Explorers Trail - Penrith to Lawson; Above the Clouds - Wentworth Falls, Katoomba, Leura;
Top of the Range - Medlow Bath, Blackheath, Mt Victoria; Western Foothills - Hartley, Jenolan Caves, Lithgow, Oberon; Gold & Wine - Bathurst, Sofala, Mudgee Gulgong; Treasure Trail - Bells Line of Rd & Hawkesbury
A Spectacular World Heritage Wilderness ~ on Sydney's doorstep
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Winter Would...
Near thewoodpile, footsteps crunch the frost. It lies, deep and shadowed, in its own private places, refusing to rise until midday. The wood smoke sees things differently. It will rise early but only very slowly, twisting reluctantly upwards,
painting the morning skyline in languid twists of grey, gold and the palest purple. If only its aroma could be painted, too.
The small birds still hop from cover to cover, asking each other where the milk bottles went. A good enough reason to bring back milk bottles, surely? They’ll have to break the ice in the water container left near the shed by the gardener, who understands these things. Mountain life, even in winter, builds ties with nature. Especially, perhaps, in winter.
In the afternoon the locals plod off to the shops and nod, knowingly. There’ll be snow tonight. Look at those clouds. An afternoon snow cloud over the Kanimbla freezes colour itself.
Often, though, the snowfalls arrive unexpectedly and visitors and residents awake to stillness and a pristine white carpet, set against the bluest sky imaginable. There is nothing in nature’s collection to equal a fresh snowfall. Toboggans are magically fashioned from old cardboard boxes.
Couples and families stroll in the chill, delicious air. Children and adults enjoy glimpses of nature seldom seen in the southern land. Except here.
If it could, winter would bring these gifts throughout the year. Already, though, new buds are forming and the jonquils are out. Enjoy the Yule Season, while it stays. Welcome.
Nature’s colours and aromas —
Winter in the Blue Mountains
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