Ooh lucky I checked, because neighbouring Aranda was actually the 2nd suburb I completed the first time around.
Both Aranda and I have changed a lot since then...Aranda, in North Canberra, established in 1967, now has a population of more than 2,500.
The suburb also has local shops again - yahoo! These were all shut up and behind fences when I first visited here. Not only that, but the local shops are the home of the yummy Two before Ten cafe, and the fabulous 10 yards pub, complete with a vegie garden to die for...and even a fancy shop and a yoga studio.
From the shops I walked down to the Aranda playing fields...one of the best pieces of grass in Canberra to lie on and watch the clouds or the stars move above you...in my personal opinion...
Then it was off to explore the areas of Aranda that are much less familiar to me....past the gorgeous Aranda houses that I love for the way they blend into their landscape...no Gungahlin mega mansions here...
Through the gorgeous streets...where I was amazed by the diversity of the Autumn colours...
And the gorgeous native flowers, including stunning banksias everywhere...
And fabulous birdy friends :)
At some point I got a tad lost wandering around the Aranda bushland at the back of the suburb...but it was thoroughly worthwhile...stunning gums, grasses and views everywhere...I will be certainly making a return visit here! So close to home :)
I must admit that Aranda probably has less of the unusual or things of questionable taste that I always keep my eyes open for...but it did have its share...
I think I am tempted to audition for the Rockin Chickens :)
But at some point I did start to feel a little observed - just because you are paranoid doesn't mean they are not after you ha ha...
Nevertheless, thanks for a lovely afternoon and 15,000 steps Aranda :)
Next stop really is Narrabundah I promise
