Dances with Anteaters

[skyring]

Well, there I was, just quickly dropping off a book at the bike racks near the Carillon on Lake Burley Griffin. The book was called "The Blue Bicycle" so I figured it was a theme release in a beautiful spot, and I could get a few spring photographs.

So I did. Pulled up in the car park, placed my book, stood back and took a few photographs. Had a brief wander around Aspen Island. I've always thought that if you got it from the right angle, Black Mountain Tower looks like a rocket launching.





Went back, hopped in the car and headed off. But as I got to the entrance of the car park, I suddenly stopped, grabbed my camera and got out, leaving the car blocking the entrance. At least I turned the engine off and closed the doors.

There, waddling deliberately along the path beside the lake, was an echidna. These are egg-laying mammals, and reasonably scarce, especially in the middle of captial cities. I followed him (or her as Littlemave suggested, although I argued that anyone named Spike must be a bloke)





I got some great shots, and I uploaded them into my release notes for the book.

Comments

[mojosmom.livejournal.com]

Well, there I was, just quickly dropping off a book at the bike racks near the Carillon on Lake Burley Griffin.

Your mention of Griffin reminds me that I need to run up to Evanston to see this exhibit.

[skyring.livejournal.com]

Is that supposed to be a link? It doesn't work.

I love the work of the Prairie School in general and the Griffins in particular. Such imagination and elegance!

[mojosmom.livejournal.com]

That "anonymous" response was me. The link is: http://www.blockmuseum.northwestern.edu/exhibitions/current/griffin.html

[skyring.livejournal.com]

Arrrgh! Yes, that link works, and how I wish I could attend. Marion's artistic abilities exceeded her husband's, and it was her stunning watercolours of the future Canberra that sealed the design prize win for Walter. His design was great, but it was the artistic vision that put the icing on top.

Only a few days ago I was scratching around for an example of Marion's work to illustrate her Wikipedia article.

[thebiblioholic.livejournal.com]

Great pics!

[martip.livejournal.com]

Awwww, he looks like a cuddly bloke. (I know, that makes no sense with the spikes and all, but he does!)

[madame-urushiol.livejournal.com]

Awesome photos! That one of the tower is a classic!

If the creature is a girl, you could call her "Nicole Echidna". (I know, shame on me.)

[silvanime.livejournal.com]

LOL. That one of Black Mountain is classic. And Spike looks like a cutie. Can't say I've ever seen one in the middle of town before... or even in town.

While I'm here, are you coming along to NaNo on Friday? We're at the Pancake Parlour (Yum!)

[skyring.livejournal.com]

Yikes! When's this and where are the details? is the local forum live? It was turned off last time I looked. I guess I'll be there.

[semioticghosts.livejournal.com]

wow - I've never seen one, though I know that the duck-billed platypus is the only other egg-laying mammal - I'm so jealous you saw and echina up close! :)

[silvanime.livejournal.com]

Yep, alive and kicking. The countdown is on.

[bookczuk.livejournal.com]

Wowie Zowie! Those are fantastic! Thanks!