Hiking in the Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains are really interesting to look at.  They’re all the same height and flat on top.  In the top section of each mountain there is a shear cliff that holds no trees.  The vegetation is only on the very top of the mountain and starting and the skirt around the bottom of these cliffs.  The effect is as though the top of the mountains have been popped up.  As the mountains are made of sandstone and can be blasted by quite a bit of wind, this bare section of the mountains erodes easily which is why nothing grows there. 

We spent the first part of Sunday hiking around the Three Sisters region of the Blue Mountains.  We did the “Great Round Walk” starting at “Secenic Wold” where we hopped on a gondola that took us across the valley in front of Katoomba falls.  The distance over the top of the rain forrest below is double that of the height of the Harbour Bridge!  The floor was made of glass so you could the birds flying under your feet.  

When we got to the other side we started the hike around the top ridge of the mountains.  The view was gorgeous and since it was so early there weren’t many tourists but the pesky flies were a real problem.  We didn’t stay long in any one spot so we could avoid them!

Once we got around the back side of Three Sisters (the famous 3 section rock formation that you always see in the pictures of the Blue Mountains) we started our journey down the Giant Stairway.  There were close to 900 steps down the very steep and narrow passageway.  It took us 20+ minutes to get down - I can only imagine what it would have been like to go UP!  By the time we got to the bottom both of our legs were shaking uncontrollably.  We’re not use to using those muscles! 

At the bottom of the staircase we walked along the path through the rain forrest.  Very peaceful - surrounded by gum trees and birds (and no flies!).  The path is well maintained and we were the only people in hearing distance for most of our trek!  At  the end of the path we got on the cableway to take us back to the top of the mountain; completing the full circle.  The adventure was quite lovely - I would highly recommend it!  Although the staircase is really only for the sure-footed.  I slipped at one point and thought I sprained my thumb (but I’m ok :)).

Off to wine country next weekend!

~LAA =)