Into the Mountains

NOTE: This entry was actually written on the 15th of February.

For today’s adventure we took three different forms of transport; bus, ferry, and train. The reason for this multiple conveyance odyssey is our stay in the Blue Mountains resort town of Katoomba. Sitting by the beach is all well and good for a few weeks, but after a time one feels the need to branch out a bit, and the low, lush mountains beyond Sydney were just the ticket. It has been overcast and cool the last few days, which has made the beach less than attractive anyway, and up here one can see the clouds drifting along the hilltops like fog. The terrain reminds us both of the Ozark Mountains, heavily timbered and crisscrossed with multiple gulleys and creek beds. It took two hours for the train to get here from the central railway station, so I imagine driving the distance would have taken at least double that time.

Katoomba is a pretty funky place, with lots more old buildings than just about anywhere in Sydney outside of the Rocks district. The main street downtown is lined with antique stores, restaurants, and at least three bookstores (which I was surprised to see). We went to lunch at the Hotel Carrington, a very nice luxury hotel built in 1885. It was quiet inside, with very lush furnishings and grand old paintings. Although we took numerous photographs, we forgot the connection cord that allows us to upload photographs into this computer and we will have to wait until we return to the beach to publish them.

Right now I am typing in the nook outside the motel restaurant, and letting Jayne continue with a nap. We will stay here for two nights, and tomorrow we are going to buy tickets on a special trolley that skirts the edge of the cliffs that allow such dramatic vistas here. There are waterfalls and rock formations to see, and some pretty nice bush walking trails that allow for a more intimate environmental experience. I certainly hope the sun comes out. Right now yet another light rainstorm is moving over the area, and I suspect the evening is going to be chilly. Pretty much a luxury in the middle of summer!