Why do I like Canberra in winter?

Why do I like Canberra in winter? This morning very damp heavy fog - the night had been cold - minus three degrees actually. The air still, sharp. The plan for a coffee and croissant at morning tea perhaps scuppered?

I head out anyway, across the lake, as still as can be with lovely wintery reflections. By the time I arrive at Silo Bakery in Kingston the fog was naught but a distant smudge on the horizon and the sun in full blaze. The car thermometer says the outside temperature is on the up hovering at around 6 degrees - positively balmy. Once inside the bakery I succumb to a buttery, crumbly croissant and milky coffee. Outside on the bench under the leafless tree I enjoy the planned indulgent snack contemplating the upcoming week of such snack under leafy trees in Paris. The cheeky young inky black magpie hops up and nicks all the crumbs I have brushed from my coat.

Later in the day after my morning sojourn I head out up the street with the dog. I plan a walk up to the nearby Pinnacle lookout which has stunning views west across to the Brindabellas. The sky is an endless clear blue, there is finally some warmth in the sun, the air remains dead still. We march up the hill only to find the signs also adorning the nearby Mt Painter perimeter adorning the fences surrounding this bush reserve forbidding entry over the next 3 weeks whilst the annual kangaroo cull is underway. Disappointed we march along the fence line a little way and then head back into the suburb of Weetangera to finish our walk.

Why do I like Canberra in winter? A gloomy morning can open up to the most stunningly beautiful blue day, with just enough hint of warmth minus sharp winds to allow me to be outside. I can walk the streets of Canberra to enjoy a perfect croissant and fantastic coffee. I can do this wearing a stylish outfit of boots and smart orange satin lined vintage coat and groovy new sunglasses which will carry me over to a bush walk within 5 minutes of my house. A bush walk with some of the most stunning outlooks imaginable.

Perfect.