We arrived at katoomba (the heart of the blue mountains) at midday after getting a local train from sydney as its counted as a suburb (even though its 100km (60miles) away!!) and we first discovered that its very hilly (i know 'mountain' should of given me a clue) and we got to the YHA after a long walk up a hill with our bags but we got booked in sraight away which was great (they've all been good in this regard) and so we crashed for a couple of hours and then went for lunch. We went to this place called Hatters and it was fantastic the staff were great and bread and butter pudding - divine!!!

We booked an absailing/climbing trip for the next day and then wandered about - went on a skyrail over the mountains and walked to the falls both were great views.

The next day we started early and made our way down to the site with two expert climbers ands started lightly with a 5m absail - Fine, we then moved to a more difficult 10m absail - Fine, then we tried the 'big one' 25m absail. jem went first and she looked bloody far away down there!! and we had to jump off a ledge to get on the absail!! Climbing was after a great lunch and we did well we had to 'trust' our shoes alot as this gives you the grip but we were nervous having nothing to hold on to with your hands for some of the sections, but we made it to the top of the first (10m) and most of the way up the second but we couldn't manage the overhang!! We got back to town in time for one hell of a thunderstorm and that was great in its self.

The next day we decided to go for a walk around and so we wandered out to the observing platform and took in some sights with the clouds in the valley - it was v. scenic. then we took on the medium walk which was decending to the valley down 900 steps (very steep) and then walking along the valley floor untill we got on the railway which takes you back up! this railway is the steepest in the world at 52° - you have to start the trip laying down so that you sit up going up!! Got some great photos and took in some great views!