8 March 2015: The balloons may not have taken off from the lawns of Old Parliament House but they could be seen in the distance hovering over the nearby Brindabella Range. While this may have disappointed those who travelled from afar or rose early to see the colourful display of balloons on offer for this year’s Balloon Spectacular, but they were still treated to a brilliant Canberra Autumn morning.
7 March 2015: The sky was peppered with a colourful spectrum of hot balloons this morning signalling the beginning of the Canberra Balloon Spectacular. The event took off in spectacular style with fun new flying faces including a giant Dodo bird, Yoda and an Angry Bird balloon. It was great to see the balloon enthusiastic coming back to Canberra to support this wonderful event. I had balloons drifting millimetres from the nose of the Red Chilli (my kayak) and even managed to have my own chaperone as I was towed by a passing balloon across the water’s surface. The spectacular is running until March 15 so do yourself a favour and catch this national event.
1 March 2015: Autumn started in spectacular style in Canberra and this morning’s natural lightshow was a perfect accompaniment for Enlighten which is bedazzling locals and visitors with creative colour and designs as it adorns our iconic national buildings.
16 Feb 2015: What a striking sky in Canberra tonight, truly sensational!
16 Feb 2015: Magnificent, superb, brilliant and beautiful are a few ways to describe my sunrise experience this morning. The cloud and colour combinations left me speechless and in awe. What a wonderful way to start the working week, I hope you have a great day.
12 Feb 2015: Early pink and mauve tones dressed the morning sky and transformed with stunning colour and cloud combinations. This Canberra lightshow was completed with vivid gold’s and blues leaving one in total awe. It felt like I was paddling in a living painting.
1 Feb 2015: The sky may have only momentarily lit up for 5 minutes this morning, but it was certainly a spectacle to be seen. Yet again it was an overcast morning and then out of nowhere the sky lit up and enlightened all who were fortunate to be out and about on this first day of February.
22 Jan 2015: Dramatic and dynamic skies made for a wonderful morning on Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra. Initially it appeared that it was going to be a lack lustre sunrise as there was a bank of heavy cloud sitting low on the horizon. It didn’t take long for the clouds to break and begin to disperse which allowed the sun to back light the clouds from behind, creating a few nice formations. The continental Asia Cup balloons and the Questacon balloon were an added bonus to the morning skyscape. The Asian Cup games have been a real spectacle and good luck to the Australian Team for tonight’s match against China.
What a memorable 2014. I’ve continued to be mesmerised by the beauty of Canberra with each and every season offering a spectacle of colour.
I have peacefully paddled amongst soft pastels tones, navigated my way through pea soup fog and have been wowed by our -8 wintery conditions as I glide my way on glassy, often near frozen waters. Each and every sunrise is different and I am continually amazed by this natural beauty especially the golden sunrises which are special to our inland city.
Through my paddling experiences I have been fortunate to meet fellow paddlers, friends and others who have become influential in my life. Our common link is our love for Canberra and all that it offers.
I have found it extremely hard to put a selection of shots together as there have been so many memorable moments this year. I hope you enjoy the photos as much as I have enjoyed capturing and sharing them.
I wish everyone a very merry Christmas and I hope that you have an enjoyable festive season. Thank you for your ongoing support and I look forward to seeing and hearing from you in the New Year.
Paul Jurak
Kayakcameraman
14 Dec 2014: The beauty of Canberra is that even though it’s officially summer, the evenings can be cool and the early morning’s crisp created a spectacular environment. The sunrise shone through embracing those who were out and about in a brilliant golden glow.
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