The Blue Mountains

About two hours north of Sydney is an amazing place called the Blue Mountains National Park.  The name is well chosen and I'm sure you can already imagine what it looks like.  This place is just filled with views that constantly take your breath away.  



If you couldn't tell I like to spend my weekends (which are actually Tuesday and Wednesday) doing awesome things with Ryan and other friends.  This weekend was no different and we started the day at 7am with the BEST F*CKING COFFEE EVER paired with TBF Pastries Ever (this one cafe is worthy of its own blogpost) and caught our 7:30 train out of the city.

When you first arrive in the mountain village of Katoomba, you have to find your own way down to the popular tourist spot called The Three Sisters where there is a little info building with totally normal things like boomerangs, a giant stuffed koala and emu jerky.  Just outside are the famous rock formations whose name I've already mentioned; there's even a bridge where you can walk ONTO one of the giant monoliths.  From there you take "The Giant Stairway" (no joke) to the forest floor and walk any of the multi-hour hiking trails.  The one we decided on took us all day, starting the trail at about 11 and finishing around 6:30!

FACT: Andy is terrified of heights

I'd like to take a moment to point out that this just happens to be Sydney's coldest summer in 50 years and so the trip was slightly wetter than expected.  Nonetheless we trooped on through the (rain)forest and enjoyed the exercise, the cool views and the way-more-common-than-you-would-think sightings of the tropical birds and parrots.  We didn't see any wild marsupials or crocodiles, but we were followed by a lyre bird during our trek back up the Giant Stairway.  I'm assuming I don't have to tell you that ascending over 800 stone steps wasn't exactly the most relaxing thing I've done during my time off, but the views and feeling of accomplishment was well worth it! 

Make way for the jet-set Asian lady!