Best Laid Plans

 An early start ensured I was at the railway station in good time for the coach section of my journey. My raincoat was required for the walk from my accommodation to the bus stop. The bus was a little late then the driver informed me that I could have booked the coach to Yass then train. As it is, I'm booked on the coach through to Cootamundra. Plenty of space to start with  The bonus is that the seat next to me isn't booked. A message from NSW train link informs me the train is delayed for an uncertain length of time due to flooding near Campbelltown. We proceed through reasonably heavy rain and I watched the scenery passing by.   As we approached Yass, another message came through advising that the train was cancelled. A few passengers considered leaving the coach at Yass to make their way back to Canberra, but I think most changed their mind and continued to Cootamundra. The service was cancelled due to flooding on the tracks near Campbelltown. ...

The early morning weather, combined with a soggy forecast for the rest of the day dissuaded me from the idea of a short walk on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, instead I tried again for the hop on hop off bus. Success. First stop for me, the Canberra centre and the history of the development of Canberra. We all know the city design was that of Walter Burley Griffin, or was it. He actually credited his wife Marion with most of the concept and design, his was simply the draftmanship. Her name was not added to their entry to the competition for the city design as it was considered that to do so might reduce their chances. Sigh! My second stop for today, the Supreme Court of Australia which I appreciated far more than the national gallery.  I was able to visit 2 court rooms: the Constitutional Court and the Court of Appeal The Constitutional Court All 7 judges sit  The court of appeal  5 judges sit  The star to represent Federation  And the state coats of arms...

I had planned on taking the hop on hop off bus for the day, but as the only taker, he wouldn't run it.  Reflecting Canberra's planning  So it was public bus to the war memorial and I experimented with the advice that my senior card is a good alternative to other options and it works.  Pool of memories  On approaching the main building a circular garden bed wall was etched with John McCray's timeless words; they always choke me up. In Flanders Fields the poppies grow... I admired the pool of remembrance, catching the end of some formalities then headed upstairs. A small tour was in progress and upon inquiring I was permitted to join. A most worthwhile thing to do. The guide was passionately knowledgeable. Wall of remembrance: first world war  As I joined the tour the guide was telling the story of one name inscribed on the first world war wall of remembrance - a boy not yet 15! The youngest casualty listed at the memorial. One of so very many! Tomb of the unknown...