When we left Cowra we had planned to stop over in Bathurst before traveling over the Blue Mountains and down to Penrith. Because we know Bathurst, instead we journeyed an additional 50km to Lithgow, which is about 150kms from central Sydney. And oh what a cold place, at 950m above sea level. Whilst we know the Blue Mountains well, we have never ventured that little bit further to Lithgow. This is the centre of a coal mining district, with 2 coal powered power stations nearby. Some of you may know some of the attractions close by – the Zigzag Railway, The Jenolan Caves and Glen Davis in the Capertree Valley. the second largest canyon in the world. We enjoyed an afternoon of walking all around the township and then visiting Hassans Walls, which is the highest lookout in the Blue Mountains at 1100m above sea level, looking over Mts Wilson, York, Tarana and Blaxland and the whole of the Hartley Valley.

Overlooking the valley from Hassans Walls

It is spectacular, looking down on the highway, with huge trucks looking like ants, and across the massive valley with its beautiful autumn and early winter colours.

We stayed at the Lithgow camp ground – what we didn’t know – its right beside a train line….and we like quiet, so you can just imagine, trains flying by during the night. Mmmmm, not ideal the night before driving through heavy traffic over the mountains and into Penrith the next day.

The whole time we lived in Sydney, there were always road works somewhere in the Blue Moutains. We commented before we set off, that surely the road must now be free of any maintenance. Oh how silly we were. Just 5kms after we set off they started, and with narrow lanes and trucks in all directions it was a fun trip! The motor has never worked so hard, once we went up we then had 50kms of downhill, all using the gears. Yes, it was a slow trip, but oh the joy when we got to Penrith and opened the door to 20 degrees! We haven’t had 20 degrees since we were in WA and near the Margaret River region, so what a treat. After calling into the RV centre in Penrith we headed to Vineyard, which has been our base since Monday. Vineyard is a little east of the historical town of Windsor, offering a 50 acre caravan park set well away from the main traffic routes. We are right at the back, overlooking a lake.

Since being here we have caught up with friends, had the Suzuki serviced and completed a full external and internal spring clean. On our first afternoon it was actually shorts and t-shirt weather, great for cleaning the little Suzuki. We drove to Dural, where we lived for our last 13 years in Sydney to see our wonderful neighbours – the best neighbours you could ever have (you know, those that care-take your house and mow your lawns and do your gardens, cook you (read that as Steve) cakes for morning tea and have you over for Saturday afternoon wine in the garden).

Eddie, Bettina and Steve, with number 7 in the background

Eddie and Bettina are well and were heading off the next day for 6 weeks in Vienna, where their daughters live. We popped into number 7 to drop off wine as thanks for forwarding the occasional letter, and both came away with no signs of nostalgia. The new owners have their way of looking after the property, but let’s say the love and attention we gave don’t seem to be forthcoming!

On Friday I caught the train to the CBD and enjoyed a wonderful day catching up with just a few of my friends, as well as calling in to see some of my friends and colleagues at Rubicor. It was super to see them all, and see how well they are….and no I didn’t want to join them. What I did find hard was walking passed all of the stunning windows of the international and local fashion brands. I gritted my teeth, looked, in some cases lusted and then walked on, oh what control I exercised.

Yesterday we spent a few hours in historical Windsor, first settled in 1791. The town of Windsor sits on the banks of the Hawkesbury River. There are many heritage buildings, a delightful river walk and nick knack shops to potter in and out of. This is also the home of the oldest pub in Australia, the Macquarie Arms….we may have been seen sitting in the garden a few times over the years!

The pub at Windsor

Today we drove to Balmoral Beach on the lower North Shore, where we have spent many a Saturday or Sunday walking, soaking up the atmosphere and enjoying a light lunch on the waters edge. And what a stunning afternoon it was, after a fog bound morning here in the west.

Now that’s a super day

We watched yachts sailing out by the heads and venturing out from the inner harbour, kayakers, a wedding or two, walkers and swimmers galore, and those who chose to sit, relax and people watch. We enjoyed lunch by the beach and then spent time with our gorgeous friend Simone who lives in Mosman and who many years ago was my secretary, also helping Steve with his marketing work at Eco-Escapes. It was so peaceful sitting on her balcony with a coffee looking down onto Balmoral Beach on a sunny Sunday afternoon. Then it was back to reality and back into the traffic to head west and back to Vineyard. One thing I must comment on – the road tolls for the return trip……over $30.00. I used to pay $20 a day 2 years ago, and more when flying. It’s just not affordable for most people.

Tomorrow we head north, on our journey back to the Sunshine Coast. Not sure where to, that’s the surprise for the day.