bluemountains

Blue Mountains, NSW
January 4, 2000

Three Sisters, Katoomba
Visiting Katoomba meant the famous formation in the Blue Mountains called Three Sisters. The sight was something to behold as my camera lens was filled with a view I had only seen on calendars and in books. Being one of three sisters myself I had an appreciation for the uniqueness of each connected peak as every sister has special qualities that makes her attractive and beautiful no matter what angle you look from. None exactly the same as each are independently stable but with the same foundation as each forms to their own outward beauty, but always solidly unified and strong as a group. The valley backlighting disappeared into the horizon in a fog of light blue and fuzzy white, the sun refusing to give way for the moment to the oncoming mist. It could not have been more perfect.

Initially I thought I was going to be sent to my doom alone as Brian was unsure of whether he wanted to ride the Scenic Railway to a lower level. Not too fond of steep drops he decided to accompany me as my faithful host willing to endure most would be tragedies I had an interest in pursuing. He warned me it would be steep as we reclined in a caged in "people mover". As soon as it started I felt myself no longer reclining but rather standing in a sitting position as our bodies were moving forward in a huge demon drop type of motion as we sped to the lower level at a vertical angle. I was hoping the brakes were in working order as we quickly reached the end and looked to go on over to the depths below. The brakes engaged and we hopped out, I watched as our seats were filled and the "train" whipped in reverse pulling the fresh load of people back to the top. The mountains lower level offered more views that I was more than willing to see. This land seemed to have no end but as the sun gave way to the mist we left happy. After all our lunch was still in place inside us.

Wentworth Falls, Blue Mountains

Wentworth Falls were spectacular. We were able to walk along a path that took us winding down the side of the mountain to a location that had a clear view of the Falls on the opposite side. We could see a longer route where people looked like ants walking along the path with rails attached to the mountain's rock face. Definately not a path I would readily choose, I thought my view from here was perfect. Each rocky cliff was decorated different as the variety of plants and trees in this area were a blend of tropical and the pine of the more northern atmosphere. The top of the falls were reflecting the light, a dazzling glitter of bright sunbeams dancing over the water and rocks. The water would find it's own path to travel down the sides of the jutting stone creating a cascading stream, it varied as the layers of rock spilled the water over to the shadowy depths below. Closer to the bottom it again found rocks to splash over redirecting the water once again before it's final destination. The falls providing a natural mist to the green trees on it's way down. A truely beautiful sight. I found my eyes tearing as I never wanted to stop looking.

The flora of Australia is unique and never failed to take my breath as it's colour and feathery leaves added it's texture to the mountainside. My love of the rugged mountain setting found a new place of respect as my head still remembers the scent of the fresh air and tranquility of the distant falls as my eyes close and the beauty reappears.