Blue Mountains Pt. 2

Waking up bright and early the next morning to the symphony of bird calls surrounding me, I packed up my gear, took care of my campsite, and headed out for a new adventure for the day.

My friend Jacqui recommended I check out some enormous caves called Jenolan caves, so I grabbed a map at a tourist center and began driving deeper and deeper into the Blue Mountains National Park. Every now and then I would come to a high point and catch yet another breathtaking view, other times I would be almost engulfed in the fauna surrounding me. I was even lucky enough to spot my first kangaroo on my drive to the caves, which was quite exciting, however as I'm writing this now I've seen more than I can remember. I'll never forget that first one though as it was just standing on the side of the road with its little arms and big thick tail, looking at me as if to say, "Oi there mate, whatah you doin here?"

With the drive flying by with all the scenery to look at, I soon made it to a steep winding road that took me far down into the canyon and sure enough the road ended up taking me right through a giant cave! I couldn't believe it as I switched on my headlights, slowly cruising through the extremely narrow passage way. Coming out on the other side, I parked my car and went straight for a map to find more of these giant caves. Finding the biggest one on the map, I headed down the trail, excited and eager to see if it was bigger than the one I drove through, and sure enough it was as I turned a corner and was able to get my first glimpse of the mouth of the cave. Almost running down the trail now in excitement, I made it to the cave and from there was in heaven. I was more happy than a kangaroo on a trampoline as I began running all over the depths of the cave testing my echo, making bird calls, and climbing to the ceiling to get the best vantage point. Whilst the cave wasn't as deep as caves I have been through in Laos or Guam, this cave was by far the most enormous from floor to ceiling and from side to side.

After hiking around, exploring another cave and seeing yet another amazing view of the canyon, I wanted to be sure to hit one more waterfall that I had read about before making way to the coast. Having seen one beautiful waterfall already, I figured I would spend a bit less time at this one so that I could move on back to the surf and be able to get to my campsite before dark, which I usually prefer. Once again underestimating mother nature, I took one look at the beauty and size of the waterfall and knew it would be worth spending the time, exploring it to the fullest. ​ ​​ With this waterfall being a bit more accessible, I was able to get views from both sides at the top and then took a

very interesting trail, with incredibly steep stairs, cave like cliff overhangs, and amazing switch backs that gave me even better perspectives on the falls as well as the beautiful valley before it. Being sure to mind my manners this time, I only climbed around half as much as I usually would once reaching the bottom of the falls. Nonetheless, I was still completely captured at the profuse amounts of water cascading from one rock to the next as it inevitably reached its temporary destination in a large pitch of water before me.

I don't know what I was thinking, initially trying to rush this unforgettable experience. So many times I stood there befuddled at the sites my brain was trying to comprehend. All this beauty left me wanting to just set up my hammock and stay the night before this beast of a waterfall but I knew I had to move on.

With the sun beginning to set, I began driving towards the coast, unsure of where I was going to stay that night. That didn't bother me though, knowing that at any point, I could park the car, set up the bed in the back and stay wherever I wanted. And that's exactly what I did as I pulled into the sleepy town of Port Macqurie that night. Not exactly sure where I was perspectively to the town until I woke up the next morning to this beautiful sight...