwide breeding programs, they have been particularly successful with White lions, Red Pandas and the Snow Leopard.

The lagoon at Mossy Point

McKenzie's Beach

Mogo has just supplied Canberra International Zoo with a breeding pair of white lions!

Red pandas hangin' out Mogo has had 2 sets of twin snow leopards to date.

Next day was looking good, so time to take a relaxing cruise up the Clyde River to the original port - Nelligen. This is always an enjoyable and very peaceful few hours. We had phad thai at Nelligen for lunch before cruising back to the Bay.

The next day - Thursday was very warm and sunny, so off to Old Mogo Town (something we have been meaning to do since we have been down here - only 11 years) It had a population of 15,000 in the gold rush days of the 1850's, and boasted some 38 pubs. There are just a few buildings there now, very well presented, and the boys decided to attempt to appease their wallets by panning for gold - not a good result at all, the wallets saw no reprieve from their efforts.

One of the 38 pubs still stands!

The local church

Not a lot happenin" here!!

Margaret strolling along a local beach late afternoon!

Last Friday we headed to Canberra, for the day and night, then Saturday to Goulburn to officially open (the Brig had to wear a tie, coat and the works) the 20th National Angora Trophy Show and Sale, Frank and I created this event in 1989 and were invited to be guests of honour for the 20th Anniversary. Photos etc. will be blogged tomorrow.

Back in the Southern Highlands

On Friday we drove that familiar old route through Kangaroo Valley to Bowral to meet up with Margaret and Kevin to show them around the area we spent some 15 years in. We stayed at the Briars CountryInn, which was really pleasant, and the weather performed well again.

The grounds of the Briars Country Inn

Kevin and I enjoying our happy hour at the Briars

A little bit of nostalgia

"Elizabeth Cottage" The cottage Mum owned for many years - the new owners

have done a lovely renovation job on it, and the trees we planted are now huge!

"Vermont" - Kevin standing in front of our old farm gates- again the trees we planted 23 years ago completely hide all views of the house we built in 1985.

Next - we visit the historic village of Berrima

The Berrima Correction (Gaol) Centre - still operating today.

It was good to see that the "crims" are still operating their "printing business" from within - I have spent some time inside these walls as I used to get all the banners, posters etc. made for different angora goat shows and sales by the inmates!

St Paul's Catholic church on the hill in Berrima.

We have attended a few weddings here, plus the christenings of Bren and Rani's 3 children, Luca, Hunter and last year, Ava Rose. It's stained glass windows are stunning.

Next - down through Kangaroo Valley

First Stop - Fitzroy Falls

Last Stop - Cambewarra Lookout (overlooks the Shoalhaven region)

Then home to the Bay.