The Blue Mountains
A two hour drive west of Sydney lie the Blue Mountains. Despite the name suggesting otherwise, they are in fact not a range of mountains, but a series of sandstone structures and cliffs. The name doesn't completely misguide you however. Viewed from a distance, they do have a bluish tinge which we were told is caused by the release of volatile oils from eucalyptus forests covering these 'mountains'.
Our group was split into two, those who wanted an easy day and to be be driven round the cliffs to the viewpoints, and those who were feeling more energetic and were to walk the cavern floor. We happened to be in the latter. Our guide Nigel quickly got rid of one member of the proposed group because he didn't think he could take the heat and also didn't have the right footwear. Initially I thought this was pretty harsh and felt sorry for the vicar but by the end of the walk and climb I agreed with Nigel, there was no way he could have scrambled his way over boulders through creeks in his church shoes. I was wearing walking shoes (something I prefer not to do but on this occasion it was for the best) and lets just say that I was glad they were waterproof.
Another deception was Nigel. Despite looking like someone who's spending his semi-retirement years eating delicious Aussie pies, even to his own admission, he was fit. Very fit indeed. The way he bounded up and down those cliffs would have impressed even our own 'Mountain goat' Amit. Nigel would certainly have raced him on our 3 peak challenge last year and probably won.
After the first look out across the valley we were taken down into and along the cavern floor. It was pretty impressive scenery and many types of plant, and some wildlife, were pointed out. We were also repeatedly told to keep an eye out for snakes as they are common in the area. Only the other day the other guide didn't spot one right in front of him until it jumped across his face. Nigel seem disappointed that we didn't come across any but I'm pretty sure that I wasn't the only who was glad of this.
On our second day we decided to take the easier, more touristy option and visit two of the Jenolan caves. These are a spectacular series of limestone caves that are regarded as some of the world's best. We had a tour for 90 minutes in the Lucas and Orient caves and saw an array of stalactites, stalagmites, shawls and straws, many looking like various structures including organs, people and even a cathedral. The cavern described as the cathedral is actually used today for recitals and weddings. I'm still not sure whether that's tacky or not, unusual though to say the least.
Our group was split into two, those who wanted an easy day and to be be driven round the cliffs to the viewpoints, and those who were feeling more energetic and were to walk the cavern floor. We happened to be in the latter. Our guide Nigel quickly got rid of one member of the proposed group because he didn't think he could take the heat and also didn't have the right footwear. Initially I thought this was pretty harsh and felt sorry for the vicar but by the end of the walk and climb I agreed with Nigel, there was no way he could have scrambled his way over boulders through creeks in his church shoes. I was wearing walking shoes (something I prefer not to do but on this occasion it was for the best) and lets just say that I was glad they were waterproof.
Another deception was Nigel. Despite looking like someone who's spending his semi-retirement years eating delicious Aussie pies, even to his own admission, he was fit. Very fit indeed. The way he bounded up and down those cliffs would have impressed even our own 'Mountain goat' Amit. Nigel would certainly have raced him on our 3 peak challenge last year and probably won.
After the first look out across the valley we were taken down into and along the cavern floor. It was pretty impressive scenery and many types of plant, and some wildlife, were pointed out. We were also repeatedly told to keep an eye out for snakes as they are common in the area. Only the other day the other guide didn't spot one right in front of him until it jumped across his face. Nigel seem disappointed that we didn't come across any but I'm pretty sure that I wasn't the only who was glad of this.
On our second day we decided to take the easier, more touristy option and visit two of the Jenolan caves. These are a spectacular series of limestone caves that are regarded as some of the world's best. We had a tour for 90 minutes in the Lucas and Orient caves and saw an array of stalactites, stalagmites, shawls and straws, many looking like various structures including organs, people and even a cathedral. The cavern described as the cathedral is actually used today for recitals and weddings. I'm still not sure whether that's tacky or not, unusual though to say the least.
Labels: Australia
posted by Hels at 8:30 am
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