Australia 2017

Sunday, Oct. 29, 2017 Today was an extra day we added to our trip. Prior to our trip we arranged for a private guided trip to the the Blue Mountains, a mountainous region west of Sydney in New South Wales. Our guide, Chris, pulled up to our hotel in a really big souped- up 4 wheel drive and we knew we were in for a great day!   Chris was so knowledgeable about the history of the development of the roads through the mountains. He began with taking us to some caves that were used by the early explorers who were in charge of developing the roads. All of the roads were eventually built by convicts who were promised some land and their freedom when the roads were finished. We took a break and stopped for some tea and cakes which Chris provided. We were amazed that he actually had a table for the food and even generator to plug in the tea pot. Then we went off to many lookouts to take in the amazing views of the mountains.  One of the last views we saw was actually referred t...

A view fro the Royal Botanical Gardens   Saturday, October 28, 2017 This was the last day of our tour although we are extending our stay for another day. I have to give a big shout-out to my my amazing 82 year-old  husband who climbed to the top of the Sydney Harbor Bridge! Bob and Michael(  a friend we have made on our tour) met two men from our tour (Bill and John) and they walked down to the bridge to prepare for the climb.  It was quite an experience.  They were outfitted in special suits and everything they had loose (such as glasses) had to be specially attached.  With a guide they climbed all the way to the top of the bridge and it took them about an hour and a half. I was amazed and proud of him. If you know me, you know there was no way I would even attempt that! Bob was very proud to have accomplished that feat and I am equally proud of him. The Sydney Harbor Bridge is the largest single span arch bridge in the world.It is 5...