Heading to the hills

The RAAF (Royal Australian Air Force) celebrates its 100th anniversary and a fly-past of planes and helicopters has been scheduled over the capital. I suppose they have to practice flying in formation and their timings etc., so on my walk today I encountered some of the air force's finest flying above the suburbs.

 

I also encountered the ever-changing and always inspirational sign outside the local primary school. I just hope they practice what they preach (teach) inside.

From the top of Mt Painter

I have to interrupt for a quick gripe about advertising. My Morning Tea suggests I should awaken in a diaphanous nightie and glide through the house, arms aloft, farting a merry tune. I do not. 

We decided to have a break and a short getaway - our first in nine months. We have, of course, arranged for someone to stay and care for the kittens, but it is still heart-wrenching to leave these adorable faces behind. And she knows it.

Anyway, we headed to the Blue Mountains, stopping off at an excellent cafe en route. The cafe has bikes, coffee, ice-cream, a pizza oven and BentSpoke beer. What more could you want? We had a cappuccino and hot cross buns, brought from home.

Slightly creepy out of context

We arrived at our accommodation, which was delightful. We had left it a little late (don't we always) so were lucky to get in anywhere at all, but the Kurrara Historic Guest House in Katoomba was something rather special. There's lots of wood and creaking floorboards; sweeping staircases and four-poster beds; leather sofas and cosy studies; sunlit conservatory for breakfast and little garden nooks for a pot of tea. And it appears they take their tea very seriously, of which I heartily approve.

Route planning

Unfortunately, many of the paths are closed due to rocks slides and recent rain falls. The Prince Henry Cliff Walk is one such casualty, although there are still some excellent scenic vistas to be had from the top. 

There now follows lots of photos from our walks in the Blue Mountains - firstly the Undercliff/ Overcliff Walk (yes, of course we sang The Wombles song all the way round).

I know it's some sort of drainage system, but it does look a bit like a pizza oven

And these are from the Grand Canyon Walk. 

And these are the traditional favourites from Echo Point.

The Three Sisters