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Published: February 25th 2008
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When last I left you, I was heading off into the sunset in search of the Blue Mountains Majesty. Found it, then some.
Stayed in a funky little hostel called the flying fox. Sadly no bats in sight. Crap Name. Nice hostel though, big comfy sofas, free tea, coffee and cornflakes. Found a nice tv room and a huge pile of videos. Unfortunately there were 2 girls watching some dreary murder mystery, in German. A nice looking English bloke was wandering round with a video looking lost so I joined him and we mounted a raid. Having invaded the room, we could settle back to watch Interview with a Vampire. Feet aching after long days walking, log fire in the next room, but who can resist Christian Slater, Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise. Long hair and fangs doing nothing to reduce their appeal. Popular choice, room full. Nice relaxed atmosphere. Much needed time to let muscles relax.
The rest of this day had been spent being much more productive. Walked through town in direction of a view point, not sure at this point what I was able to see from here. Stumbled on "Scenic World". A network of cable
cars and trains running up and down the cliff. Cafe in the middle for anyone who couldn't manage the 5 min flat walk at the bottom between train and cablecar. Nice easy way to get views. Unfortunately the weather was fabulous so had to wander. Didn't take long to lose the sagalouts at the bottom. Large horseshoe shaped valley that promised a landslide and eventually a ruined castle, Yipee, crumbly. Had to turn back before the crumbly otherwise would have been stuck down there without a map, but I'll just assume it's as impressive as the other hundred I've been taken to.
Superb walking. Relatively flat so no aching limbs. Lota of nice scambly bits when path disappeared to be replaced by a big rock, or a fallen down tree that needed to negotiated. Most of the walk was in the trees, but every now and then, the trees would clear and you'd be met by spectacular views down the valley. Vertical cliffs rising up on all sides framing the scene perfectly. Beautiful blue sky, inhospitable terrain so unspoilt by human hands. Few boots making a nice path - but no roads, no cafes in the valley, cable car
Leura Cascades
One of a long stream of cool waterfalls and really steep train hidden into the hill so they were well hidden. Was only about a mile from the "capital of the blue mountains" Katoomba (dinky little town full of backpackers and not much else) but it felt like you were hundreds of miles from civilisation in your own private paradise. Such a huge area, everyone pretty spread out and the sagalouts didn't make it put the cafe, prefering to take in their view with a cup of tea and a scone. Was actually tempted to joing them, but felt the need to get the heart pumping.
Jumped on last cable car back to my side, but was only 5 o'clock so wandered of the opposite direction. Had to see the Three Sisters. Impressive rock formation, 3 big chunks of rock in a row. it's on all the brochure so couldn't miss it. Then saw a sign for Leura Cascades. Yay, waterfalls. Sod the impending dark. Got to them just before light started to fade so was able to take in some waterfalls before hunger (and the threat of rain forced me back up to the road) I have to confess I did try for the next set
Pretty Sunset
Well alomst, clouds got in the way of falls, but had no clue how far they were, and the voice of reason I usually ignore reminded me repeatedly it was getting dark, I had no clue where the road was (not far as it turns out, but that was pure luck) then my mp3 player ran out of charge so Stephen Fry stopped talking and I could here everything that wanted to eat me so I headed back.
Arrived back into town just in time. Thick fog decending over the town. Visibility down to about 30m. Would have been great fun trying to get home in that.
A perfect days walking, and an evening staring at Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt and sexy backpackers.
One of my best days yet. Certainly up there with days and nights spent underwater, time inbetween spent with friends sinbathing and wathing the crew flick pens accross the table (immature lot, scuba divers - this was the skipper and the 23 year old kid who I relied on to keep me alive under water)
Could really get used to this lifestyle. Met one nice couple who work for 4 months picking fruit, travel for 8 months camping. Popping home occasionally for
a bath and to catch up with everyone. May get lonely doing it on my my indefinately, but if anyone fancies a life of permanent holiday, you know where to find me.
(Photos to follow in a few days, no space for memory card in this pc)
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Ian
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Sounds pretty, and I'm sure there were some nice female backpackers too! ;) I will just tell you to be careful walking on your own, and you will tell me that you will, and then we can both blissfully ignore what you'll really do... :) Keep safe!