Tom was up about 5.30 we think, listening to the TV radio, waiting for the TV to start, but he was good and hadn't opened any of the presents yet. Rob checked on him about 20 to 6, then stumbled back to bed for another hour. We're all up for 7. Santa has come and left a few little presents. He had also written a note to say that the big presents are in Marlow. Tom thought Santa had very neat hand writing but Santa forgot to put in any sweets. The day is beautiful and sunny and we can appreciate the view from the living room and bedroom windows more. Rob lounged in bed drinking coffee looking down at the valley with the moon setting. After a lazy breakfast that seems to go on for hours, we are out in the car at 10.30ish for some touring. It doesn't feel too much like Christmas as I am not tidying up rain forests of wrapping paper. Santa left a selection of deadly animals and we both have to spend the morning feigning fear when we step on a croc, snake, tarantula etc.
We hit Echo Point in Katoomba to see the Three Sisters. We thought we'd have the place to ourselves but there are still a lot of tour buses about. A lot of the tourists are Asian. It's the busiest we have seen a tourist spot since the 12 Apostles but still plenty of room. First impression as we look down on the Jamison Valley is that it reminds me a little of the Grand Canyon with trees, its massive!
We took the walk down to the Three Sisters and got as far as the middle one, steps were steep so we didn't venture further down as thought might be too much for Sarah. Tom is becoming quite the walker and always keen to go a bit further.
In the shade the kids take off their hats and they're having a bad hair day..
Child number 2 starts demanding lunch. We are a bit limited in dining options so Tom has a Chocolate muffin and Sarah a chocolate doughnut. Not very healthy but hey it's Christmas and we are opting for the easy life today. (Cocopops for breakfast too!)
After lunch, we brave Scenic World to see the Jamison Valley from different angles. My head starts to hurt from looking at all the various ticket options so we just get an unlimited ticket as it's just 1pm thinking that we will have plenty of time for numerous rides.
It's the worlds steepest railway much to the delight of Tom and Sarah (Indiana Jones music is played on the way down and Sarah is humming it for the rest of the afternoon).
On the bottom, we take a mini diversion to see the Katoomba Falls but they dont look too impressive from this vantage point. we walk along the board walk and see more rainforest ( seen quite a bit this holiday!)... and there is some information about the coal mining that occurred in the 1890s to mid 1930s.
(Lots of grownups were getting their picture taken on the horse, whats that about ??!) Sarah and Tom were patiently waiting their turn but we had to butt in eventually.
Next ascent is via the cable car, lots of up!
Next a long wait in the queue for the Skywalk. Unfortunately a lady in the queue beside us collapses with a seizure and it's scary to watch it unfold. Her husband looked like he knew what he was doing and everyone in the queue stood passively by, including us. However staff are on the scene pretty quick and an ambulance is called. Think we were a bit in shock as we were shepherded onto the Skywalk. This time we got to see the Katoomba Falls up close.
Quick return on the Skywalk and we queue up..but people keep ignoring the queue. Tom was most put out and talked loudly as to why people weren't waiting their turn and that he would write a sign!!
By now grownups are getting a bit tired and need of some Christmas cheer (i.e booze). Quick ice-cream for the kids and we make one final stop to Govetts Leap before hitting our pad. Govetts Leap is peaceful and calm and the scenery stunning. A quick walk to see the Horseshoe Waterfall (Tom would have walked more...) and back for our alternative Xmas dinner.
It's absolutely baking, about 30 degrees, don't think we will be lighting that fire tonight ;)
Tom and Sarah end up having red pesto with pasta and melon to start. Steak and homemade chips for the grownups but it's so warm, we are not very hungry anyway. The freezer isn't working that well so the ice-cream is a bit mushy.
While Rob nips out to get a picture of the sunset, Tom and Sarah hit the jacuuzzi bath and have to be coaxed out after an hour, think I put too much soap in it! Bubbles were everywhere.
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Location:Blue Mountains
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