14th Dec - Blue Mountains

The bus picked us up outside a swanky hotel (obviously we weren't staying there) for our adventure to the blue mountains. Our first stop was at an animal park full to the brim with indiginous wild life. Pauline and I were thrilled that we got to stroke a Koala, bit disappointed cos Jackie has actually held one - but you can't have everything - even if you want it. In one area you were able to feed the Kangeroos and give them a wee pat. I payed my 50 cents for a cup of their food and held it out to a wee joey who grabbed it from my hand. All the others were politely nibbling from the cups I obviously got the bad boy - story of my life. I did get to pat a few which were really cute - they were only babies and much nicer than the dead one we saw on the road to Apollo Bay.

There were other native animals in the park the ugly wambats, the wierd Tasmanian Devils and the lovely dingos who were getting suntan cream and insect repellant put on them by one of the wardens - wee pets lambs. A white peacock, rare in itself, had it's tail feathers spread in the most beautiful display.

Our first views of the blue mountains were from a view point, it's really strange you can't see them from the bus cos you are surrounded by thick forrest. The view point was really high up the mountains so we were looking down the valleys. The blue colour is a trick of the light really, the eucalyptus trees excrete a fine mist which in sunlight looks blue.

After lunch we went to a disused mine to take the steepest railway in the world down the side of the mountain and a cable car back up. It was quite scary when it first goes over the edge, we were grateful of the barriers to keep us in.

Wodden walkways allow you to wander throught the rain forrest and see close up the massive trees and wierd and wonderful plants, unfortunately the native fauna were a bit more shy keeping hidden in the tangle of plants.