Friday - Blue Mountains tour

7.25am pick up from the hotel ny Michael the tour guide and driver - very nice man around my age who was funny, interesting and well informed with his commentary on things we passed, history of Sydney, the flora and fauna, and animals of Australia.
It was a small coach with only 20 people in the group so it was easy to chat to others.

First stop was the wildlife park where I held a lizard, got photographed with a koala, fed the kangaroos and saw a huge crocodile which I thought was fake until it moved it's mouth.. There were beautiful birds particularly the white and blue pheasant who displayed it's full plummage for us.
We then drove to a local park where Michael showed us the finer technique of boomerang throwing - AND 'my boomerang came back' - was well impressed and received a round of applause from the group.
On the way to the mountains we passed warning signs for Kangaroos crossing the roads and also a fire warning sign which showed the level of liklihood for bush fires - today it was Low - you;'ll be pleased to hear.

Got to the mountains and stopped for lunch at a motel - hot buffet which I wasn't expecting and the food was really good. Then on to Echo point and a view of the 3 sisters and the valleys below. Apparently the 3 sisters were turned to stone by their father who didn't want them mixing with some lads from another village - he had an accident and then couldn't turn them back. My photos can show the awesome (new word) views from the lookout point.
Off to the scenic world where we took the Skyway across the canyon, then took the scenic railway (bit like Alton towers) down the cliff face into the valley below. Walked through the woods, past a mine with all the history replicated and then under the rainforest canopy back to the cable car which brought us back to the top of the mountains.

Another drive to Govetts Leap where there were more spectacular views of the mountains, waterfall and valleys and then to Leura where there is an amzing candy shop - wall to wall and floor to ceiling full of sweets and chocolates - I thought I'd died and gone to heaven. We were running late so only a short stop at Leura (probably just as well) - it was a lovely village with lots of quaint shops and tea rooms.
Finally drove through the Olympic village and then to the ferry cruise on Matilda back to Circular Quay - what a full day. I'm exhausted just writing it all up and I'm sure there's things I'll have missed
Quiet day today!!

Love Sue
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