Head in the Clouds - Blue Mountains!

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Today we decided to take a two hour train ride to Katoomba to see the renowned Blue Mountains. We were impressed by the double decker train with changing directional seating, & stunning scenery on the way.

When we arrived at the station, we were a little concerned about the cold, misty autumnal weather that we were suddenly experiencing. The views may be rather non-existent today... However we continued on to the Trolley Shoppe, to book the tour bus and 'The Edge' cinema. We decided first to visit the cinema in hope that the weather might improve. The movie is a short commentary about the discovery of the Blue Mountains, and the natural flora and fauna - a little disappointing.

The Blue Mountains acquired their name because of the blue haze produced by the scattering of the sun's rays striking dust particles and droplets of moisture in the atmosphere. The extensive population of Eucalypt forest within the mountains (Rayleigh Scattering) supposedly magnifies this blue haze, however not so blue today, more grey and misty!

Yes Autumn has now hit us by surprise - but the trees were displaying lovely autumnal colourings! First the Trolley tour drove us around the leafy suburban residential areas with timber clad houses, and the very quaint little town known as Leura. Then we decided to embark on a one and a half hour walk from the Gordon Falls seeing amazing views of the Jamison valley and Mt Solitary, as the clouds were clearing visibility improved hugely. The bus driver though we were a little crazy embarking on a walk considering the weather! Being one of the few people who decided to venture out walking, we first went in the wrong direction down a steep incline, before Nick decided that this was not Borneo, so there should be some better pathways and the occasional signage. At this point I must admit we were standing awkwardly within some overpowering foliage, without any sense of direction! Fortunately we turned around and then found the correct pathway.

At the first viewpoint we saw a glimpse of the falls, the colourful misty mountains and lots of noisy birds! Then as we walked through the lush rainforest vegetation, we came across the Bridal Veil viewpoint, which was a waterfall trickling down the mountains in the shape of a veil. Then we finished our walk at the Leura cascades, fast flowing water running down the mountain - & gained some fantastic views.

We hopped back on the bus and went on to Echo Point, to see our favourite rocks, known as the 'Three Sisters' - v. striking. Does this remind you of anyone? We headed back to Katoomba to the railway station, whilst sharing a $3 tofu takeaway - en of the day bargain! Then made our way back to Sydney - fortunately just the two of us in our dorm tonight - so no more sleep talking from our roommate - what a relief.

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