Back from the Mountains!

We're back! Just a few hours ago we returned from the Blue Mountains. We'd like to head straight back; we're not made for city life!!
We stayed at the Jemby-Rinjah Eco lodge, outside of Blackheath. Blackheath is a little blip on the radar screen about two hours outside of Sydney by train. The JRL is designed to carefully fit into the natural environment, which is the middle of the Australian bush!
Our cabin looked a bit sketchy from the outside, but inside it was pure luxury! It was all wood, but still with large windows. We had a little kichenette and living area and the world's coziest bed. ZZZZZZZ!!
One of the best parts of the trip was the Jemby-Rinjahs! That's the local Aboriginal word for the kind of parrot that lives in the local bush. Apparently, in 1987, the owner of the lodge decided to try feeding the birds; the idea eventurally caught on and the birds will now appear on cue at 8:30 every morning.
This morning we went to the clearing where the birds appear. We were greeted by an absolutely adorable 6 year old British boy who asked if we were waiting for the birds. We said we were and a little conversation sprung up. We asked if he'd ever been to Australia before, and if he had seen any kangaroos. When he said he had, Mike asked if he'd seen any joeys in the mamas' pouches.
"No," Mr. Precocious said. "It's the wrong season. They'll be born in spring."
!!!!!!!! (He made Mike feel stupid...)
Anyway, if the visitors show up at 8:30 with the birds, you'll be given the chance to feed them, too. You take a handful of sunflower seeds and hold still, and look what happens:









They tickle :-)

Yesterday we went for a hike in Australia's Grand Canyon. It's not nearly as big a hole in the ground as the US's, but still picturesque nonetheless. You can easily climb all the way to the canyon floor and hop around amongst the muddy stones. It's actually very bizarre--going down, you're clearly in a rainforest-bushy sort of place. Rocks are covered in slimy moss, the trees drip on you and you slide through mud everywhere. But then you cross the river and start climbing up the other side and are transported into desert--the plants change and everything is covered in a thin film of dust. I enjoyed the dusty part better--probably because it reminded me more of home!

Proof that it was gorgeous:




These pictures to me clearly Look Like Australia. I am slowly becoming to realize that yes, I really am in another country, not to mention continent! Even the wind sounds different out here, because none of the trees are the same.

At night it was completely dark and completely silent. We had to use a flashlight to get back from dinner, but we saw more stars than I've ever seen anywhere (even Virginia Dale, Kacky!!). Even if I had known what southern constellations to look for, I'd have never known where to start with these. The Milky Way was RIGHT THERE but even when you turned around, the stars would be shining all around through the trees. It was quite amazing.

Needless to say, we want to go back SOON! Other upcoming adventures, though, include a trip to Tasmania with Mike's parents and, with any luck, a trip to Uluru and the Olgas over our winter break (that's 6 weeks long!!!) Stay tuned!!!!! More thrilling adventures to come!!

~Ruth Ann