We had lots of fun and went for some beautiful walks, here is a brief synopsis...

A day at the Featherdale Wildlife Park where we saw all the Australian animals and more.  The Tasmanian Devil was a real treat.  It was feeding time so we were able to see how ferocious its teeth really are, a vicious thing.  Koalas, Kangaroos with joeys, fighting Kangas, all number of wombat looking things, and a whole load of other animals.  The kids really loved it.

The Jenolan Caves were rather amazing too.  It is quite commercial, but when you actually enter the cave the information that the guide gives is very detailed.  The crystals were amazing, beautiful, looked like pieces of fine silk.  Pretty walks around the area, including the blue lake.  This is a natural spectacle due to the minerals the water picks up when it comes through the caves.  Depending on the light it can look very blue.

Lots of amazing hikes which is just what we all needed.  Lots of waterfalls, of which some were climbable, as you shall see from the photos.

It was nice to have some space in a real house, and we even tried to play Bridge!!  

As usual we went to bed late, had too much wine and had lots of fun.

The Blue Mountains as a whole is a series of villages with lots of countryside and 'bush' about.  Very relaxing and very pretty in places.  Some villages we passed through reminded us of  very old mining or ghost towns, all it needed was tumble weed!!!  Everything was closed and all we wanted was a cup of tea at 5pm!!  Very spooky.  You can just picture the hore and cart now.

We, after our return to Sydney, visited the landing place of Captain Cook in Botany Bay.  It was quite incredible to see where he actually landed (OK not so fantastic on the eye, very industrial now).  Captain Cook landed and tried to be-friend the local Abo's, but they were not so keen.  Eventually they fled.  but Cook only stayed there a week before he continued his travels.  It was very interesting to hear the very long winded video explaining all the history.  The Australians dont like the fact that he landed and disrupted their land.  However they really have him to thank for them being here!!!  A slight grudge going on with the local historians me think.  A great bit of history and well worth the visit.

So the end of the Wincomb visit and the children were very upset to see their friend leave.  Callum especially.  Then Meg left which was also upsetting.  But as she said only another 2 holidays and then this wont happen any more as she is coming to live with us while she does University.  Not sure where that will be though.  

So a very busy 2 months and now to reality.  Hunting for jobs, organizing the boat  and sorting life out in general.

So until the next blog.  We hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and New year and 2012 will be full of joy and fun for you all.

The front of our cottage in the Blue Mountains

the back of the cottage.  Decking, outside working loo, hot-tub - not working and filthy!!!

Ahhhhhhhh

almost as big as me!!

This really does look so odd.  No pouch as such, just a slit!!

The crystals in the caves - amazing

Very famous formation