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 
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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!

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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!

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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 

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December 26, 2012

A Christmas Recap

Australian Christmas.

Mike and I had a wonderful Christmas down here in Australia. We are both incredibly grateful to be house sitting over the holidays. It definitely beats sleeping in our tent!

We anticipated lounging by the pool in the sun for Christmas. Unfortunately, a thunder storm arrived on Christmas Eve and prevented that fantasy from happening. Instead, we had a relaxing rainy day indoors. It felt much more like home with gray outside the windows.

Christmas Eve

We headed out to the shops to pick up groceries for our Christmas meal. Just as I expected, it was insane! We spent the afternoon listening to Christmas music and wrapping up our gifts. I found a Santa section in the newspaper and chuckled while I made sure at least one Santa was on each on Mike’s packages.

 

In the evening we spent a few hours preparing a delicious Christmas meal. It was quite the spread and will be feeding us for a few days. We prepared an avocado and beet salad, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, roasted pumpkin, and a chicken for Mike.

After dinner we posed for a few photos by the Christmas tree and curled up on the couch.

Dino came and crashed our photo

Christmas Day 

In the morning we exchanged gifts on the floor under the tree.  We agreed to a $10 budget this year so we had to be creative. One of my gifts to Mike was a pack of Skittles comprised of only his favorite color: red. I was so excited for him to open it. We also opened a package sent by my parents. Now I have plenty of books to read and vegan marshmallows to eat. Mike has his very own Powell’s t-shirt and enough ginger candy to keep him satisfied. Thank you Mom, Dad, and Toni!

After gifts we cooked up a special breakfast, drank some tea, took a few photos, and cracked our Christmas crackers.

Dino got a Christmas cracker too!

The rain continued to pour the rest of the day so we continued the indoor relaxing.

It was a very pleasant Christmas, but Mike and I both agreed that no matter how hard you try to create a holiday atmosphere with lights, gifts, and good food… it’s friends and family that really make it feel like Christmas.

I hope everyone’s holiday was merry and bright! 

xo, jill

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Filed Under: Australia, chatter
December 26, 2012

A Christmas Recap

Australian Christmas.

Mike and I had a wonderful Christmas down here in Australia. We are both incredibly grateful to be house sitting over the holidays. It definitely beats sleeping in our tent!

We anticipated lounging by the pool in the sun for Christmas. Unfortunately, a thunder storm arrived on Christmas Eve and prevented that fantasy from happening. Instead, we had a relaxing rainy day indoors. It felt much more like home with gray outside the windows.

Christmas Eve

We headed out to the shops to pick up groceries for our Christmas meal. Just as I expected, it was insane! We spent the afternoon listening to Christmas music and wrapping up our gifts. I found a Santa section in the newspaper and chuckled while I made sure at least one Santa was on each on Mike’s packages.

 

In the evening we spent a few hours preparing a delicious Christmas meal. It was quite the spread and will be feeding us for a few days. We prepared an avocado and beet salad, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, roasted pumpkin, and a chicken for Mike.

After dinner we posed for a few photos by the Christmas tree and curled up on the couch.

Dino came and crashed our photo

Christmas Day 

In the morning we exchanged gifts on the floor under the tree.  We agreed to a $10 budget this year so we had to be creative. One of my gifts to Mike was a pack of Skittles comprised of only his favorite color: red. I was so excited for him to open it. We also opened a package sent by my parents. Now I have plenty of books to read and vegan marshmallows to eat. Mike has his very own Powell’s t-shirt and enough ginger candy to keep him satisfied. Thank you Mom, Dad, and Toni!

After gifts we cooked up a special breakfast, drank some tea, took a few photos, and cracked our Christmas crackers.

Dino got a Christmas cracker too!

The rain continued to pour the rest of the day so we continued the indoor relaxing.

It was a very pleasant Christmas, but Mike and I both agreed that no matter how hard you try to create a holiday atmosphere with lights, gifts, and good food… it’s friends and family that really make it feel like Christmas.

I hope everyone’s holiday was merry and bright! 

xo, jill

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