Lake Burley Griffin on a sunny Winter day

We have been contemplating another lap of the West Basin of Lake Burley Griffin  (the area between Commonwealth Avenue and Scrivener Dam) for a couple of weeks.  The weather forecast seemed good so we (2 humans and a small dog) set off from Black Mountain Peninsula on 22 June.

The first interesting site was the rowing club which was as busy as a stepped-on meat-ants nest.

Some of the rowers (possibly from other clubs) were still out on the water,

 .. and taking advice from their coach (who was unusually quiet for thatspecies).

A fisherman was very quiet, and also unsuccessful as far as we could see.  I have obfuscated his face as I didn't get permission to depict him and he may have told the boss that he was going to Mass, rather than angling.

I don't know if this Darter was successful in its fish hunting or not but it was doing a good low profile explanation of why the species is known as 'snake bird'.

Getting to the small cork-oak plantation a few Fairy toadstools (Amanita muscaria) were found, with some other fungus and lots of acorns.

After crossing the Dam a colourful Pyrocanthus was seen.  This really would be improved by a good dose of Glyphosate.

There were a lot of cyclists around the Lake.  We discussed how many had passed, or crossed with, us and concluded at least 300.  I decided to do a 5 minute survey which coincided with none going past in that time.   As the modal group size was three, and we took 240 minutes for the walk, taking an estimate of 300 folk-on-wheels gives a group about every 2.5 minutes which seems about right.  The two obfuscated junirs were a bit smaller than average.

I also like the shadows doing homage to Spy vs Spy.!

Getting to the top of the ascent of Yarralumla there was a vista over to the Brindabellas.

 Descending back to Lake level there was another nice vista over to the National Arboretum.  The reflections in the Lake show that there was no wind (and no rowers/kayakers/yachts/tourist cruises).

 As we approached the Nursey we were intrigued that the plum blossom is already occurring, but the maple leaves have not yet fully turned.  A warm Autumn/early Winter indeed.

We then hauled in to the dog-run for lunch and to let off the lead for a run.  This facility is very well patronised: my guess is about 20 pooches in each area.  Tammy's priorities seemed to be

1. getting access to our food;
2. sniffing tree trunks;
3. socialisation.

Point 3 went pretty well although an interloper getting involved in point 1 earnt a snap, as did a boisterous Jack Russell which shirt-fronted her.  I thought both were justified reactions, but Frances thought we should move on.

At the boat mooring station I saw the first Pelicans for a while (I couldn't find any for my Bird-a-Day project).  The owner of the boat in the background will soon be able to apply for a guano-mining license!

Getting back to Commonwealth Avenue Bridge the sky was still clear and the Lake pretty still even with a kayaker.

At our final drinks stop near Mr Spokes a Water Rat swam past, and my camera delivered a Monetesque impression.

Attempting to sharpen the image ended up with a snap of a Water SeuRAT!

That got us nearly back to the car.  We covered 16km in about 3.5hrs of walking and 30 minutes of stops. I have been told that small dogs can't walk far: Tammy was still out front and jogging along at the end.  While she did take a snooze when we got home, the appearance of a roo on the lawn instantly recalled Action Dog!  A very good day out.