Friday April 23, 2010 – Katoomba

Yesterday we just took it easy. Charles did the laundry and all the cooking as I sat around. My foot was really sore. In the evening we drove down to the Three Sisters Lookout. I was somewhat upset as it was only about a 3 min walk and we had to drive. It was well worth it. We stayed until the sun set.

Today is our last day in Australia and I did not want to sit around all day. We went to the cable railway for a ride down to the old coal mines. This railway had a 52° slope. When you get in the seats you are sloping back into the seat. I did not know that I should put my feet on the metal rung at the bottom. When we started down the slope I started slipping off the seat and my flip flops were coming off my feet. I could just see one of them flying down to the front of train and flying off. I don't think it would have fallen off the train. I am sure the front is not open. However when you are struggling to stay seated and not lose your shoes all sort of thoughts fly through your mind. The floor of the train was very slippery as well so getting my feet up on the bar was not easy. Sadly the ride was over too soon and I did not get to enjoy it very much. This railway was the way men go to the mine and the coal got out.

Once at the bottom, I took an easy walk through the forest. It was fun as there were plenty of signs telling you about the trees and wildlife. Charles broke off and took a longer walk down around the old mining buildings. We met up at the cable car to ride back up. We waited for three turns to go up because of the amount of tourist groups. The ride up was not as eventful as the one down. Being slower we got to see the surroundings. It was beautiful.

We took a ride over the gorge on another cable car. It had a see through bottom. We got to see the Katoomba Falls. There was not much water going over as they have not had rain for a couple of weeks. It was fun to look at the gorge from above. Again we saw some beautiful scenery.

Now it was time for lunch so we returned home. I rested my foot. After lunch and a rest we went to see the Leura Cascades. Leura is the aboriginal word for lava. It was not a long drive to get there. There were a number of steps down to the cascades. I am glad I went as far as I did. It was beautiful and serene. Charles continued further down the path as I made my way slowly back up the stairs. Through this area are lots of walking paths. You can walk back to the Three Sisters from here and then on to the cable car or the train to go back up the cliff. This was a wonderful way to end our trip.

We went down to the Three Sisters Lookout again to watch the sunset. It was a nice way to say goodbye.