Wentworth Pass, Blue Mountains - Day 1

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November 17th 2007

Published: November 18th 2007

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Sweet Little Asian Dudes

goldentravelers

Blue Moutains

They go on for miles and miles and miles...

The Blue Mountains of New South Wales are beautiful in both landscape and wildlife. They're the remnants of millions of years of erosion by a small stream that runs throughout them. What's been left are huge canyons that fall off straight cliffs and leave walking tracks for the world to enjoy, we took off with the family to take full advantage of them.
Only an hour and half car ride out of Sydney, we drove up to Katoomba, a small town on the shore of the Blue Mountains. There we stayed at the YHA Youth Hostel and enjoyed some fine backpacker company along with a taste of what we'll be getting used to in a few months. We dropped off our food in the hostel fridges and headed for the conservation centre; the outpost for a section of Blue Mountains Hikes. Everyone grabbed their day packs, except Jesse who had a sweet little fanny pack, and we began walking the famous circuit track: Wentworth Pass. Earlier we met up with another family who we walked the track with. We met one of Silas' old friends Adrian, who showed up with nothing but converses to hike in, but he did just fine.

Silas, Jesse & Rebeccah looking over the blue mountains

This is the lookout where we first drove up to when we arrived in Katoomba

The walk began with a beautiful descent through moderate rainforest and since there had just been a down pour of rain it made the walk even more pretty since everything was moist and humid. After walking for about half an hour we had already descended about 100m in latitude and where we had begun looked like a tiny spec when staring up the cliff walls. We came across a rock pool which a waterfall was filling and decided it would be impolite not to jump in. Adrian, Chris and I immediately jumped and we took turns jumping off the higher ledge. The water was heart-stop-beating cold but we enjoyed it none the less, and the warm sun dried us off quickly after hopping out.
We continued along the track and the scenery changed from rainforest to cliff ledge as we climbed numerous ladders and stairs in order to reach a waterfall that is the highest i've ever stood under. When walking along these man made tracks it's unbelievable to think about the time it must have taken to build them. Carved into the side of these cliffs, at some points we had to duck into caves in order to make

Chris walking around the lookout

The landscapes are unbelievable

it through to the next side. Looking over the edge is something out of a horror movie where you don't want to look but your mind tells you, you must. Adrian comforted us all at the top of one of the over hangs when he said, "I don't like heights, because i always want to jump off".
The hike was something Chris and I had never experienced and though our eyes were dying to see more; our legs and feet desired only to sit and rest. The hike ended up being a little bit longer than we had planned when we chose to take the opposite direction as the parents. Our path ended up being much steeper and a whole lot longer, but we all ended up back at the conservation centre around the same time.
Back at the hostel, we showered and got ready for dinner and then our big night ahead, (no plans). Chris and Adrian took off to the Bottle Shop, (liquor store) in order to pick up some brews and some Port (??) for tonight. We shared a sweet beef lasagna and then headed towards our room to finish what we had just recently purchased.
The

Evan out at the lookout

Posing

calm night in the room idea ended early when Adrian and I decided to sneak, (or should i say squeeze) through our hostel window and take off to see more of Katoomba. Chris met us out front, and from there only our memories could tell you what happened, (or most of what happened). All we'll say is there are four bars in Katoomba, one of which is really good and all the others are good for just chugging and moving on. As well, check the civic centre for large greek parties; they might supply you with giant greek salads and plates full of cupcakes...annd, the kebab store is amazing, its the only place open at around 2am. Goodnight and goodluck, that was day 1.

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