Hey to all,

Well I have been chastised but my lovely parents for not updating this for a at least 3 days so thought had better update you all on where we are now.

Since my last blog we went t ipswich and I think frankly the less said about that the better- we're thinking of renaming it to "town of crap with great brochure" but at least we got apicture of the sign!

We then headed to Byron Bay which was a great little coastal town with amazing beaches and shops etc. It's not pretty cold so it was a briskpower walk there then back on the road to Port Stephens where we went on an expedition to find some dolphins with our friendly skipper! We saw loads and then lounged on the boat. The skipper (captain for those of you not as wordly as me) then invited all kids to come have a piccie at the steer. We must have looked a little too eager as he then invited us in and we had a great moment wearing the child size captains hat and driving the boat!

We spent the day in Newcastle which again was not too great but had an amazing walk out on a jetty type thing into the sea - very cold!

Finally we have just spent the last few days up in the Blue Mountains outside Sydney which are absolutely beautiful! We were told that it was yulefest up there where because it's winter time they have a mid season christmas with food, decorations etc. After gearing our selves up for some christmas joy however we couldn't notice anything different except for lots of signs telling us it was yule fest!

We even avoided the temptation to drive to the lookout points and went hiking with our macs and rucksacks through the cliffs which really are beautiful. Looking back up the cliffs we decided that there was a limit to how much pain any holiday should cause and decided to get the train up. The train in the picture is the steepest finicular (no way I spelt that right) train in the world and I am sure had great views. I had my eyes closed the whole way so would not know, but sure Emma will show me some pictures later! Finally we hopped on the syway which goes horizontally across the mountains with a glass bottom and gave amazing views. Unfortunately we were stuck inside the small box with themost annoying people on earth including 2 american girls who thought the whole thing was "ridunculous" (is that even a word?)and really not as dangerous as they were expecting. I was happy to chuck them out into the mountains if that would have helped!!!

Just been reading all my messages etc on my pictures - John and David, wanted to apologise for us wearing too much and appreciate your concerns about my health but it's winter here, and you guys are far warmer tha us trust me so the layers are just getting thicker!!:)

Love to everyone

Em xx