Welcome to the Down Under from Betsy and Stephanie. Today, we hiked the Blue Mountains, which took about between 1-2 hours in total to hike. Before we even got to the trail, we made a mesmerizing, magical and amazing detour. We went to a national park where there were wild Kangaroos!!!! Can you believe that?!!!! All of us were extremely excited when we spotted an adult kangaroo and baby roos. We smiled and watched with glee as these wonderful animals ate grass and hopped around. Myself and others were awestruck, hence the multitude of photos. In the wise words of Kevin, “they are basically deer.” As much as we were sad to leave the kangaroos, we had an even more exciting place to explore.
Meet Kangaroo Jack
This little fella is Kangaroo Jack’s son.
Our hike wouldn’t have been what is was without our eccentric, wild, extreme sports, funny guide named Smokey!
The Blue Mountain hike was equally wonderful and arduous. The waterfalls were outstanding in addition to the caves and indigenous artwork, which really signifies information. A good chunk of our group hiked down these steep steps in order to look at the waterfall from the bottom up. It was stunning and completely worth to be one with nature and surrounded by the chill mountain air. However, on the way back up, we had to hike the stairway to hell. The stairway to hell was dreadful, but we did it!
Nearing the stairway to hell
mystical magic
Isn’t she a beauty?!
Hakuna Matata!
What a wonderful phrase
Hakuna Matata!
Ain’t no passing craze
It means no worries
For the rest of your days
It’s our problem-free philosophy
Hakuna Matata!
After the hike, we ate lunch and made our way to an area that gave us an amazing view of the Three Sisters. The Three Sisters are an interesting rock formation that have many stories surrounding their creation. Smokey told us that with the names of these rocks are Meehni, Wimlah, and Gunnedoo, and the Aborignial story that explains their creation. According to the Aboriginals, these rocks were once sisters who were turned to stone because they were disobedient.
Our last stop in the Blue Mountains was at a section of the town called the Street Art Walk. Over the years, artists have painted along the side of buildings to create a gallery of artwork that is viewable to the public. Each painting was interesting, unique and full of colors. After we looked at the various paintings, we hopped back on the bus for a two hour ride back to the hotel.
Street art at its finest.