Hello all. Today started with some bumps and twists and a headache, but all went well in the end. Tara and I decided to go to the vineyards today in Hunter Valley and were outside at 10:30 awaiting our ride. Around 10:45 Tara called to see if our driver had left yet and found out that the driver had thought we were staying in a different hostel in a town much closer to the valley. The trip into the valley from Sydney is around 2 1/2 hours! So we had to regroup. We decided to go to the Blue Mountains instead, since we could quickly arrange transportation.
We left at 12:30 p.m. on a train bound for Katoomba for a grand total of 11.00 AUD. We arrived 2 1/2 hours later and navigated our way to the visitor information hut around 2:30. After looking at several different hikes we chose a 2 hour one that included SEVERAL stairs down into the rain forest and back up! The hike was wonderful and the vistas – INCREDIBLE! (Pictures do not do justice) Through the mist and rain we saw a few waterfalls and really unique trees and foliage. Around 5:00 the sun began to set and we were deep in the forest. Ok, use your imaginations here…deep in the rain forest…setting sun…a little more than 1/2 way done with the hike. Yeppers folks, we hiked the remaining time with flashlights and moderate rain! Oh the stories to tell. We did arrive safely back at the starting point around 6:00.
We walked back into Katoomba and ate a relaxing meal at quaint cafe near the train station. After spending an hour or two sipping tea, hot chocolate, and a glass of red wine (we really needed to defrost..did I mention that it was about 48 to 50 degrees when we got there??) we caught the 8:24 train back into Sydney. What a wonderful day.
Trying to make plans on the public transportation system for our journey to Hunter Valley tomorrow (or today, since it is 12:30 a.m. right now) proved to be quiet difficult and so we decided to rent a car and drive the 2 1/2 hours into the valley. People…WE NEED PRAYER! Neither of us has driven a European styled car (wrong side of car, wrong side of road) but we are going to attempt it! We will pick up the car at 7:30 tomorrow morning and start our adventure! We are renting a navigation system with the car to help lessen the confusion. Pictures still proving to be a problem to post, but they will come! Love to you all and I will post tomorrow!
June 5, 2008 at 3:32 pm
Just remember: WIDE RIGHT, TIGHT LEFT!!!!!!!!! I can remember my mother screaming that at me in Oxford as I tried to navigate the city streets on the wrong side of the road. Also, get ahold of a book with traffic signs and traffic laws if you can. It was my best friend in England. Other words of wisdom? Stay with traffic — just do what they do.
Sounds like adventures!!! Can’t wait to see pictures!
June 5, 2008 at 6:31 pm
Sounds like a trip I remember we took in Costa Rica — night hiking is totally underrated!! Fun Creatures come out in the dark! Glad y’all improvised and changed plans – that’s the fun part of no tour guides.
Ma says she’s glad you’re getting the navigation system – remember the book on tape from Jxn to San Blas?
Have a blast tomorrow in the wine country. Renting a car sounds fun…you’re SOOOO GOOD with directions, Christina!!
Just picked her up at the airport today – she’s here in Tampa. (Sounds like you are having a great time! I continue to pray for you…this is your Mama
We’re anxiously awaiting the next installment. Love you!!
Jen, Av, Mama and fam
June 6, 2008 at 12:32 pm
Yeah for the suggestions! Here comes the next post!