THURSDAY 12 MARCH     QUEANBEYAN

It was a hot day – about 37 degrees.

Pottered about in the morning with various camp chores.

We drove to the War Memorial for a 12.30 appointment to meet a man about John’s father’s diary that he kept whilst at war training “school” for World War 1. S met us there, because John has given it to her. Together they have decided to donate it to the War Memorial archives; they seem interested in it.

We drove then to the DFAT building, across the Lake in Barton, close by the new Parliament House. S showed us over the building, which was only completed in 1993, so it is modern. I thought it was well done and a pleasant place to work. There were lots of excellent Australian works of art on the walls, especially aboriginal art. Saw a bark painting from Ramingining in a meeting room. This is of significance to us because John pioneered an exchange program between his school and the Ramingining community, a few years ago.

We had lunch at the DFAT cafe, with S – great sandwiches, but they cost us $11!

S went back to work and we drove up Mt Ainsley, for a different view of the city – especially the great vista straight across from the War Memorial to Parliament House. There was also an excellent outlook over Canberra Airport – some five planes landed or took off while we were there. Don’t know if that was normal or if we just struck a busy time.

It was notable just how well vegetated the Canberra suburbs are. We know there are well established suburbs on the Capital side of the Lake – but you wouldn’t know it, looking across from Mt Ainsley.

Went back to the War Memorial, because John wanted to read microfilm records about the 39th AIF, for 1916 and 1917. We read records of them sailing to England, training at Salisbury Plain and then going into the action around Armentieres. The records were quite hard to read in places. They were the commanding officer’s summary of main events – and handwritten. At the beginning of the action, he lists the day’s dead by name; after a few months he just gives the number killed. A matter-of-fact and rather chilling record of trench warfare.

Drove to S’s to park the car because John wanted to get timetable and fare details from the bus station at Central. It was easier to walk from S’s than try to find a parking place there. In the event, John’s son in law was home and gave us a ride there in his work van. We got the information and then walked back, stopping on the way to buy beer and mints to take to dinner tonight.

John has learned that he can go by bus to Melbourne, and back, for less than $100, but it will mean an overnight stay there. He decides that we will stay here for another two weeks! Then he will go to Melbourne for daughter R’s graduation from Melbourne Uni. Our progress northwards is decidedly slow!

Drove straight to H and C’s place, for 6.15. They are right out the far side of central Canberra from Queanbeyan – as is everywhere we go, it seems. I am getting the hang of navigating the geometrically laid out roads of inner Canberra.

We sat out on a deck – nice and cool on a warm evening. They seemed really pleased to have us visit. C had cooked a lovely Mediterranean style meal – quite healthy and very delicious. I got the recipe for his pineapple salad. Much great conversation – they are very interesting people who have done much world travel. C especially has spent a lot of time in out of the way parts of Asia. He is Buddhist. They will come to us for a return meal on Saturday week.

I drove us back to the van, as John was rather “merry”. I got lost once – despite growing familiarity, it is hard to both drive and navigate Canberra’s roads – especially in the dark.

What a full and varied day it was.