Get taken for a ride .... on a train to the Blue Mountains!

I took a train to the Blue Mountains for the first time the other day.  It was very pleasant! So much better than speeding through the countryside behind the wheel of car fighting with traffic. The air-conditioned train left Central Station on time and sped through suburbs. The scenery changed dramatically as the train left the outlying towns of Penrith and Emu Plains and started climbing up the mountain. Between Lapstone and Glenbrook I saw magnificent deep gorges with streams running over the rocky valley floor.

As the train meandered up the mountain, endless tree covered hills and distant cliffs were seen through the windows.  It slowly pulled into the towns where tree lined streets and charming weatherboard cottages were built before the time of 'flame zones'. On the 11^th July 1867, the first official journey by train was made between Penrith and Weatherboard (Wentworth Falls) where the line terminated.

The destination was Leura - a lovely upper mountain town. After the hot, heavy air of the city I savoured the fresh, light air and gentle breeze as I stepped onto the platform.

The trip was a mixture of present delights and nostalgia - transporting me back to childhood when we would take the train to Newcastle. We would hop on at Dora Creek station and I would press my eager face to the window as the train chugged through the towns and suburbs towards the bustling and exciting port city of Newcastle. After my mother completed her tasks - dental or doctor visits or buying new school shoes for me we would browse in David Jones. David Jones was the epitome of glamour and as far away from the simple old cottage I shared with my 3 siblings and mother. I can still smell the hot buttery cookies in the food hall - if the budget allowed my mother would buy them as a treat.