THE 2015 FINALE: GOING DOWN?

I had just two full days in Sydney after Tasmania,and had a tip from a friend to do the Giant Staircase up in the Blue Mountains.  This low range of mountains is about 2 hours by train out of Sydney and is weird for a mountain range in that all of the developments are on the top, and all of the parks and wilderness are down from the top ridges.

So, to access the wild areas, you go down.  Like, in this case 900 steps down!  Now, with my fear of heights and trouble negotiating any steps even to/from my office, doing 900 very steep, scary, exposed on the side of a cliff steps down was terrifying.  But, there were good railings, and I hung on for dear life and tried very hard to not “see” what was exposed beneath the metal grid steps. Ever done something where you needed to see where you were going but you sort of did not “see” it?  Because, if I would have really looked, I am sure I would have totally freaked out.  We are talking straight down the side of a cliff.

But, a part of why this trip has been so good is I had situations where I had to confront my fears and I did overcome them.  We all know that is a good feeling, but chiefly when the ordeal is done.  Not during it!

Maybe earlier in the trip, I would have gone back up the stairs.  It would have been great exercise, but it was really muggy, and I was wringing wet just going down, so I chose to hike the 2 miles or so on the flat trail to the cog railway to go back up.

With this, I have effectively ended my Australia journey and blog.  I hope that you have enjoyed reading about it and seeing the photos.  It has been fun preparing the posts.  Enjoy the shots and comments below.

The Three Sisters formation, Katoomba, Blue Mountains.

Typical view down into the forests of the Blue Mountains

 

The grand entrance to the Grand Staircase which was initially constructed in 1932

 

Final view from the top.

The beginning……..You have got to be kidding! Worn slippery 85 year old stone steps  Then a metal staircase that I cannot even see the steps due to the angle. OMG.

The bridge over to a Sister. Yes, I did that as well, after a long wait for their innumerable selfies.

 

This is essentially what I am working my way downward.  OMG

 

Hey, an easier stretch.  Well, sort of.

 

Why is this shot here? To brag about my steady shooting hand, even though I am shaking like a leaf.

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Are we half way yet?  How would I know?  I sure was too occupied hanging on to be counting down from 900.

 

You have got to be kidding.I was just up on that?  OMG

 

An exciting spot. The sign at the base of the steps. I made it.

 

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