The Beautiful Blue Mountains

We set out the next day to explore the Blue Mountains near Katoomba and mapped out a route that took us past several scenic overlooks with the opportunity to take a few short hikes.  This sign greeted us on the first stop.  Rich does not like me getting close to the edge on any hike so I was forewarned.  :)

From BlueMountainsAustralia.com:  The Blue Mountains is densely populated by oil bearing Eucalyptus trees. The atmosphere is filled with finely dispersed droplets of oil, which, in combination with dust particles and water vapour, scatter short-wave length rays of light which are predominantly blue in colour. The Greater Blue Mountains was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2000 and was one of 15 World Heritage places included in the National Heritage List on 21 May 2007.

 After a short hike, we came upon this spectacular view!  

The Aboriginal Dharug, Gundungurra, Wanaruah, Wiradjuri, Darkinjung and Tharawal Nations are the traditional owners of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area.     Examples of Aboriginal habitation can be found throughout the Blue Mountains.  Kings Tableland Aboriginal Site reportedly dates back 22,000 years, containing carved images of animal tracks and an occupation cave.  In the Red Hands Cave, the walls contain hand stencils from adults and children.  Unfortunately, we did not get to visit these sites.  Maybe next time!

 We then went to the Leura Cascades for another scenic little hike.

 Wild cockatoos wander freely

 Still lots more to see....to be continued