2013
xo, jill
Archives for 2012
December 30, 2012
Three Sisters
The icons.
We couldn’t leave the Blue Mountains without getting a closer look at the Three Sisters. The Three Sisters are rock formations on the edge of the Jamison Valley (at Echo Point). They are also probably the best known site in the area. When you see tourism advertisements for the Blue Mountains, you’re looking at the Three Sisters.
From Echo Point we hiked down the Giant Stairway to the sisters. (Their names are Meehni, Wimlah, and Gunnedoo.) At this point you can take the stairs down to the valley floor to connect to a longer hike, but we were out of time.
Thus concludes our visit to the Blue Mountains.
xo, jill
December 29, 2012
Govett’s Leap Lookout
A wide open space.
After hiking the National Pass Trail we decided to take the long way back to our hostel and check out Govett’s Leap. Govett’s Leap is a lookout in the Blue Mountains named after William Romaine Govett, an early assistant-surveyor in the area. Supposedly, Govett was the first person to come upon this incredible view, although I have a feeling that’s not entirely so.
Later in the evening we went back to Echo Point for another incredible sunset.
Finally, the chilly weather drove us back to our cozy hostel.
xo, jill
December 28, 2012
From the Hip Friday
The lookout.
Today’s photo from the hip is from a lookout in Katoomba, Australia. I’m not 100% sure, but I think these men are dressed in the Greek Orthodox tradition. Does anyone know? I liked seeing the contrast in clothing between these men and the other tourists. We were all there to do the same thing, just dressed a bit differently.
xo, jill
From the Hip Friday features photos taken without the use of a viewfinder. If you have a photograph that was taken from the hip you’d like to share here, please contact me!
December 28, 2012
From the Hip Friday
The lookout.Today’s photo from the hip is from a lookout in Katoomba, Australia. I’m not 100% sure, but I think these men are dressed in the Greek Orthodox tradition. Does anyone know? I liked seeing the contrast in clothing between these men and the other tourists. We were all there to do the same thing, just dressed a bit differently.
xo, jill
From the Hip Friday features photos taken without the use of a viewfinder. If you have a photograph that was taken from the hip you’d like to share here, please contact me!
December 27, 2012
National Pass Trail
“One of Australia’s greatest walking trails.”
Our first morning in the Blue Mountains we asked the proprietress of our hostel for a good hiking recommendation. She suggested we drive a short distance to the National Pass Trail trailhead. We met up with two Germans we befriended the night before and set off.
After a kilometer or so, we stopped to chat with an Australian couple who was very familiar with the hiking trails in the area. They warned us that we were in store for a long and arduous hike. They also let us know that we initially took the wrong trail and added a few extra kilometers to the route. Oops! We decided to ignore their warning and press on. I’m glad we did. Although the trail was a bit strenuous at times (tallest outdoor staircase in Australia), it was nothing we couldn’t handle.
The National Pass Trail takes you through forests, past waterfalls, and up to lookouts, all while walking along the side of the gorge walls. It’s difficult to explain just how impressive the hiking route is. I guess you’ll just have to trust me!
Along the way we spotted several parrots, cockatoos, and other unidentifiable birds.
The making of the trail is quite interesting as well. It was built between 1906-1907 using picks, shovels, crowbars, and dynamite. (Some of the work was supposedly completed using a Bosun’s chair, eep!). Certain points of the trail showcase old photographs of the trail’s construction and early hikers. It’s hard to believe that people used to hike in suits and long dresses. I can’t imagine. Thank goodness for yoga pants.
Ooh, horrible angle.
Hiking the National Pass Trail was definitely a highlight of our time in Australia. Now I just wish I could hike every other trail in the area, but that might take some time and true devotion.
xo, jill
