As Good As It Gets

Lake Burley Griffin

So, to cut a long story short, I have the car today. The deal is, I have to wake up early, go to the airport in the car so I can drive the car back. You get the gist.

Recently, I was also given N’s old Pentax P30 SLR camera. I.e., it’s a manual; it needs film. And to a certain degree, needs skill. Except for the flash, it’s still functionable but weighs a ton. Somewhere in 1998, I took a few photography lessons to learn the basics and I don’t remember a single thing now. I’m still figuring out how to use the lens - focus, aperture, shutter speed and the whole lot.

Last week, we headed out to the lake attempting to try out the camera but the weather took a bad turn (so was my mood. I didn’t know what I was thinking, making N come along to a threatening weather). So, this morning, after dropping N off, I drove around the lake in hope of finding a good spot for some test shots. I was tempted to go to the Floriade but I know me. Once I’m there, I will be there for a very long time. Tulips and I, we get along famously.

Frankly, Canberra is a beautiful place if you don’t let the bad weather get to you. Unlike Melbourne, it’s more or less predictable. If you know where to go, there are always spots in Canberra that you can get away from the traffic, noise and crowd.

The lake was misty and beautiful but I took a slight detour so by the time I got there, it was almost gone. Plus, I was still trying to figure out the shutter speed. I only took a few shots to test out the camera but I’ll be damned if I didn’t take a digital camera with me.

Lake Burley Griffin

It was quiet and slightly chilly. The lake is still. The mist is just about gone. Birds flapping past. Ducks paddling about. Morning walkers around. Some sauntering with companion. Some alone or with their dogs. Cyclists were zipping past. There is a kayaker in sight. That’s one thing I like about Canberra. There’s a profound calmness. It’s as good as I’m going to get while I’m still here.

October 8, 2008 | canberra series