Not all days start well, and I think we are getting to the point where this trip has gone on a bit too long. It isn't that we are bored, or that we are finding it difficult to fill our day. Quite contrary, our days are full and exciting, and we relish the fact that there is still some pretty awesome stuff to come over the coming weeks.
The problem lies in the fact that we have been crammed together for too long now, and our patience is starting to wear thin. Not just mine and Lisa's either. We have been witness to some astounding tantrums, and acts of utter laziness. The kids are starting to squabble and fight with each other a lot more, and in some ways we can't wait to get home so that we can just put the kids back into a routine with school.
Getting journals done is like extracting teeth. All we have really asked of the kids is that they write down their impressions, thoughts, emotions and some things that they have seen. For two days, we have arrived home late, and therefore have not enforced journal writing. It was hopeful that we could catch up this morning, but this excruciatingly difficult task would take us through until well after 10:30am.
This was a pity as we had some big driving in store today. We wanted to go out to Bathurst, and then stop at the Blue Mountains on the way home. Due to the late start, we rearranged our trip and went to Katoomba first to check in at Scenic World.
Scenic World has some great attractions including the Scenic Cableway which is Australia's steepest cable car. This attraction also boasts Australia's largest cable car which is able to accommodate 84 passengers which descends 215m down to the valley floor.
At the floor, there are 2.8km of elevated board walks throughout the forest, taking in some of the historical sites preserved from when coal was mined from the area.
There were areas where water was seemingly bubbling out of the ground from under a rock creating a small stream, and stunning views no matter which way you looked.
We walked around the longest of the walkways, and climbed the stairs back to the Scenic Railway. On the way we passed an old series of mine shafts, and the original railway that the workers would descend on, and also truck the coal out on. The railway rises 205m, and operates at a pitch of 52 degrees. This is the steepest operating rail in the world. It makes for quite an interesting ride as it travels through 80m of natural limestone tunnel on the way.
The big attraction at Scenic World though is the Three Sisters rock formations, and the beautiful blue haze which gives the mountains their name. The haze is a result of Eucalyptus oil evaporating, and mixing with dust and moisture in the air. It is much more obvious during the Summer with the heat, but Winter has its benefits too. Our viewing distance today was estimated at between 135 and 150km. Pretty cool stuff.
These girls here are the Three Sisters. It is said that their relationship is a bit rocky...it might be because they're always stoned. Sorry...just working on my dad jokes. It's the only real torment I have left for the kids.
There was supposed to be 7 original pillars, but we are a few million years late to see that party, so only the 3 remain. There is a much better view of them across the ravine at Echo Point Lookout. You can get there on attraction number 3.
The third big attraction at Scenic World is the Scenic Skyway. This cable car traverses a 720m wide ravine with a 270m drop to the valley floor. To make it more fun, there are glass tiles on the floor which change from frosted to clear at the flick of a switch. This is a bit unnerving if you have an unnatural fear of heights. I keep saying. Heights are fine, it is the impact at the bottom I have an issue with.
Along the way you pass over the Katoomba falls, and they slow down nicely so we can snap our photos without having to push and shove too much.
On pushing and shoving, I am thoroughly sick of a specific tourist type as well...you guys know who you are...You shout at each other the whole time, usually whilst we are trying to listen to a tour guide or information piece, walk through our photos, stand around gawking at things without concern for anyone else, throw your rubbish on the ground, and are just bloody rude...I'm venting again right...sorry.
We took the Skyway across to the Katoomba precinct and walked down to the Cascades which feed Katoomba falls. They are a shallow series of rockfalls which can only mean disaster for one of our children...water...mud...tree roots...loose rocks...
Anyhow, we walked back down to where the falls drop over the ridge, but failed to get any good photos, because aforementioned tourists were taking a million different pose photos, and didn't think to let anyone else have a look. So we walked around to Echo Point Lookout which must have been hard on young legs, because it was murder on my old knees. That amazing blue haze can be seen in the background of this photo.
We again were hopeful to get a family photo here, but after unsuccessfully trying to photograph Rowan 3 times with a normal look on his face, we gave up in disgust and went back to the skyrail. Our pass today allowed for 2 rides on each attraction, but when we got back we were told that the railway was closed to allow for work on their new attraction. It was pointless going down and up the Cable Car again, so at this point it was decided that we should leave.
Mt Panorama - Bathurst is another 90km West of Katoomba and it was getting on in the afternoon, but we decided to go and hope for the best. The drive out was excruciating with road works holding us back at 60kmh for a great deal of the way.
We pulled into Bathurst around 4:30pm giving us half an hour to find the circuit, have a drive and take some photos.
Thank goodness for street signs, because GPS is completely useless in these situations.
Onto the circuit we drove and did a drive around to scout for good photo ops, and time the lap.
Being a one car race, and strictly enforced radar patrolled roadway, the times were certain to be blisteringly fast. Here's the Prado in pole position waiting for starters orders (She was out of the car taking the photo at the time.)
We accelerated much like custard running off a spoon, and threw the Prado through Hell's Corner and onto Mountain Straight. I changed from second to third gear, and then back to second to keep under 60kmh, and rocketed over the crest passing some idle pedestrians at a blinding pace.
The big beast here almost left the road we came over so quickly, but I wrestled her back under control and sped towards the cutting.
It is difficult to get a feel for the gradient of the climb, and how narrow the cutting is, but the corners are completely blind as you make your way up to Skyline.
Over Skyline we went, with the Esses approaching at an amusing speed. The Prado nimbly skirted the curbing through the Esses, and dropped down through the Dipper and slammed on the brakes running into Forest Elbow. I don't know how I kept the Prado out of the wall, but I deftly flicked her into third and coasted down Conrod Straight daring to inch up to 64kmh at one point before reining the big girl back under control.
I only had The Chase left to traverse before turning back onto Pit Straight and across the start finish line to post my lap time of 6 minutes and 59 seconds.
Now I might point out that the current lap record held by Greg Murphy is 2:06.89. So I only need to shave about 5 minutes off the lap to get close...
Circuit length is 6.213km and rises 174m from pit straight to Skyline.
I don't think I will ever be able to watch the race the same way, and honestly these guys are insane to drive that fast around the circuit. There are lumps and bumps everywhere. Add to the mix some 40 private residences around the circuit, and two way open traffic 24 hours a day, and Mt Panorama is a true street circuit.
Strangely enough this is another must do thing if you can get the time. I think secretly even Lisa enjoyed doing bog laps at Bathurst.
We scoffed down some tea in Kelso, and then spent two and a half hours driving back to the caravan. We actually got home just after 9:00pm tonight, so the kids will be rested tomorrow, but it is now 1:20am so my bed is calling too.
It was a very late night last night for all, so this morning was late in getting underway. Our mission today was to drive to Rita's place for a reuniting of mothers group (And vet school) friends. I had my apprehensions as Rita has 4 children around the same age as ours. Put 7 children together between 1 and 9, and it is a bit like transporting nuclear waste. No matter how much care and preparation, sooner or later there is an accident which causes a global crisis.
From where we are staying in Parklea, it is a fair drive to Wahroonga, and today we were determined to miss out all of the stationary traffic on the toll roads, so we devised a route that looked fairly innocuous on the map. For those of you that have had the pleasure of driving a car in Sydney, you will understand how wrong I was to think that this would be simple. I will never again complain about Perth traffic or West Australian drivers. They are just plain old idiots over here.
We did eventually find her house though with little assistance from the GPS, and a bit of hunting about.
We had a very lovely visit with Rita, although she was in a state of total distraction which I remember well from having children in their infancy. The kids ran, screamed, played, demolished and had in general a pretty good time of the visit there. Ashley even took a liking to their golden retriever Ricki...and Lisa broke the news to me that it's time to get a dog...NOOOOOOOOOO!
Visiting Rita was not without drama though. Rowan got smashed in a door jam whilst the kids were playing hide and seek, and we had commented about the sharp marble corners on the kitchen table earlier in the day. I thought that Chase was just the right height to smash his head on the sharp edge without even knowing it was there...BUT WAIT!
I had forgotten briefly about the ability of my son's head to find sharp and solid objects. What I should have done at the start of the trip was take photos of the different ice packs that we have had to apply to head wounds.
Rowan assures us that he will be ok, but there is a nice bruise, and I'm sure that I saw a small piece of hairy flesh stuck to the bench.
We used better judgement and decided we should get going before we needed an ambulance as the kids were sliding down the stairs face first on couch cushions.
The train station wasn't far from Rita's house, although parking was really difficult as it is a commuter station with only 20 permanent bays.
With only a few minutes to catch the train, we jumped out of the car and got all our gear together...mostly. Ashley's jacket was not with us (Number 3 this week), but at least we know where he left this one. The tears came again, as well as the complaints of being cold already and could we go back and get it.
Fortunately, we didn't miss our train, but we arrived with only a minute to spare. I think the past couple of days have taken their toll on Rowan especially. Late nights, and early wake up courtesy of an older brother has meant not enough sleep for a few days now. He appears to be catching up where he can...and he is so cute when he's sleeping.
The train from Wahroonga travels over the Harbour Bridge which was cool as I was on my way to the Bridge Climb, and Lisa was going on with the kids to Darling Harbour.
My stop was Wyndana, and Lisa would continue to Town Hall, so here is where the blog will split as I have no commentary on what the kids were doing. I will continue with my day first though.
On the map, it appeared that Wyndana station was fairly close to the bridge climb. Maps are quite deceiving though. The walk / jog back to the bridge climb was through a maze of streets in the rocks, and involved a small amount of mountaineering. I was quite rushed for time to make my tour group, so on arrival I was sweating and cramping in the calves from all of the hill and stair climbing. I had some reservations about recovering in time for what was to lay ahead of me,
The Bridge Climb staff are brilliant, friendly and helpful to a fault. Lonely Planet Guide rates the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb as number 7 in the worlds top heart pounding experiences, and to be sure it didn't disappoint.
Before the climb, you are marshalled into a room (indemnity) and breathalysed. From there they take you through to suit up and prepare for the climb.
Everyone wears the funky coveralls, which have elasticised cuffs and ankles to prevent anything loose from falling.
From there, there is harnessing, accessories (beanie, gloves, fleece jacket, head torch, lanyards for glasses etc,) and the tour radio inserted into the belt or clipped onto the anchor points on the suit. There is also a practise set of ladders that must be accomplished prior to commencing the climb.
I had booked on the sunset climb, which cost a bit more, but was worth the spend for the views.
We began by walking along a long span of gantry some 60m above the road to the South Eastern tower. Inside the tower we had to traverse a series of ladders to get ourselves up onto the top arch of the bridge. once on the top arch of the bridge, the steps followed the arch in a gentle curve to the summit.
Along the way our guide (John) was very entertaining, and told us about the history, and construction of the bridge, along with commentary of the sights around the harbour, and the history of Sydney Cove and the first settlers.
The sunset was a glorious splash of reds and golds over the Blue Mountains. The reflections up the Paramatta River made for quite a sight. We lingered at the summit for around 20 minutes before commencing our descent down the Western Arch. The city lights were taking hold in the twilight darkness, and there was a steady stream of traffic flowing along the bridge making the descent quite surreal.
There were ladders going back down the South West Arch which descended between the railway lines. I was fortunate enough to have simultaneous trains passing me whilst I descended through track level to make the ladder just that little bit more treacherous.
As we traversed the span back to the Bridge Climb Base, we were afforded a magnificent sight of the full moon rising over the Opera House. The moon was golden, and at times shrouded in wispy clouds.
The Bridge Climb was truly one of the best experiences of the trip so far, and will be something that I remember for the rest of my life.
Lisa and the kids were waiting for me at the Base, and their story is as follows:
Our trip to Darling Harbour was a little easier since we had done it before from Town Centre Station and knew where we were going. The Darling Quarter Green is a huge area of public space of which most is an enormous children's playground. There are swings, many slides, sand, water features, a flying fox, rope swings and several large rope climbing frames including two huge pyramid webs.
The kids all had an absolute ball doing the most death defying stunts while I tried not to look. Rowan called out "Look Mum, no hands!" and I did look, to find him at the very top of the largest pyramid with arms outstretched into the air. He's such a daredevil.
After an hour of playing it was time to move on to the Sydney Aquarium, down on the harbour itself, next door to the Wax Museum. We weren't originally going to go but it came as a 3 for one deal with the Tower and Madame Tussauds so we couldn't waste the tickets. On the walk down we found the brolga statues and were able to look at their dance in the daylight. The kids decided to dance with them.
It is an impressive aquarium along the lines of Perth's AQWA but perhaps not as elegant. Then again, they were in the process of refurbishing and the presence of false walls and the sound of machinery and construction probably didn't help the experience. Their dugong exhibit was full of sharks instead, as the dugongs are very sensitive to change and can't handle all the noise so I must admit I was a little disappointed. The platypus were all hiding as well. However, the children ran around the place in rapt amazement.
They each had a trash/treasure map with pirate junk (hat/sword/telescope/challis/ship's wheel - you get the picture) which they had to find and match up to each area of the exhibit. They had a ball spotting the telescope in an aquarium, a hat in the touch pool and a message in a bottle in the platypus enclosure. Their reward for completing this task was literally a handful of chocolate gold coins at the end, so they were highly motivated.
There were an astonishing array of aquariums highlighting the various local river systems with lots of native fish species and we came up close to a sizable barramundi. We watched the rays being fed and were able to examine and touch jaws from sharks and rays to compare their teeth. The kids loved the grinding plates on the rays and pointed them out in the large walk through shark aquarium later on. The moon jellyfish are also a favourite at AQWA so we had to pose for a photo with these ones.
We met some of the largest crabs in the world in their "Claw" exhibit. Those things were like something out of a science fiction movie. Ashley loved them. Their legs grow as long as Rowan is tall - we know because we measured him against a wall. He's getting good at that. Emma enjoyed all the little crabs. I think she misses her 'hermies'. She was also very excited to find several large unicorn fish and squealed every time she saw one.
The shining highlight was their huge Great Barrier Reef aquarium. Floor to ceiling glass occupying an area approximately 10 x 30m full of coral encrusted reef, tropical fish and sharks. There were several areas that you could walk through with water above and below you as shoals of fish swam around and saw toothed sharks rested above your head. You really felt as if you were a diver.
We had reached saturation point by 5:30pm so walked to the ferry terminal. There was a half hour wait for the next on to Circular Quay so we decided to walk to the rocks. We had a map, how hard could it be? Well, in the dark with 3 small children it is easy to get turned around.
Luckily some very kind locals took pity on me and helped turn us in the right direction. After a half hour walk we finally made it to the bridge climb and then waited another half an hour for Rob to finish. Sigh, if only we had waited for that ferry.
So at this point we all came back together as a family, and Lisa was in woozy I need to eat now mode.
We strolled through the Rocks District checking out the cafes and restaurants along the alley ways. Typical high end cafe fare and pricing with nothing suitable for the kids. Down in Circular Quay, we found India on the Quay and settled in for a hearty meal as their only patrons when we entered.
Aside from the waitress not speaking any English, and having to take the menu off me to write down our orders, the meal was fantastic. Probably the best meat samosa I have ever tasted.
We stopped for more gellato on the way out, and indulged way too much. It was after 9:30pm, and we still had 40 minutes on the train to travel back to Wahroonga where we were required to drive back to Rita's house to collect Ashley's only remaining jacket from her front porch.
Even without traffic, we didn't arrive back at the caravan until 10:40pm. There would be no showers, and after hurling the kids into bed, Lisa and I crashed as well. No journal last night obviously...too tired.
After a marathon journal writing session last night, and squeezing in a meagre 4 hours sleep, it was back in the car this morning to get to the ferry on time. The temper was much shorter today though...go figure. Even though we woke earlier, and got ourselves organised, we still had to wait for lagging children and managed to miss the ferry by two minutes.
It was a brief wait for the next one, so we sat in the sunshine, trying to warm our chilled bones. The ferry ride in was a lot more crowded, but the sun was out, so the views of Sydney were awesome coming into Circular Quay.
Lisa and I had taken the time to plan out our adventures for today, so we could be a bit more organised. Our first stop was a walk up through the rocks. Although there has been a lot of development through the area, and several times they have tried to demolish the old buildings, the community has rallied around and preserved this very historic site. In a couple of places they are excavating the original buildings from beneath the newer ones.
We went to The Rocks Discovery Centre which was full of interactive displays and information on the settlement, and early life at Sydney Harbour.
We continued on from the Discovery Centre down the Nurse's Walk, and up through the historical sites. The photos are foundations and original walls of dwellings from the turn of last century. It was quite sobering to sit at a table next to a hearth that would have been used over 100 years ago.
We meandered our way up and down stairs, in and out of doorways and all over place in general terms. I think we knew we were in for a long day when Lisa snapped this gem of the kids. The time was 11:00am.
It is a pity that they only seem to find their energy when there are treats or theme parks involved.
We continued our walk, up to the Harbour Bridge Pylon Lookout, and then made our way back to Circular Quay in time to catch the Manly Ferry.
The Manly Ferry is a lovely old vessel, and afforded us fantastic views of the Harbour Bridge, and the Sydney Opera House from the Eastern side, as well as tracking very close to Fort Dennison which is happily sat in the middle of the harbour like a wart on a frogs butt.
As we tracked down the harbour towards open water, we were warned that there was an unusually large swell, and that we were likely to get wet if we stayed up on the upper deck in the open air. They weren't kidding either.
We exited the safety of the harbour, and encountered huge swells that made the ferry pitch and roll quite wildly. Ashley went an instant shade of light green, which he blamed on reflection from the green seat cushions.
There were amazing views to the South Head of waves crashing over the rocks and sending surf and spray metres into the air. The views of the Cliffs on North Head were much the same with the swell coming in at 3-5m.
We did manage to arrive in Manly eventually, and took a walk up the mall towards the beach. A quick stop at the Manly Bakery saw us all fed and string of sea gulls following Rowan up the mall in hope of him leaving morsels behind.
I know that Bondi Beach isn't much more than a big name beach, and doesn't have the WOW appeal of some beaches, so I was hopeful to get that sense of awe from Manly Beach.
The sand was very yellow, and the swell was so bad that the lifeguards had shut the beach for swimming. There were huge waves, coming in which made for great surfing, but didn't make being on the beach much fun.
Lisa and I decided that we should get back on the ferry and return to Sydney, but it took us ages to call the kids off the beach. One or two more delays with thirst and shoelaces undone, saw us watching the ferry pull away as we entered the terminal. **SIGH**
Whilst we waited for the next ferry, we found a very delectable Gellato purveyor, and got ourselves a treat...and one for the kids as well. The trip back was uneventful, and we went straight across to the train station to head back to Darling Harbour.
The kids had a bit of a play in the huge playground before we trekked around to the Maritime Museum. It was just after 3:30pm when we arrived there, and we decided that we just didn't have enough time to go in as they close the ship gangways at 4:10pm. Unfortunately for us we are not going to be able to find time to get back with all of the other things that we want to do, so we have to just let that one go.
Walking back around Darling Harbour we took in the sights of all of the artworks and fountains. There are some amazing works of art, which have interesting effects in the space that they are in.
This fountain when it is moving looks like a galaxy of stars swirling around the ball in the middle. We all really liked this one. The water is no more than a centimetre deep, but the effect is fantastic.
Our final stop today was to be Madam Tussaud's Wax Museum. By this time we had pretty much had enough of whinging, arguing and hitting, so mum and dad were more inclined to go to the pub, but we put on brave faces and went in anyway.
Here's a picture of the family in the oval office telling Obama how to fix the deficit. We offered him our PM, but you can see his response to that. Oh well, I tried.
It took Lisa and I a little while to get into the spirit of Madame Tussaud's, but we ignored the munchkins and had some fun.
SANDY!
Can you pick the famous people in this photo? Never mind Barnesy and Farnsy, I'm talking about the psycho drummer with the mullet down the back.
Don't know who this guy was, but I had to post it...It was just the VIBE of it!
I don't know if Lisa was trying to mimic old Albert here, or just staring at the kids.
Any guesses who Lisa's favourite actor is? Watch out...It's pointy. Check out the way she's fondling those biceps. I'm not envious at all...much...really.
It didn't matter though, because I was busy being interviewed by Rove. I was entertaining him with witty repertoire about Rowan's accidents.
I believe you will be able to catch this interview on your local network. It went to air last night...let me know if you saw it.
Of all of the photos we took whilst on the Priscilla Queen of the Desert set, this is the one that Lisa insists I use. I don't know why. Maybe she has dark fettishes of me dressing in drag and singing show tunes.
At first I was afraid, I was petrified
Kept thinking I could never live
without you by my side.
But then I spent so many nights
thinking how you did me wrong
And I grew strong,
And I learned how to get along.
On the way out, we came across some A-listers including Cate Blanchett, Brad and Angelina, Miranda Kerr, Lady Gaga and the Body herself. Now guys, we have all thought it, but it takes the innocence of a child to bring out our desires. Good on ya Rowan. You almost needed a step ladder to get at those.
It was back to the ferry after Madame Tussaud's, and we hopped on after the sun had set. The temperature had dropped to almost freezing, which was awesome, as there were no seats left inside, so we herded our kids to the roof deck to sit in the wind. That only lasted for two stops, and we retreated to the warmth inside the cabin when there was room for us to sit.
We didn't get back home until 9:00pm, so the kids ate a very late dinner. I fell asleep trying to look at the photo's. So it was an early / late night for me. Going to need my energy tomorrow...
Getting journals done is like extracting teeth. All we have really asked of the kids is that they write down their impressions, thoughts, emotions and some things that they have seen. For two days, we have arrived home late, and therefore have not enforced journal writing. It was hopeful that we could catch up this morning, but this excruciatingly difficult task would take us through until well after 10:30am. 
Scenic World has some great attractions including the Scenic Cableway which is Australia's steepest cable car. This attraction also boasts Australia's largest cable car which is able to accommodate 84 passengers which descends 215m down to the valley floor. 
We walked around the longest of the walkways, and climbed the stairs back to the Scenic Railway. On the way we passed an old series of mine shafts, and the original railway that the workers would descend on, and also truck the coal out on. The railway rises 205m, and operates at a pitch of 52 degrees. This is the steepest operating rail in the world. It makes for quite an interesting ride as it travels through 80m of natural limestone tunnel on the way.
These girls here are the Three Sisters. It is said that their relationship is a bit rocky...it might be because they're always stoned. Sorry...just working on my dad jokes. It's the only real torment I have left for the kids.
The third big attraction at Scenic World is the Scenic Skyway. This cable car traverses a 720m wide ravine with a 270m drop to the valley floor. To make it more fun, there are glass tiles on the floor which change from frosted to clear at the flick of a switch. This is a bit unnerving if you have an unnatural fear of heights. I keep saying. Heights are fine, it is the impact at the bottom I have an issue with.
Along the way you pass over the Katoomba falls, and they slow down nicely so we can snap our photos without having to push and shove too much.
We took the Skyway across to the Katoomba precinct and walked down to the Cascades which feed Katoomba falls. They are a shallow series of rockfalls which can only mean disaster for one of our children...water...mud...tree roots...loose rocks...
Mt Panorama - Bathurst is another 90km West of Katoomba and it was getting on in the afternoon, but we decided to go and hope for the best. The drive out was excruciating with road works holding us back at 60kmh for a great deal of the way.
Onto the circuit we drove and did a drive around to scout for good photo ops, and time the lap.
We accelerated much like custard running off a spoon, and threw the Prado through Hell's Corner and onto Mountain Straight. I changed from second to third gear, and then back to second to keep under 60kmh, and rocketed over the crest passing some idle pedestrians at a blinding pace.
It is difficult to get a feel for the gradient of the climb, and how narrow the cutting is, but the corners are completely blind as you make your way up to Skyline. 
I only had The Chase left to traverse before turning back onto Pit Straight and across the start finish line to post my lap time of 6 minutes and 59 seconds.
I don't think I will ever be able to watch the race the same way, and honestly these guys are insane to drive that fast around the circuit. There are lumps and bumps everywhere. Add to the mix some 40 private residences around the circuit, and two way open traffic 24 hours a day, and Mt Panorama is a true street circuit. 
