Heller Neilson Travels: Blue Mountains

What a beautiful place. I am sure I have used this descriptive way too much but it truly is a beautiful country full of unbelievable nature and gorgeous scenery.
We arrived in the Blue Mountains on Sunday after a 3+ hour drive and it was JAMMED with tourists. Most tourists we had seen since arriving with Australia. To our delight, the tourists disappeared for the most part on Sunday evening.
We drove to the first sight which is very FAMOUS here known as the "Three Sisters" Mountains. The name is based on an Aborigine legend that three sisters were turned to stone by their father rather than be given to their suitors. The father was turn them back to humans after he went off to battle. He never returned so the sisters stayed stone mountains. Lots of legends such as this in the culture.
We found our lovely accommodation called the "Priests Cottage". Our hosts had taken an old convent and were converting it into a "boutique hotel" for lack of another descriptive. It is darling and is going to be A#1 when the couple are finished their renovating. They are experienced hoteliers and know what they are doing.
Our first rested day found us heading to the Jenolan Caves about one hour away further up the mountains. Mind boggling that these caves are here and were discovered .primarily by one man. I believe that caves continue to be discovered to this day. At the turn of the century this place must have been quite the resort enjoyed by only the wealthy. The road leading to the resort was more switchbacks and cliff hanging roads. One can only go into the caves with a tour guides and one could easily spend three days exploring all of the caves. We truly enjoyed this experience. We drove back to our town of Leura and found more beautiful falls and walks.
We were anxious to find the ride that Rich spoke about in his email when they were here. No problem as it is a tourist spot, but quite nicely done. We arrived early and beat most of the Japanese who are the leading tourists. No kidding, what a hoot riding the "coal car " down into the the forest. We walked, rode a cable car with a glass bottom across the valley and a tramway that pulled us up the mountain, and enjoyed all the vistas. We spent quite some time on the forest floor on an eco-friendly wooden path. At one time this was a coal mining area.
This area is overwhelming with beauty. It was a relaxing time before heading off to Sydney!

Famous Three Sisters Mountain