AHQ Bus Tour of Canberra by Anne H

BUS TOUR

On Saturday 29 October, a group of 32 intrepid AHQ quilters, one spouse and our two RAAF escorts, Lisa and Greg, went on a fun bus tour of Canberra.

We set off at 10.30 sharp from the Canberra Rex.  Our escorts kept a patient eye on us at our various stops, and managed to round us up in time, no one was left behind!  There were mutterings heard referring to “herding cats”…. no idea what that means, ha ha.

Greg gave us a running commentary as we went, having first checked our route.

Our first stop was at Makerie, a beautiful fabric shop in Gungahlin.  

Above: Jacqui and Bobbie doing some serious shopping.  Jacqui made the fabulous Fox quilt for the raffle, and Bobbie is the super coordinator of the Mystery BOM group.

While some studied the contents of the main shop, the rest of us found their clearance shop next door.  Wow, what a find, lots of lovely fabric at $10 pm. Not surprisingly, the Australiana, beach, sailing and similar fabrics were snapped up.  We were very orderly, no arguing, lots of sharing, but I wish I had seen the anchor fabric first!  Didn’t have time to take any more photos as I was too busy shopping.

I suspect the Makerie hadn’t quite expected us to be so enthusiastic, as they had trouble coping with the constant cutting and processing of  payments.  Perhaps next time they will be more prepared!

Next stop was lunch at Gold Creek Village with the added bonus of The Calico Patch and a Christmas Shop. 

Above:  Kate was so worn out from her long drive from Queensland, not to mention her work in making the beautiful Poppy quilt for the Live Auction, that she needed some decadent pancakes.

Next, we headed to the National Arboretum, a beautiful place high above Canberra with fabulous views and a wonderful hill for flying kites and rolling down.  The Bonsai exhibition was fascinating and their gift shop had some great, quirky Christmas decorations.

Above:  Anna checking out a Bonsai that was the same age as she.

Finally, (weren’t we busy) we had a lightning tour of the centre of Canberra, Old and New Parliament Houses, various buildings, the “Chicken on a Stick” (an eagle atop a 73m concrete column which commemorates American military assistance to Australia in WW11) and the grounds of Duntroon and ADFA.  We ended up on Mt Ainslie for a spectacular view over Canberra.  

We tried to get a final group photo, though Lisa disappeared and was found later enjoying an ice cream while Jeanette and Bel looked on enviously. 

Thanks very much Anne! What a great write up. I must say I am a bit jealous! I will have to check out Makerie next time I am in Canberra! 

Till next time.... keep spreading the word and happy stitching!

Jan-Maree xxx