ACT 1: A Capital Time with Old Friends

Arriving in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), excitement was high as we were met by Darryle. We were soon whisked across Canberra to the MacDonald family home.

It has been 31 years since our paths first and last crossed in Barnoldswick, thanks to the game of cricket. Kylie and Darryle haven’t changed a bit and we received a welcome that felt as if we had only seen them yesterday.

After swift family introductions, meeting Jay and Sophie was a delight, although there due to a rather nasty hockey injury some ten days previous. Jay’s younger brother Darcy was flying the family flag, playing for the same team and on hockey duties in Adelaide. Family friend Georgia joined the shindig. We soon settled in and the evening was spent sharing a jar, exchanging memories and catching up on family news.

Darryle and Kylie’s lifelong friend Simon joined us for a milestone event: Two's Company's first-ever Australian barbie! What a feast full of fun the evening had been.

We were up early the next morning. After preparing a cracking coffee to kickstart James, our tour guide “Darryle” had us off into the bush to explore one of the Bush capital’s trails.

As usual, the "snake warnings" were prominent at the trailhead. James noted them with caution, while Darryle and Helen forged ahead, leading the way towards the bush without a worry.

The wildlife did not disappoint. We spotted a kangaroo about to move, but the highlight was a large male standing tall. He seemed to wait for the rest of the group to catch up, checking on us as we watched his team.

Next up, we met Simon for a cycle ride around the lake, surely snake free but what about crocs asked James?

It was a great ride around the water. We paused at Queen Elizabeth Island where Helen took in the scenery and enjoyed the striking views across the lake toward the ANZAC memorial walk.

Naturally, Two's Company ensured there was a sneaky stop for lunch and coffee before the final leg!

A wonderful evening stroll up Mount Ainslie saw James panting away, but the effort was rewarded. The views were simply fantastic.

The vastness of the city lay before us.

At the summit, we took the time to capture the moment. From the view over Canberra to the group shots with Simon, Kylie and Darryle, the smiles said it all.

Following the climb, we headed to the Yacht Club for a splendid meal of fish and chips. It was here that Two’s Company also had the opportunity to meet Darcy and Georgie, almost completing the family connection. Hopefully we will have the opportunity to meet Blake sometime in the future as cricket has taken him away from home.

What a simply fabulous day we’d had!