meet me in katoomba

Random thoughts, march 6th, 2005. Took a train up to Katoomba today, don't know why I did that. I'm not usually the impulsive type. Arf! Okay, I'm no Joel, and I didn't meet a Clementine, but it did kinda feel like that, getting out of the big city for the afternoon. And how cool are those double-decker trains with the moving seats so you can pick which way you face? The Lonely Planet guide advises all travellers to be aware of a noticeable temperature drop when they go out to the Blue Mountains: BULLSHIT! Fucking hottest day so far since I arrived in NSW, I was sweating like Jacko in a nursery all day. Anyway, as usual when I go on a daytrip, I ignored all the tourist information and sightseeing possibilities and instead fetched up in the first decent pub I saw, the Carrington hotel. It was hot, the place was empty and they had footy on tv, all good reasons to stop off for a few beers and work up to some sightseeing. I eventually managed to drag myself down the hill to Echo Point, which is the main lookout point for the mountains and, in particular, the three sisters. No connection to the edinburgh pub, just three bits of rock sticking up in the air. All pretty spectacular though, took plenty of pix, then spent a pleasant hour wandering around one of the walking tracks around the mountains. Didn't have any idea where it was taking me, but that kinda made it more fun y'know? Finally found my way back into town, where I had particularly fine burger in a greasy-joe cafe whose name escapes me; full marks for the guy noticing my accent and immediately giving me vinegar for my chips too! After that there was just time to sample a few more cold ones at the Gearin before catching one of those superb trains home. a darn pleasant afternoon, and all for a mere $14 too! Shame it wasn't more like Montauk though...

spot the three sisters!