Indian Pacific 3

---

Tuesday 18th December. So sleeping on the train has been fine and, another first here, showering on the train was good too. I'm sharing the facilities but there are two showers between 10 people so it is fine. Plenty of room, hot water and lovely soft towels. What's not to like. This morning we were bussed into the centre of Adelaide for a brief walking tour and a light breakfast. Less than two hours in all so we did not see much (mainly war memorials if I being blunt and I've done enough of them over the past 2 months... ) We had a complete crew change in Adelaide but we are all used to the rhythms of the on train routine now so there was not be any disruption.
The thiird and final dinner on the train was very jolly as you might expect with more beautifully cooked and presented food and very good wine from WA.
Thursday 19th December. Up early for a train shower and breakfast. By now we were winding up through the rolling hills that lead to the big escarpment at the blue mountains. Lovely to see the track and the train sanking it way ever upwards. Two locomotives now to manage the climb and, just as important, the decent. In fact we did not do the decent on the Indian Pacific. Instead we got off and did our last excursion to the blue mountains. Luggage was left on the train but we headed off by coach (to be reunited later at Sydney Central). Now I have been to the Blue Mountains before and know what to expect but we did not see it... We did not see anything in fact as the whole place was covered in cloud. Not much to see at all frankly. After a decent lunch and a glass of bubbles we were taken back to a special charter train for the two hours run down into Sydney. Everything was well organised and after some hasty and a little emotional goodbyes (just like an Exodus trip) I was on my way back to Manly. (As we pulled into Sydney Central Station we saw the Indian Pacific - already on its way back to Perth with another group of passengers.

Overall, the train experience, the food, the service and the comfort were great. The side trips and excursions were disappointing though. Still I might have to do "the Ghan" on another trip... Adelaide, Alice Springs, Darwin.

That's it for the train. Next I need to focus on preparing for Christmas.

---

Photos

I meet a life size miner
Down in the valley at Blue Mountains

And the view of the famous "Three Sister"
You get the idea... It was miserable.

Comments

[Tracey]

Photos
And the photos are back!

[Travels with Cathy and Steve]

Photos
Hi Tracey Don't know what the issue with photos was but recent blogs seem to be Ok. Please look again. Glad you are enjoying the blogs. We're now gearing up for Christmas, and I will post an appropriate blog today. Steve