Day Two - Monday 8th July
Katoomba
We woke early to make full use of the motel breakfast and weren't disappointed! Plenty of my favourites on offer, including hash browns, mini pancakes and cheesy fried tomatoes.
After (reluctantly on my part) leaving the motel, we visited a chemist to re-stock our depleted first-aid kit (due to Elly's malfunctioning finger) and then drove a little way out of the town to Katoomba Falls Tourist Park. I was more than a little dubious about camping in the minus numbers but the friendly lady at reception assured me they have had the "occasional person who's braved it." That seemed to be enough evidence for Elliot so I quickly found myself pitching our tent on plot 16 (unpowered). We had a re-jig of the car, a change of clothes and set off for one of the many walking trails that surround the Three Sisters and various waterfalls in the area. Elliot is still rocking the shorts, even though its extremely cold! You can take the boy out of Manly...
Marvelling at just how close we were to the cliffs and glorious views, we meandered our way past Katoomba Falls to Echo Point for a wonderful look at the Three Sisters. Wanting to move a little further off the beaten track (what with it being school holidays), we opted to take the 900+ steps down the Giant Stairway. Despite the warnings 'very steep, strong walkers only', we came across plenty of parents opting to take their young children down the treacherous path literally cut into the rock. It was well worth it, as we managed to get right up to the first Sister, before plunging ever further into the Leura Forest. We chose to carry on walking until we hit the scenic railway; which at 52• is the steepest in the world, and the highest in Australia. We ascended the Furber Stairs, with a quick detour to the falls and a view to die for.
After almost 4 hours of heavy walking, we made it back to the top, and had a snack at the kiosk. Deciding we should probably find a supermarket and some food before it got dark (around 5pm), we headed to Coles for some camping favourites (trail mix, dairylea and lots of chocolate).
I suffer in the cold, and opted to stay in the car once we arrived back at the campsite while Elly tried out our new gas cooker. After a warming mug of Lady Grey, I felt ready to brave the outdoors again, and ran up to the kitchen area to cook our dinner. There seem to be plenty of other English couples around, most of whom appear to be staying in their rented camper-vans. We have been assured that sleeping in a car is "like a fridge" and that tents are much warmer. I guess we'll find out in the morning; maybe we can compare frost bite.
A big group showed up while we were out to camp unpowered near us. I take solace in the knowledge that we aren't the only nutters to attempt this. I am currently wearing 3 layers and am attempting to keep warm in my sleeping bag (Elliot is apparently unaffected). Hopefully the trip doesn't end here...