Last Sunday afternoon we took the opportunity to go on a cruise on our lake, thinking it would give us some wonderful vantage points to enjoy the last of the autumnal colour.
So close...
It was a bright and sunny afternoon when we left home but by the time we reached the yatch club where the cruise left from (twenty minutes drive away) the wind had picked up dramatically and some very big clouds were scudding across the sky. Rapidly. At home the trees are still coming into the full range of autumnal colour . By the lake some had been and gone, some had barely started changing and a few were blazing delightfully.
It was only an hour long cruise - and perhaps not what we had expected or hoped for. Just the same I thoroughly enjoyed it - and it kept me out of the garden too.
So...
Black Mountain Tower (Telstra Tower)
Poplar trees which are just starting to turn gold. (Only just.)
Commonwealth Avenue Bridge (and the Captain Cook Memorial Fountain.). The fountain is now only turned on for two hours each day to conserve energy.
Commonwealth Park.
Looking back the way we had come - do you see what I mean about the clouds?
New Parliament House in the background. In the foreground there is one flag pole for each nation that we have diplomatic ties with.
The Supreme Court Building with Manchurean Pears providing a welcome splash of colour.
The Carillion.
Silhouetted against the sky are a pair of cormorants.
The Manchurean Pears from a closer vantage point - aren't they stunning. In Spring they are a mass of white blossom.
The War Memorial.
A glimpse of the Chinese Embassy.
So close...
It was a bright and sunny afternoon when we left home but by the time we reached the yatch club where the cruise left from (twenty minutes drive away) the wind had picked up dramatically and some very big clouds were scudding across the sky. Rapidly. At home the trees are still coming into the full range of autumnal colour . By the lake some had been and gone, some had barely started changing and a few were blazing delightfully.
It was only an hour long cruise - and perhaps not what we had expected or hoped for. Just the same I thoroughly enjoyed it - and it kept me out of the garden too.
So...
Black Mountain Tower (Telstra Tower)
Poplar trees which are just starting to turn gold. (Only just.)
Commonwealth Avenue Bridge (and the Captain Cook Memorial Fountain.). The fountain is now only turned on for two hours each day to conserve energy.
Commonwealth Park.
Looking back the way we had come - do you see what I mean about the clouds?
New Parliament House in the background. In the foreground there is one flag pole for each nation that we have diplomatic ties with.
The Supreme Court Building with Manchurean Pears providing a welcome splash of colour.
The Carillion.
Silhouetted against the sky are a pair of cormorants.
The Manchurean Pears from a closer vantage point - aren't they stunning. In Spring they are a mass of white blossom.
The War Memorial.
A glimpse of the Chinese Embassy.
What beautiful photographs and what a fantastic city you live in. I know my Mum and my daughter both loved Canberra when they visited and I can see why.
ReplyDeleteA wonderful outing for you both and once again, an escape from the garden chores which I know you need to get done but a break does you good and perhaps recharges the batteries for you.
Mimsie: It is a beautiful city. And I love that we are surrounded by bush - never more than half an hour away. Bliss.
DeleteI am following River's wise advice and only weeding every second day. I feel guilty - but it is much better for me.
Lovely. Those pear trees remind me of our crape myrtle trees here. They bloom later in the summer.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your lovely outing!
Lynn: We have crepe myrtle too - another stunning tree.
DeleteI hang my head in shame that I've only been to Canberra once and that was years ago for a boring work conference!
ReplyDeleteLove the Manchurian pear trees!
Kath Lockett: No shame. It will still be here when you get back. If ever you do come and visit Canberra, I would love to see you.
DeleteThanks for the tour. What a beautiful part of the world.
ReplyDeletemybabyjohn/Delores: I think so - but am possibly biased.
DeleteEven though the weather turned on you, it looks like you shared a very nice day.
ReplyDeleteI love pear trees. Right now ours are in bloom with its white blossoms (Bradford Pears here) and are manificent. In the fall, they turn pink like yours.
Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe: I enjoyed the wind and the scudding clouds. Others on the cruise didn't - but their problem not mine. I do like being out on the water and don't do it often enough.
DeleteBeautiful photos.....Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteSienna Smythe: Thank you - it was a pleasure.
DeleteFine, fine pictures, EC. I think the clouds make for such a more dramatic picture. They are all really wonderful, though. I think I especially like the one with the two cormorants in the middle. The clouds make it perfect. Hope you are enjoying these little outings as much as I am! :-)
ReplyDeleteDJan: I am enjoying our outings. Lots. This was a very brief one - but fun.
Deletewonderful photos
ReplyDeleteAdam: Thank you.
DeleteThere was not as much color as you wanted, but it was a lovely day trip. Was the carollion ringing as you passed? That would have been a nice touch!
ReplyDeleteLast month we had almost 4" of rain than usual! Also, it feels like Winter still,at ;east it does to me. I sit here with long johns on and a fleece sweater, and still I am cold. "They" say it's to get up to 70F. today. And the sun is supposed to shine, too. If it happens I may brave a trip to the coffee shop on my scooter. I said IF, didn't I?
Warmer weather will come; it's just a matter of when. Then I won't complain about it being too warm. I promise. I have been cold for too long.
Webster: The carillion WAS ringing. Which really added to the cruise.
DeleteRain? We badly need it, and I won't complain at all. Our cooler weather is very much on its way - bliss. Complain all you like about the heat, it does us in doesn't it?
A tour of Canberra in an hour . . . what a bargain. Next you'll be going up in a hot air ballon to get some aerial shots. Glad you got out whatever the weather.
ReplyDeletePS we had just over 30 mm over the last three days and at the moment it is still warm enough for the grass to grow.
Arija: I have been up in a balloon, and loved it. I may repost the photos - it was Autumn then too.
Delete30 mm of rain would be more than welcome. Our grass is brown and crispy but the rejuvenating magic of rain would change that quickly. I am glad that you got some though.
Beautiful scenery and photos. I think the clouds add to the pics! Thanks for taking us on the cruise.
ReplyDeleteKaren: It is a lovely spot. The lake (Lake Burley Griffin) is man-made, but is a wonderful addition to the city.
DeleteI can't understand why you'd understand an hour on the water, everything calm and sunny, surrounded by beautiful settings and pleasant weather. What's nice about that?
ReplyDeleteJohn Wiswell: Of course there was nothing nice about the cruise. I just had to grit my teeth and endure...
DeleteAll I can say is WOW!! Those pictures are awsome. What a beautiful place! I had to laugh when you said autumn. I forget that you are in a different season then we are. lol. Awsome post as always!
ReplyDeleteTeresa: I do like that blogging means that we get double seasons. Vicarious pleasure is wonderful. Your winter shots are so alien to me (we almost never get snow here) and I loved them.
DeleteBeautiful boat ride
ReplyDeleteKim @ Stuff could...: It was. So calming...
DeleteWould love to see this someday! What a wonderful day out (away from garden temptations!).
ReplyDeleteSusan Kane: I hope you can see it. It really is a very pretty city - despite being a very young one.
DeleteWeather or not, a lovely trip. The sailboats are colorful and the memorials inspiring. Sorry Captain Cook's fountain runs only two hours a day. He drew a lot of maps!
ReplyDeleteJoanne Noragon: It was a lovely trip. And while the wind got up I didn't think it was cold at all - though some would disagree.
DeleteIt looks like a positively perfect day in all respects!
ReplyDeleteWendy aka Quillfeather: It was a positive and a restorative outing.
DeleteBeautiful pics... especially the pear trees. Looks like you had just the kind of uplifting day the doctor would order.
ReplyDeleteSusan: And without the side effects produced by so many of the things that doctors order.
DeleteAutumn is absolutely the best time in Cenberra.The colours of the trees and the light make it all so magnificent. I enjoyed your photgraphs... and the memories.
ReplyDeleteChristine: With the exception of summer I think that Canberra does all the seasons well - but autumn is very special indeed. A delight each year.
DeleteThanks for the cruise, EC...I felt as if I was there with you. Great pics!
ReplyDeleteLee: I am glad you enjoyed the ride.
DeleteI totally want to go!
ReplyDeleteRiot Kitty: I would love to see you here.
DeleteYou have some delightful landmarks to see in your neck of the woods! I especially liked the Chinese embassy building and the cormorants. We don't have the former in my little town (haha) but we do have the latter! Perhaps a different kind, but still.
ReplyDeletejenny_o: We have many embassies here, and some of the buildings are stunning. On balance I prefer the cormorants though.
DeleteBlack Mountain - seems an appropriate name for the Telstra Tower home. I love the Manchurian Pears, they're a common street tree here in Adelaide's eastern suburbs, and I planted one in my previous garden. It was one metre tall and in two seasons it was higher than the guttering! Stunning autumn colour, but the blossoms tuned out to be a type i am allergic to.
ReplyDeleteI see what you mean about those clouds.
The Chinese Embassy looks like it could be someone's mansion hidden away in the trees like that.
River: The Chinese embassy is huge - definitely a mansion. The clouds were dramatic weren't they?
DeleteThe Carillion, now I will have to look that up. And it rings? It's very beautiful, in the photo. We are just in spring, is so interesting to hear you say you are in fall there. What is your favorite season? I love spring, summer and fall, but winter, not so much, too gray and drizzly here. And it's long.....
ReplyDeleteOk I found out about yours....sounds magnificent. I love bells and when I see a bell at a thrift store, I cannot resist..........but this....I would not be able to leave.
DeleteCanberra (ACT) Located on Aspen Island, Lake Burley Griffin, the National Carillon was a gift from the British Government to the people of Australia to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the National Capital. Queen Elizabeth II accepted the National Carillon on behalf of Australians on 26 April 1970.
John Douglas Gordon after whom the Aspen Island footbridge is now named played the inaugural recital. With 53 bronze bells the National Carillon is large by world standards. The pitch of the bells ranges chromatically through four and a half octaves. The bells each weigh between seven kilograms and six tonnes. Cast in England by John Taylor & Co. they are fine examples of the art of bell founding.
The National Carillon tower rises to a height of 50 metres, allowing the music of the bells to drift across Lake Burley Griffin and through Kings and Commonwealth Parks. The tower is lit at night, providing a magnificent landmark in the National Capital. Recitals are performed throughout the year by local and visiting carillonists. All styles of music are represented, from arrangements of popular songs to compositions specially written for the Carillon.
Strayer: Any season except summer. Our winters are generally crisp and clear - and beautiful. I love spring and autumn. Summer is just too hot for me.
DeleteThank you so much for providing all the information about the Carillion. I should have done so myself. The music is often spectacular. And did you notice the difference in size between the smallest and the largest bell? Amazing.
Wonderful shots of fountain & silvery clouds!
ReplyDeleteCloudia: Thank you.
DeleteWhat gorgeous photos! I have only been to Canberra once, many years ago, and would love to return xx
ReplyDeleteJane @Hesitant Housewife; As I said earlier, I think it is a very pretty city. Biased of course.
DeleteGood news! I can cancel my plans for an outing today, as I have just been on yours (minus the effort, worry about bathrooms, and wondering where I can get a snack). Beautiful!
ReplyDeletep.s. Is it just me, or is the Carillion a bit tipsy?
Ms. CrankyPants: It was me that was tipsy. On the balance front anyway. The toilets on the boat were scrupulously clean too.
DeleteA lovely selection of photos. A short cruise is something I would love to do again. It is always fun looking at the land from the water.
ReplyDeleteDeniseinVA: Thank you. Water is magic. I love to be near it, in it, on it...
DeleteStunning photos of another wonderful outing! I went back for a second then third look. Those clouds, beautiful.
ReplyDeleteCanberra is very pretty. We visited in 2000. One day, we'll return for a visit. We lamented that we didn't stay long enough last time.
Vicki: I know we have a reputation as being a boring city - but I think that there is plenty to do and see.
DeleteI'm always amazed when my friend from Australia sends me "simple photos" of her area and I'm like, "WHERE IS THIS???" No matter what you photograph --- that country is just an amazing sight to see. And your photography is amazing of course!!! I don't know if I could handle the 15 hour flight, but every time I see a photo, I'm almost inching toward it.
ReplyDeleteDeb: What a lovely thing to say. I am with you on the long flights front. Vile. I panic and cannot afford to upgrade to get some comfort either. Our bush capital is pretty. Often.
DeleteBeautiful colors and I love the large fountains. It's too bad they can't run on solar or something like that.
ReplyDeleteLaura Eno: They should. We get enough sun. A great idea which I would love to see put into place.
DeleteThanks for sharing. Do they know The Carillion is a bit squint?
ReplyDeleteDon QuiScottie: Shh. Don't tell anyone. Either the earth (and the carillion) moved or I did.
DeleteA delightful day! I love the Hobies, the Manchurian pear trees, and the photo of Black Mountain.
ReplyDeleteCarol Kilgore: Thank you - I should have realised that you would notice (and enjoy) the Hobies. They did look to be having lots of fun, and I had nearly as much watching them.
DeleteLovely pictures of our capital but oh so cold, the Manchurian pear trees are stunning.
ReplyDeleteMerle......
Merlesworld: I like the cold, so it is probably sensible of me to live here. And if I was to move Tasmania would be high on my list of preferences. And our winters are often bright and clear (even if a little chilly) so are beautiful.
DeleteSuperb photos and they really do capture the remaining colourful splendour of your autumn in your wonderful city. You have actually brought back a reminder of times similar I had in Vancouver.
ReplyDeleteSuch a peaceful, positive posting and such a visual delight.
Thank you.
klahanie: It is always peaceful out on the water. I am pleased that it reminded you of Vancouver - a city I have never visited but have heard is stunning.
DeleteBing's wallpaper today was a beautiful image from the inside of the War Memorial. It looks like it was a lovely day for you. Thank you for sharing it with us.
ReplyDeleteCindi: Thank you - I am pleased you enjoyed it.
DeleteOh my goodness these are fantastic photos!!!! WOW!!!!! The manchurian pears are amazing, I am not familiar with them. Do they make fruit as well, or are they ornamental? I read somewhere that peaches are from asia, as well as all of the citrus of course. The the sail boats are so nice too!!! The clouds are amazing! I once took an entire roll of film of JUST CLOUDS.. and it was B&W too... how silly. I had some special yellow filter that someone had given to me! I love the idea of a flag pole for every friend too... THANK YOU FOR SHARING!!!
ReplyDeleteNicky HW: The Manchurean pears beside the lake ARE ornamental probably for liability reasons. We don't want anyone slipping or tripping over the fruit...
DeleteI too love clouds. I watch them, I photograph them and I dream...
So beautiful - the sky, the blossoms and that tower in silhouette is stunning!
ReplyDeleteladyfi: Thank you. It is a beautiful time of year.
DeleteThe Carillion looks like a building from LORD OF THE RINGS
ReplyDeleteJohn Gray: Brilliant - I hadn't thought of that, and you are right.
DeleteSo nice of you to take us with you on this jaunt. You know, I always think of you when the seasons change. You were writing of planting so many flowers a few months ago as I was raking endless piles of leaves. Now, I've just started my garden and you get the dead leaves.
ReplyDeleteTake my advice. Forget the yardwork and take more cruises.
barbfroman: Still weeding, still planting. I tell myself it will pay dividends when the pain has been forgotten. It had better. And the cruise was a treat.
DeleteYeah those pear trees are stunning! I'm almost never as happy as when I am on a boat. It's funny. These pics reminded me a bit of DC. The Carilion has a piece that looks like the monument. The Captain Cook bridge looked familiar, and so did the pic above it. Thanks for the water trip!
ReplyDeleteEl Farris: I am not always comfortable on a boat - sea sickness, but love the water. And I am glad you enjoyed the trip.
DeleteBeautiful! Thank you for sharing! We are heading into summer, and i'm delighted to see the green on the branches again!
ReplyDeletedaisyfae: Isn't it nice that someone, somewhere in the blogosphere has greenery. Magic.
Deletewhat a gorgeous cruise! what an amazing and strange world we live in, as we turn into spring here autumn hits you, equally intriguing every year.
ReplyDeletePia K: Magic isn't it? And we should go out on the water more often - both of us love it.
DeleteOooh pretty stuff, you can take a fair photograph you know. Of course you know *laughs. The sky is soooo blue, I'm glad you got out for a while too. x
ReplyDeleteAll Consuming: My camera claims much of the credit - and the location. Everywhere I looked there was beauty...
Delete