Day trip to the caves from Katoomba.
Broken Column, Lucas Cave
Wave Shoaling Formations
Blue Lake in the cave
Cave Entrance
I have been to Blue Mountains before. A couple of times. But this was the first trip that I made where I felt I got to know the place a little better. Travel companions can really make or break your holiday. Not that the previous ones were bad (yes Mark, you!), its just that they’ve done this stuff a million times which is why the excitement levels aren’t that high.
Anyway, I now have a favourite cafe (above), bakery, street, smoking spot and hostel. We stayed at the YHA which was surprisingly awesome for a backpacker hostel. Except for the crazy old lady who runs the place and kept asking us to keep the noise down; it was perfect. I guess she added to the charm as well – its not half as fun when there aren’t any rules to break.
So, the actual mountains. I attempted climbing down the Giant Stairway. Again. And if my ego wasn’t as big as my head I swear I would have cried. Damn all my French friends and their toned and healthy bodies! (Joking! they’re actually very nice and i love them to bits :) ). Long story short, I made it. I may have made it half an hour after everyone else but who cares! I made it! Level land has never felt that good.
Another hike we went for while in Katoomba was to the Katoomba Falls. Luckily for us, it was pouring that evening. Nothing like hiking in the mountains after crazy ass torrential rainfall. Ankle deep slush, bugs and one of the most impressive views of a waterfall. Katoomba Falls is awesome. Especially if you have the balls to jump over the railings and go stand under it.
Good memories.
The story of Steve Misery is a short one,
He was rather unlucky most of the time
And never had much fun.
.
Sitting by the dying fire
his future seemed bleak.
When all of a sudden,
Steve Misery began to squeak.
.
*hic*
.
Flashes of what he had seen on tv the other night
- a hiccup attack that took a man’s life.
.
*hic*
.
Steve reached across the table
and grabbed the glass of water,
.
*hic*
.
Down it went onto the floor
as his hiccups got louder.
.
*hic*
.
After a failed attempt at gulping air,
Steve waved his hands in despair!
.
*hic*
.
As things around him grew dimmer,
Steve broke into a sweat and his hands began to shiver.
Remembering what his mother had once said,
Steve Misery tried to hold his breath.
.
A couple of minutes later
the tiny room stopped to spin;
Steve’s body slumped to the ground
And he felt the pain shoot up his chin.
.
Such was the story of Steve Misery,
He lived and died a queer little life.
And will probably be ignored by history.
Sculpture by the Sea was wonderful this year. I love anything colourful and this satisfied me to no end. :)
Its an annual exhibition held along the Bondi – Tamarrama coast. What a lovely idea for interactive art displays.
and my favourite,
I apologise for my absence. It has been a weird month, events transpired. But I’m going back to work on Monday so all is good. NaBloPoMo was an epic failure for me last month. I’ll give January a shot.
1. Trip to Dubbo.
I went on a little road trip on the 15th of November to Dubbo which is New South Wales country. Dubbo is known for its zoo and nothing much else so we made many stops on our way there. The first one was at Maccas (where else!) considering we left at 5 in the morning and were starving half way there. After being stared at by the locals (not in a bad way really, more out of curiosity at the brown girl in their midst) we headed to Blue Mountains in Katoomba. I’ve been there before but the beauty of the places never ceases to amaze me. The Three Sisters in all their glory and the Blue Mountains behind them,
Quick bit of trivia, the mountains seem blue because of the abundance of eucalyptus trees that exude some sort of vapor that tinges the air blue. Now, Wikipedia contradicts this popular opinion and has a more scientifically sound theory. But I like this one just fine.
The last time I was there I went on a little hike to the base of the Valley and back up again. Absolutely breathtaking and exhausting at the same time. But definitely worth the effort. It’s not the fainthearted as signs all around will keep reminding you. This is what most of the hike is like,
Mark and some of his friends had been there one too many times, so we didnt stay too long and left for Lithgow which is a small town not too far from Katoomba. There really isnt much to do here but it’s a good spot for a lunch break. Make sure you go to the Black Rock Cafe while you’re here which according to Google Maps is on 70, Main St. (Dont you just love technology!) It’s a little family run cafe with the BEST steak sandwiches I’ve ever had the pleasure of devouring (I stuck to the salad this time because of my new veggie diet, which i am sad to say did not last too long). But thats for another post.
Next stop Bathurst. where we saw the Mt. Panorama race track which is really famous and exciting for some. I’m sorry for my lack of enthusiasm about all things automobilic in nature but thats how it is.
We continued ( making the occasional stop at wineries) to Orange which is one of the nicest towns I’ve seen in the country. Home to quaint little organic shops with names like, ‘A Slice Of Orange’. After roaming around and a cup of coffee we finally headed to Dubbo.
Dubbo, Finally. It’s a tiny little town that has one main road and five building that rise above one storey. But they do have one of the biggest zoos I’ve been to. Make sure you have a car because its more of safari and carry a LOT of sunscreen. Otters! Sigh.
We had a nice dinner at the Milestone Hotel, celebrated Mark’s birthday with a few drinks, just hung out at our very cool and cheap motel with a pool and free breakfast, roamed around some more and finally head back to Sydney via Mudgee which was very uneventful but everyone was too tired to notice.
Unbelievably tanned, but happy.
