Going back to The Australian War Memorial....

We thoroughly enjoyed Canberra.....so much to see and do.....


In fact we didn't have enough time to visit everything we wanted to see...


The Australian War Memorial is a wonderful national memorial to commemorate the sacrifices of Australians who have served during wartime....

The 'Roll of Honour'....over 100,000 names....

  
After seeing his Great Uncle Frank's name on the roll, James went hunting for more names....

The 'tomb of the unknown soldier'.....very moving....


The remains of our unidentified soldier were recovered from France and bought home in 1993 and interred in this magnificent 'Hall of Memory'.....

The Unknown Soldier represents all Australians who have been killed during wartimes....

Some real life used artefacts and miniature war scenes to help us to appreciate the conditions that Australian soldiers had to endure.....

All Victoria Cross medal holders are recognised here......Australia's bravest........

'Here is their spirit, in the heart of the land they loved; and here we guard the record which they themselves made'

Charles Bean, 1948

Backwards......

During our tour of New Parliament House we learnt why the Kangaroo and the Emu are on the Australian Coat of Arms........


Very nice little story I thought.....

Each Australian State is represented by it's 'badge' in the coat of arms which is held up by these two wonderful native animals.


The Kangaroo and Emu were chosen (way back in 1912) because they 'typically' only go forward and don't go backwards.....a symbol of a new federated nation 'moving forward' not backwards....


Even Frank (the guy you want at your table on a trivia night) didn't know this little fact....

Unfortunately I am not like the Kangaroo and Emu...


I need to go 'backwards' and finish the tale of 'The Long Lap Around' because we are now safe and sound at home......

Being home brought mixed emotions.....happy to catch up with friends, family, neighbours and pets but sad that this 'once in a lifetime' family adventure was over....

I look back at some of the 10, 000 photos and I am absolutely amazed at our 120 day trek around this wonderful country.....it was truly incredible!!


The friendships, the landscapes, the history, the people, the animals, the fun, the travelling community, the sights......all unforgettable!!!

26, 0000 kilometres travelled.......


Every day waking up to a new adventure......some we will visit again one day and some we won't.....

People often ask 'where was your favourite place?'


Charlie changes his mind every so often. First it was Ned's Camp at Cape Range National Park (Exmouth, WA)....

a very good choice.....

Lately he has been fondly remembering Streaky Bay (SA) and the local seal colony....
another good choice.....

Ella will say Margaret River every time.......

and James will answer 'Litchfield National Park' (even despite his crocodile anxiety at the time)........

Frank and I wouldn't say one particular place, it was the whole experience......the adventure......


The feeling of freedom and living a reasonably simple life..........pure joy I must say......


Today is the day.....no more procrastinating.....


This adventure needs to be finished as more are being planned..........


I need to go 'backwards'.....