Day 299
Tuesday
24 October
Sutton – Mount Ainslie – Canberra
I was awake at 7am and happy to read my book for just over
an hour with the storyline starting to reel me in. Paul left for his shower
just after 8am and when I finished the chapter I was on, I got out and sorted
breakfast, heading for a shower on Paul’s return.
Once I was back, we packed up our things and took off for
the day. Our first stop was Mount Ainslie for the view over the city. I
remember doing this last time and watching the fighter jets and gun ships
patrolling the sky, today it was all about dodging the kids.
We recognised a few of the groups as residents at our caravan
park, we can’t seem to get away from them. Coaches were parked up in all
available spots, dropping off more and more, so we took our photos and made a
getaway.
I navigated into the centre locating the information centre
at Regatta Point, where we could park for free. We then had a wander around
inside before a volunteer pointed us in all the right directions and I loaded
up with all the brochures.
We checked out the National Capital Exhibition Centre that
the tourist bureau is housed in. There were plenty of interesting displays
about the coming into being of Canberra and again noisy school groups being
lead through.
After we completed the circuit, we jumped in the car and
made our way across Lake Burley Griffin for Parliament House. It took a while
to find our way and we ended up driving through the burbs before we were able
to navigate to the free parking under the parliamentary building.
We wandered onto the forecourt to take in the view back
towards the war memorial and Mount Ainslie and then a close up of the new
parliament house. We then made our way inside, passing through the security
check, just like at the airport. Once again Paul set off the detectors with his
metal hips so it really did feel like we were entering the departure lounge.
We were given a pamphlet and directions on where to head and
what to see, making our way into the grand hall where large functions are held.
The tapestry that adorns the facing wall is apparently the second largest in
the world.
We made our way upstairs past the various artwork and
portraits of past PMs and then stuck our head into the House of Representatives
and the Senate. The senate wasn’t sitting this week, but the reps were due in
chambers for midday.
We caught the lit to the roof to enjoy more of the view and
to get a closer look at the flagpole. There were quite a few school groups up
here. Unfortunately for them the grass area was cordoned off, it would make an
awesome rolly polly or box sledding
spot!
We jumped in the lift with a few of the kids making their
way back down and then continued our loop of the building before making our way
to the terrace for another view out the front and then it was down the stairs,
just as the bell was sounding for the MPs to make their way to their seats.
We returned to the car, collected our lunch bag and then
made our way down the avenue looking for somewhere to sit and eat. We
eventually found the Old Parliament Rose Garden that sits adjacent to the old
building. It was a lovely setting and we found a bench to sit on among the
many blooms.
When we were all done, we hiked it back up the hill and
returned to the car. I plugged in the address for Bent Spoke Brewery and we
made our way across town. After parking we walked the street eventually finding
what we were looking for.
Once in we had a while to wait before we could chat with
Tracey, one of the owners and brewers. In the meantime, Paul began sampling the
beers. I wandered around taking photos and then sat to listen in on his chat.
We stayed until 3.10pm, opting to have a cheese board and enjoy the atmosphere
of the place. By the time we came out the sun was about and I was keen to go
for a walk, but Paul wanted to head back for an afternoon siesta, so we
returned to the van.
It wasn’t long before he was snoring, meanwhile I worked on
the photos and sent off some emails, watching the afternoon tick away while
being very lazy. When Paul was finally awake, we went for a walk around the
park before deciding to play putt putt. We grabbed our putter and a couple of
balls and made our way to the 18 hole course. It didn’t seem overly challenging
and was really in need of some repair, but it kept us amused along with a
family group and a group of young blokes who were playing for sheep stations.
In the end I came away as the winner, with Paul having one
hole from hell. We returned to the van to make soup for dinner, I went through
the computer stuff and made arrangements to meet one of the We Love Craft Beer
members on Thursday.
After all of my work was done, I was happy to crawl into bed
and read, listening to kids bouncing around on the jumping pillow and carrying
on. Joy. It wasn’t long though before we were both asleep.
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