Day Three Blue Mountains

Another glorious day dawned. I checked out of the YHA but could continue to use the facilities during the day. How helpful! I lost track of time and missed my bus but then worked out that if I walked through a couple of streets, then I could pick it up further down the route. I returned to the Everglades House & Gardens which was even more beautiful with the mist removed. The house was fascinating too, all art deco with incredible views out to the mountains. I could almost live there! Nice cake too. The lady on reception pointed me in the right direction and added to my map collection, so that I could commence my walk to Gordon Falls.

The plan was to do a walk, then have a look round Leura, the neighbouring village to Katoomba, and catch the bus back to the hostel for my dinner then get an evening train to Sydney. However, the day was so beautiful and the track quiet, that I carried on walking. The path is along the top/edge/side of the cliff on which Leura and Katoomba sit. I didn't like to think too much about how far from 'down there' I was at times, but it was spectacular. The path is not flat. If you're following a sign to a lookout, then that is generally up and looking out (!). If you're going to a falls, then that tends to be down so you can appreciate the watery features from below. In between, the path might be flat and concrete, hilly and muddy, stony and root-riddled, up or down metal stairs, ascending or descending stone carved and footworn steps. All the while, scenic with varying temperate rainforest vegetation, some birds and lots of quiet.

The big tourist attractions like Scenic World and Echo Point are quite busy but not so many people get out for a walk, so it was really great and you could enjoy even more incredible views from many of the other viewing locations all on your own. No-one cluttering up the viewfinder.

Although the signage could have been a little more helpful. I did do some doubling back as none of my maps would show the name of the signed lookout, usually just along 'there' a bit, and the signs wouldn't say if the lookout was on the route I was following, the Prince Henry Cliff Walk, or down a dead end. Not to worry, it was all lovely and beautiful and gave me a bit more exercise! Mind you, I was better equipped with maps than some people. I was able to direct and save a couple of groups of people from going the long, wrong way.

By the end of the day, my legs knew they'd been working but I still resisted taking the bus the long way round to save the walk back up from Echo Point to the hostel.

And then to Sydney Central YHA, right by the station. What a contrast to be back in the city. I really enjoyed the Blue Mountains. Thanks to Paul for suggesting the visit.

Pictures to follow!