Final day in Canberra

Our last day to spend with Dad and George today and one thing left on to do list - The War Memorial. But first I needed to find a gift for Christina and Alan. We'd got a pen for Michael from Bungendore wood gallery so was worrying I hadn't found anything. Dad took me to Gold Creek because they have gift shops and galleries. I was humming and arring but ended up getting a solar powered hummingbird to stick in a pot plant. Not much, but more personal and lasting than a nice bottle of wine. I also spotted a pretty glass plate for N&G with a wren on. Got them both gift wrapped.

When we got back I had an hour to wash and dry my hair and make some sense of my suitcase. Completely unpacked since being here and I don't quite know how it all fits in! Went to book a table at the Turkish restaurant for tonight before heading to the War Memorial. I loved it! What a lovely way to remember all the people who died for us and to learn about all their battles. We only managed to do the WW2 gallery but it was so touching and sad. I hadn't realised how much of a 'World War' it was! Not only with Nazi Germany but Japan and Northern Africa too, and the Australians played a massive part in helping us in Europe and Africa aswell as they're own battles against japan taking them over. The only countries that weren't mentioned were South America as far as I could make out. I want to read some Australian war books now! I couldn't have done any more wars today but I could see going back a few times would be fascinating. WW1, and post 1945 wars still to be seen. Too bad. Next time! I bet the afgan part would have been eye opening as I really have no idea what's going on now. At 4 we met up with Alan, Naomi and Andrew for some films in the Anzac Hall about the Lancaster bomber 'G for George'. Two well done films, more so for the visualisations for putting together something so real.

The last thing before we left was The Last Stand. Everyone was to gather in the outside and they told a story about a veteran and then played the tune on the trumpet! Went out for a turkish tonight, with everyone, and ate a lot a lot! 

Bungendore drive

Another sunny one. All that's left on my must do list is inside which is disappointing. Should have got rid of these when it was grizzly. Decided to take a road trip and go to the library on the way back. Four of us in the car, Dad driving. 

First stop Grandad's grave. We just strolled through for a bit hoping it would jump out on us, doing our usual cemetery commentary. The metal plaques were scattered amongst rocks in a pretty garden lay out. Some families had a rock with their surname plaque at the top and then individual ones underneath. Others had reserved plaques! Dad went off to the office to ask where to go and he got a map and we walked over. Admired the spot, took some photos to remember it. 

Next we got on the road to Bungendore. Via Lark Hill winery which is Michaels favourite. $5 each for a tasting and dad just had a few sips! 4 whites and reds and then a pudding wine. Went straight to my head and couldn't taste much towards the end. We got a couple of bottles which meant refund on the $5s. 

Bungendore was a few more kilometres and an oldie worldie town. All the buildings are bungalows raised up slightly, with iron rooves. Very traditional. It must be loud when it rains!

Went to the wood gallery that Michael rated. Really lovely stuff and marquetry pictures. Expensive though! Came across  the stools from Michaels house $1000 each! Me and Laura bought him a pen as a thank you present. Also popped into a leather shop and tried on hats. It was so smelly. Bought some little pretty rings! 

Headed back to Canberra via a ACT sign for a selfie. Got to the library with 45mins left of opening time. Walked round the Treasures gallery which was interesting. And then to the shop coz Dad remembered the prints were good from last time but they weren't any more so didn't get anything. Looking for a momentous print or something of my time here. 

Tonight we went to The Sports Club down at Jamison for food. There was a casino part and betting part with screens and restaurant but all very quiet. We ate and then CANA&M left and we went to see what these 'Country Trotts' are, that Dad talked about. It's not horse racing because that's done in the cities. Out in the country they race but no faster than a trott and pull the jocky in a cart!! They have ribbons round their legs so they can't go any faster. Me and Dad bet on two of these races and the rest were dogs. Won nothing! Second a few times but nothing! 

Black mountain hike!

We've been so lazy since being here. Had been walking all day and uphill in Sydney so Michael suggested we climb Black mountain. Beautiful sunny day, blue skies so we went for it. It was steep but felt good! I like the scribble trees. Could do these patterns in stitch.

Saw two wallabies jumping around on the way down too. And now we're off to collect dad and George from the train station!

Really good to see them and we took the first stop, to the lookout point at the arboretum like Christina did with us. Then had a big wine night! Alan made another goat curry- for 9! George plugged laptop and music in as soon as he walked in and played lots to educate Naomi. 

Questacon

Got up a bit earlier than we have been today so we could go to Fyshwick outlet shops. They were quite good. I got two pairs of new glasses because I keep loosing them! And also some comfy trousers/jarmies. Laura got a Nirvana dress and some canvas Dr Martens which are nice. Also snacked on some amazing and cheap sushi! 

I noticed I had missed calls from Christina and went to meet them at the National Library. They had been cycling, from Aranda and round the central part of Lake Burley Griffin. I'd like to do this too one day. Would be lovely in the sun. 

We headed to Questacon this afternoon which is the science museum. The ticket lady didn't even ask ages and assumed me and Laura were children. Do we really look under 16! There was a free fall activity where we had to dress in boiler suits and drop from a metal bar. You fall until you join the slide at the bottom! It was scary and made me shake! 

Spent a couple of hours in the building then went outside for a drink and Naomi made brownies. Very tasty! Me and Laura decided to cook fajitas for everyone coz we've been so well fed. Did the food shopping at Jameson and then prepared it. All went down well and then watched an anime film.

George and Dad were also flying today!

Sunday 13th July

The three of us; Michael, Laura and I went to the bus depot market in Kingston. Lots of felt stalls and an delicious food hall! Went to buy a card for Nanny and Grandpa and uncle Michael happened to know the artist so she gave it to me for free. Next door in the old power station is now a glass works and we went to have a look. Two ladies were at work and they had an audience. Walked around through the studios and noticed that they do some classes which could be fun.

Next we went to meet the Hicks' at the botanic gardens for lunch and then had a nice walk through the trees. I can see why Dad likes it here! I'll come again with him. After this the boys headed home and us girls headed to Black Mountain up the Telstra Tower. Lovely sunny day to look out across Canberra. 

Next we went down to Weston Park to do some Kangaroo spotting! Lots of mummy's with Roos kicking in their pouches! Looked very uncomfortable!