Blue Mountains- 6 Foot Track

During the first night I met Kerryn not only did we talk about hanging out over the blues festival but she also invited me on a trek to the blue mtns straight after getting back from Byron. I jumped on the opportunity to get out into the wild for a few days and get some needed hiking and exploring in. After the long drive back down to Newy on Tuesday, I was dropped off at home to switch out my backpack, take a quick shower and then head down to Sydney that same night with just Kerryn. The purpose of the 3 day hike on the 6 foot track was to train for the Kokoda Trek her and 8 others are planing to do in July. Its a 9 day hike across Papua New Guinea that is filled with history of the war between Australia and Japan. We stayed the night at one of the guys' house along with the other 4 hikers and got up early the next morning to arrange the cars and get to the trailhead in Katoomba. Our group was comprised of Simon, Jason, JT, Bindy, Kerryn, and myself. Of course, everyone here has nicknames so in the same order its Simo, Jase, Bindo/Bin, JT, and Kazza. I was also appointed a new Aussie nickname of Shazza. Some others who are going on the Kokoda Trek were unable to make it for the Blue Mtn training. We stayed up pretty late when in Sydney and it was great to finally meet a group of people who I have so much in common with. They are all so laid back and thoroughly enjoy the outdoors. They were very welcoming to me and already started to try and convince me to join them for the Kokoda trip. I started considering it straight away after hearing them talk and plan for it. 

The next 3 days were fantastic. It was such a breath of fresh air (literally and figuratively) to have met these new friends and get out into the wild. In total the hike was 45 Km, but the longest day was day 2 and it was straight up hill nearly the entire day. Good training for Kokoda as the entire track is up or down as well. Over the course of the 3 days we hiked through a rainforest, dense forest, rolling hills, pastures, and had amazing views of the mountains in between it all. 

Our first nights camp was on a river and we had it all to ourselves. Had to cross this very long but narrow suspension bridge to cross the river one at a time. Set up camp and then we all had a swim in the cold water. The second night was a more proper camp site with a few other trekkers but still fun nonetheless. We ate really well, much better than I would have expected. All the food added some significant weight to my pack but man it tasted good each night after a long day. 

We ended our hike at Jenolan Caves which is only reachable by driving through part of the caves that have been blown up to get cars through or hike like we did. We got in just before noon, had lunch and a much deserved beer. Simo and Jas drove back to Katoomba to get the other car so Kerryn, Bindo, JT and I had time to explore the caves. Was quite a site, something I don't know how to explain so will just have to post pics. 

I'm nearly certain that I will try and do the Kokoda trip in July. The only hold up, as always, is the financial aspect. The trip costs nearly $3000AU which is an expense I didn't anticipate. Sometimes though life presents opportunities and with all the factors I don't think I can let this one pass me up. It would be the trip of a lifetime with a great group of Aussies. 

Other than an epic last week I've been keeping busy working at the pet shop and now I'm going to start looking for another job to help me afford the Kokoda Trek. This Saturday is ANZAC day which is similar to US Veterans day. I'm going to a dawn memorial service at Knobby's Beach Saturday morning, work a few hours in the afternoon then hit up the pub to catch up with most everyone else who doesn't have to work. 

Well, that should catch you up! Hope everyone is doing well back home. Mom tell Cam I wish her a happy belated 40th birthday, I thought of her all day on the 11th. She's the most amazing horse :) 

Cheers