Sunday, January 21, 2024

Suburb #7 Gilmore - the reboot edition

The 7th suburb that I visited 10 years ago was Gilmore...and to be honest, my only memory of the place was of somewhat strange fences and Rose Cottage... 

Gilmore was established in 1975 and about 3,000 people live there...I must admit I was a bit concerned that I didn't miss much the first time around and this suburb would be very hot, flat and full of agapanthus....this proved to be true to an extent, but there was lots more to discover as well!

As I wandered down a shady path, I almost immediately found evidence of possible local witch craft :p 



There were also lots of new birdy friends to make :)





And the the occasional crustacean...


And gardens filled with beautiful flowers...




Sure there definitely are lots of agapanthus in Gilmore...



In fact, they seem to have an almost royal status here and be under special protection...


The somewhat odd design approach to fences was also still in evidence (though the trees have grown!).


And Rose cottage is still there - though not the cafe apparently...

But there were also fields of daisies, beautiful trees and succulents...




Some standard Canberra specialities...


But the real adventure was to be found through this passageway under the Monaro highway...


On the other side was an old railway, a special little magical wonderland and an amazing fernery...







So thank you Gilmore....it was good to get to know you again...and a little bit better this time :)




Friday, September 8, 2023

Suburb #6 Fadden - the reboot edition

The 6th suburb that I visited back in 2014 was Fadden and I must admit that I do not think I had visited since....

Fadden was established in 1981 and about 3,000 people live there...last time I was there I nicknamed it 'Agrestic' (was watching Weeds at the time), so what was I to find this time in this possible 80s paradise?


I began my walk at the somewhat non-existent local shops....it all seemed very quiet and rather sleepy...




But there were some fun splashes of colour and an impressive mailbox that was designed to reflect the shape of the house behind it...



But its when you walk up the hills...the steep hills....of Fadden that the real beauty of this suburb begins to emerge...




At one point I felt like I had entered a different country...


But looking in other directions, it was very much the bush capital...


And, at the top, I found Mt Wanniassa - which I must admit I didn't know existed ha ha










The weeds 'ticky tacky' houses were still there - but looking pretty impressive from up above...


But it was time to wander down the hill and see what I could find...






Portal door? 


I decided not to risk it. But with the afternoon coming to an end..


It was time to pass by one more puppy ha ha....


And check out Fadden Pines... the pines were a little bit creepy to be honest...


But there was some other colourful fun to experience before my Fadden adventure ended :)