ACT 2: The Bush Capital, Nature, The Sun, The Wind, The Rain & Hail... Australia?

Heading out, memories of the cycle trip around the lake were still fresh. The sun was shining again as we chatted and drove along in Kylie’s pride and joy!

ACT 1 A Cycle Break

Our first port of call was the Australian National Botanic Gardens.

The wildlife greeted us immediately with a splash of colour. We spotted a superb Fairy-wren—a brilliant blue and black creature darting around—contrasted by the soft pink and grey of a Galah.

Down below, a Water Dragon kept a watchful eye. It wasn't quite the red dragon of the Welsh flag and technically it’s an agamid rather than a lizard in the traditional sense, but it was an impressive sight nonetheless.

Navigating the garden itself proved a little trickier. Two's Company momentarily found themselves on a side road heading up the mountain! Quickly reversing, we found our way back into what we hoped was the garden.

Once back on track, Helen (our resident adventurer) climbed a ladder into a treehouse, disappearing slowly toward the canopy.

From that vantage point, we witnessed a strange phenomenon: the tree tops were swaying violently in the breeze while the trunks further below remained completely static. It was a mesmerising reminder of how these gum trees are built to dance with the wind rather than break.

The pathway twisted and turned as we made our way back to the entrance. The flora changed at every change in direction. Nature is truly incredible here; we read about plants that have developed seed pods to protect their future against the harsh Australian elements.

The contrast was striking. On one hand, we saw dazzling displays of red and pink blooms attracting the birds and bees, on the other, we saw the rugged Banksia cones (bottom left and right). These alien-looking pods act as insulating vaults. They protect the seeds from the flames during a bushfire, but use the intense heat to melt their resin seals, allowing them to open and release new life once the fire has passed.

The sun was warm at times and James eventually decided it was time to take a seat.

Sitting back, he took a moment to simply admire the nature around him. It wasn't just about resting the legs; it was a chance to watch the pollination in action, observing the busy ecosystem of bees and bugs keeping the Bush Capital alive.

Leaving the Botanic Garden behind, we drove the short distance to the National Arboretum. Meeting up with Darryle and Simon, we admired the stunning view across the newly planted forests.

It is a poignant place; following the devastating bushfires of 2003 which destroyed the pine plantations, this area was replanted with 100 forests of rare and endangered trees—a symbol of regeneration and hope.

However, the weather clearly didn't get the memo about "sunny Australia." The wind howled on arrival, and a stunning rainbow appeared in the distance just before the heavens opened. Lashing rain turned into large hailstones! It was a short, sharp shock, but the chill was real, reminding us very much of home.

Seeking shelter (and culture), we visited the National Bonsai & Penjing Collection. After the vast forests outside, these miniature giants were fascinating. The patience required to sculpt these living artworks over decades is mind-boggling.

Leaving the harsh wind high up at the Arboretum, we drove to the National Museum for a "light lunch."

It was a safe meal, mostly. Although, a packet of tomato ketchup proved a little too difficult for James to open without it launching a surprise attack on his face, shirt and trousers. Two's Company: 0, Condiments: 1.

Exploring Canberra had been fun and our new friend Simon’s input was invaluable. We said our goodbyes before driving back to meet Kylie for the evening meal.

Early the next morning, it was time to say our final goodbyes. Darryle drove us back across the city to catch our coach, which would meet our connecting train for the journey onward to Albury.

Thank you, Kylie, Darryle and family, for such a wonderful welcome, for your time and for your friendship! We really shouldn’t leave it another thirty years!

As Jay and Sophie return to Perth, with a bit of luck, we might just cross paths with them on that leg of our journey.