WALKING THE CLOTHES HANGER

That is the nickname for the famous Sydney Harbor bridge that we all see in shots of Sydney and at New Year’s Eve each year.  This giant bridge dates from 1932 and is an easy walk with great views of the harbor and the city.  I do not think you appreciate the scale and massiveness of it until you are on it. It supports 6 traffic lanes, 2 railroad tracks and a large walking path, and really does not move even when trains go by.

The following day, I ventured up into the Blue Mountains to the tiny village of Mt. Victoria located pretty much at the pass before you go into the dryer side that  eventually becomes the Outback.  The pass is about the same elevation as Snoqualamie, and about as far from the center of the city.  If we had a similar commuter train system, it would be like going as far as Ellensburg every hour or so with countless stops in between.  My plan was to go up, walk to the viewpoint, get lunch and come back. But, when I said Mt. Victoria was tiny, well it was.  What few establishments there were only opened on weekends, so for Tuesday, there was nothing.

Today, I start the Indian Pacific train trip across Australia to Perth.  It is the same as what I did last year, but this time, they only had larger 2 person sized cabins available.  Too bad.  I will miss the planning involved to get into position to open my door to get out of my little roomette.  (You really did have to maneuver and think due to the tiny room size.)  So today will be like a suite. Well sort of.  I will be back on line this weekend with thoughts about the great outback.

The Sydney harbor bridge

Sydney skyline with the “Rocks” close up. This is the historic site of the original settlement. And, yes, a giant cruise ship.

Just an iconic Sydney view

An interesting view of the arches of the bridge

Looking up

Santa is made up totally of beverage crates. Pretty well done!

The front entrance to the Westin. A very nice restoration of the old post office, turned into a hotel.

A late blooming Rhododendron in Mt. Victoria. Probably due to the higher elevation and thus later spring?  Today is about the equivalent of our Memorial Day in late May.

The view from Mt. Piddington into the Blue Mtns.

Yes, that is a bird flying over the view