The time has come,' the Walrus said, 'To talk of many things'

After getting the supplies I decided to make a detour on the way to the concert have and a closer look at the Captain Cook Memorial Jet.  Very impressive.

Captain Cook Memorial Jet

Captain Cook Memorial Jet

At 5pm I arrived at the concert on the lawns at the front of Parliament House. I contacted Natalie, a colleague from the ABC who had organised the ticket for me. Along with Natalie’s daughter and a few others from the ABC, we were in the ‘mosh pit’ right in front of the stage. Awesome spot!

Front row at Australia Day Concert, Canberra.

The evening was a little slow going with lots of breaks between acts. The line up of act included:

• Trial Kennedy
• Lovers Electric
• Jessica Mauboy
• Natalie Bassingthwaighte
• Dan Kelly & The Ukeladies
• Wendy Matthews
• Gurrumul
• Brian Cadd
• John Schumann and the Vagabond Crew

Of course is was all about Natalie Bassingthwaighte for me… I guess it’s the groupie in me coming out. Her music, voice and looks… could be the new Kylie!!! (but there will only ever be one Kylie!!)

Natalie Bassingthwaighte at Australia Day Concert, Canberra.

I did enjoy the concert, even if it was a tad drawn out. After the concert I said my goodbyes and made my way to Festi Stu’s place.

Had been ages since I had caught of with Stuart. He was kind enough to offer me a bed for the night, but not until we had good old chin wag and catch-up. He even introduced to me to my first ever Lip, Sip & Suck!! Had a ball with Festi Stu… was great to catch up.

The next morning it was Australia Day!! I said my goodbyes to Stu and headed out to the Brindabella’s to catch up with a few of the guys from the Suzuki 4WD Club. It had been many years since I locked the hubs and went 4wd’ing… and I truly loved it.

Unfortunately I did not make it all the way to the Brindabella camp spot the club uses, as I misjudged what time the group would be coming out… so I met them on the track as they were making there way out. I tagged onto the end of the convoy and followed to the spot where we had lunch.

Australia Day with the Suzuki 4WD Club in the Brindabella's. Photo: Chris & Linda

I really thoroughly enjoyed the trip. Locking the hubs again after so many years was very therapeutic. It gave me the bug all over again… so much so that I’m organising a trip the Victorian High Country with an old work colleague. More on that trip later.

After we got back onto the black stuff, the group pulled over so those that needed to could air up their tires. The group more or less broke up from there and we all went out own way. I followed a few others up the freeway to to Sydney and made my way home. I Trully awesome way to spend Australia Day!!

I really did enjoy this weekend away. There is a part of me that loves Canberra, so I’ll be doing my best to make a few more visits before I move to Tassie.

Thanx again to Det, Hemmi & Festi Stu for their hospitality.