A blacksmith and two yanks

This was going to be big. No doubting it. The day was planned. Suncream and the vilest insect repellant sprayed on to protect us from, well read the label. This could be fun. Our host and guide piked us up and dropped us off at Scenic World so we could sample what all the other tourists had. Look it up. It is a well organised and well thought through way to experience the Three Sisters and the Jamison by cable cars and a 52 degree funicular. This was an excellent way to see the sights and all within easy walking distances. But it would be negligent of me not to pay homage to the star of the day and Steven’s pride and joy - a 30 year old Range Rover that he has lovingly maintained and which would be our chariot over the next few days.

Anyway Scenic World is a must do and credit must also be given to the staff. Like Star Trek Away Team members they were all bedecked in red tee shirts and could not have been more helpful. While there was a bit of queuing this only provided an opportunity to talk to fellow travellers. One pair who distressingly displayed the name of their tour company on their chests - Bucket List - announced that they were fro Utah and Idaho. But only after I said we were on a round the world trip to get as far from Trump as possible. I know ending up in San Francisco kills that notion but California is different. Anyway they never batted and eye which leads me to suspect they had not a clue what I was saying. Another couple thought I was Scottish but I was comforted when a blacksmith from Sydney who now lives in Brittany noted immediately that we were from Belfast. He spent years as a blacksmith with some famous horse trainers in Tipperary in the early 90s. It is a small world.

The real tour started when we were picked up again by Steven and Susan and we were to be the beneficiaries of their 25 years living in the Blue Mountains. We started with lunch in the Sorensen Glasshouse, site of a famous nursery run by a Dane named Sorensen.

It is also where I tried on a new hat. This hat I am reliably informed by an impeccable source appears to frighten Chinese people who are of the belief that this is the hat worn by Chinese secret police. I pointed out the secret police and uniform paradox but to no avail. Anyway this may be my new look.

We were then taken to all the major lookout points around the valley and through the little towns and hamlets that make up the area. As well a very important landmark. I missed it and it was only spotted by a prod from the Ormeau Road who wanted to drive around it a few times humming some song about what their father wore.

Stunning. And again tour guide Steven illustrated the area wonderfully with his narration. See for yourself how beautiful this part of the world is.

Once back in Katoomba Steven and I marked to the drive in bottle shop(I know) to get supplies for a take away night. This place is huge and we had to seek a guide to point us at dry cider for Mrs Verno. With that and some local beers acquired off we trotted back to base. A great day was finished off with some lively chat and tasty Thai food. A good sleep was had.