We did it all! Or at least, the two things we had planned. First up, the Zig Zag Railway, a restored narrow gauge track that uses switchbacks to travel from the top of the Blue Mountains to the valley floor. We arrived just in time for the 11:00 trip behind a steam locomotive. It was quite a treat, especially for Ian, to ride a train pulled by a real, coal-fired "steamie."
After our 1-1/2 hour train ride, next up was a trip to the Jenolan Caves. Discovered by Europeans in 1838, Jenolan is Australia's premier cave system, with loads of show caverns you can visit. Ian was a bit nervous about going into a cave, but we had a wonderful guide, Michael, who engaged him really well. He even led the way, as our small group of 7 people "explored" the Chifley Cave. I have to say, the tour was really informative. We learned a lot about what early cave exploration was like, as well as the geology of the caves' formation, and how they're continuing to evolve. And Ian had a really good time! The only drawback was the road to the caves, which is among the most winding and twisting I've been on. Poor Ian was carsick on the way there, but had a nap and perked up once we arrived.
On the way there, we had seen several kangaroos...unfortunately, all roadkill. On the way back, though, it was dusk, and we saw some kangaroos hopping around in fields. Our first, but hopefully not last, sighting of kangaroos in the wild!
Our last stop of the day was a lookout point near our hotel. We stopped there hoping to see some stars, and we weren't disappointed. It's been a long time since Adrian or I have seen so many stars so clearly--and Ian, a big city kid, probably never has. It was a great nightcap, and a lovely way to end our trip to the Blue Mountains.
No comments:
Post a Comment