Rob and Nick pulled up with this hilarious minivan - we had seen some really new campervans and assumed they would be back with one of those.... but it was a wicked campervan - basically a van with nothing inside apart from 3 matresses and two camping beds that are on chains from the ceiling! haha. We could hear them reversing with it's loud beep! We set off on the road, Rob drove - it was about 2 hours there. We were heading to Katoomba, the area around the mountains. We finally got there about 3pm and checked in to a campsite and then took a walk up the hill into town. It was a really cute little town, and because it is winter right now it feels all Christmassy?! They actually were playing Silent Night in the pub we went in! There are lots of little markets which are doing Christmas gifts and there was a Yule Festival on around?! We guessed because it is their winter it makes sense!

Back down the hill we got back to the campsite and started cooking pasta. We had a little stove that just about worked and got a cup of tea going, then Nick and Rob cooked pasta for us girls whilst we were freezing in the back of the van!! We had so many layers on, hats, jumpers, 2 pairs of socks and were still cold! Rob thought it would be nice to put the table and chairs out and have a nice dinner around the table - but it was whey to cold to move so we ate it in the van under the duvets! All four of us squashed in and slept like sardines on the floor. We were so cold that in the morning when we woke up the inside of the van was freezing!

The next day we got up and made Bacon Sandwiches, the campistes around here are amazing - they all have a BBQ area for you to use and the showers are really clean and play..... Cool Country Classics!! So we got a good few country songs in the shower.. Rob was really pleased :/    We drove our beast to the Blue Mountains Scenic Park and paid 28 dollars to get in. We were winding Lauren up about all the trees and scenery she was going to see - she said 'I can tell you right now I'm not doing any walking!' hahah. We got the Skycar across the two mountains - it was so high and had a glass floor!! Rob said it was a new addition as wasn't here last time he came. The view was awesome - you could just see the eucalyptus trees for miles! The atmosphere is filled with finely dispersed droplets of oil from the trees, which give the blue hue. Then we went to the train - the steepest train in the world. It was sooooooooo steep! We sat 4 in a row and went straight down through the mountains to the bottom! We read up all about the mining that used to go on here, they had lots of parts still open where you can read up about it. Then we walked along the 'walkway' this pathway that cuts through all the woodland and trees. After the walk we got the cable car back up to the top where we you can see all the views again and the Three Sisters which are the 3 rocks that stick out and look over the trees. Was amazing!

We got to the top and drove our van to the 3 sisters walkway. There is a grand staircase which is 1000 steps all the way to the bottom! Lauren was certainly not doing that so Rob, Nick and I took a walk to have a look. We didn't do all the steps just a few but you got another amazing view of the land from the sisters! People actually abseil and rock climb on it... scary! We took the van back to town and got some fish and chips (although Lauren and I just stole a few of their chips and then we weren't hungry!)

We went back to the van and decided to drive somewhere closer to Sydney so it wasn't as far to drive the next day. We were driving all down the mountain and looking for signs to a camping place. I had to ask a local in the end and he gave us directions to Emu Plains. The back roads around here are amazing - it's like beingin Virginia Water all these big houses with massive gardens etc! We finally found the campsite and you could already tell that being all that way down the mountain how much warmer it was!! Pasta again for tonight with bacon... lol. We actually ate this one around the nice camping table and chairs that Rob laid out! Then we played some poker! Rob and Nick won! We tried to watch the castle as well - the funny Australian film we go off Ali and Scott! Last night in the van and luckily woke up with no ice on the inside!

Blue mountains were incredible! Lauren even enjoyed herself lol. They just went on for miles and miles! Pictures to come shortly! :)

A big hi to everyone at home! Glad you are finally getting a bit of sun - sure everyone is looking forward to the Olympics!!! Oh Gramps... you said you couldnt find a Sydney Pie anywhere? There are a load of those 'Pie Face' shops on  every corner, which do the most amazing pies ever!!! They are everywhere - we had a laugh wondering how you never found one LOL!  Not long until your holiday!! 2 weeks- bet that will come around fast - hope Tomas is having fun with you at the moment - are you going to do any more big bike rides?! Nan can't wait to skype and find out all about your birthday - will do on Friday when Mum and M come down! :) Hi to Didi and fam sounds like you had such a nice holiday in Portugal! The beach is so nice there! I bet it was so nice to get away from the cold to the beach! Hi to Stevo and John! Are you looking forward to going away anywhere soon!? How is the Plough!? Hope you all having lots of fun! love lots xxx

M&D C - (Rob) Bet you wish you were there at the Mountains! They were just as amazing as last time... but better! Hows your retirement going? Any more nice cakes? hehe.     Hi to Frano & Kyle will skype at the weekend. Hi to Kate & Neil will email you back and arrange skype as well! Hi Aunty Pat and Terry - we are currently staying with David and Renee and the kids - thank you so much for arranging that for us! Will get G to write the blog for that tomorrow. Lots of love - keep enjoying the sun. xxxx