So drove up to Katoomba on Monday avo – and had a quick run to the 3 sisters from Leura Cascades.. Well, Mhairi did, I went for some of it and then went back, got the car, and drove to the other end..

I’ve no pics – as again, most are on Mhairis weblog or will be eventually anyway.

We were just setting up for the night when a car which had seen us pull in – pulled over and a lady came over to us.. She asked were we looking for somewhere to stay the night – and suggested a spot she was driving by which would be perfect for us.

And it was. So thanks mystery lady

Then today we headed a little further on and did a walk along the old pioneer road (Cox’s road).. it was really amazing and just so impressive to see what these people did.. tough people..

In fact it was more of a jog/walk than a pure walk, but I was happy to jog along – and happy with how I was keeping up.. Mhairi is a fair bit fitter than I!

Then onwards – and had an Oh so wonderful shower at Lake Lyell.. honestly the best 40c I’ve spent in ages.. What else can you get for 40c these days? :)

So yes.. all good so far, not sure how much further we’ll get along tonight – thanks for the mails I’ve got – I’m going to be fairly terrible replying from now for a while – but I will try to when I can :)

Sorry I don’t have too many pics – most were taken with Mhairis camera – which then got uploaded to her laptop, which is having battery issues..

Anyway – spent the following day around Sydney – went for a walk around Circular Quay – Darling Harbour. Mhairi went for a run through the botanics (to whispers of ‘she’s crazy’). True.. but all good. Then the mandatory climb up the harbour bridge – just up one of the side towers – not the bridge climb (far too expensive)

In the picture below you can see where we parked our van – didn’t stay the night here as it was kinda forbidden (though maybe we could have)

That night was lovely – we went out for a drink to a pub I’d been told about by Yvonne that has a beer garden and looks over the harbour – lovely. After being informed (to mutterings of ‘I told you so’ – she was right though).. That we weren’t actually camping if we stayed in a parking spot in our van overnight.. we cracked open a bottle of sparkling white, and had the start of a lovely evening looking out over the lights of Sydney.

Hmm, my first post from an internet cafe.. so excuse the poor layout.. can’t do purty thumbnai.. ok… who cares? ;) hehehe

So left ChCh on Saturday afternoon – a most civilised time to travel – and Nicole – Tills girlf dropped me out to the airport.

The Plane to Sydney was no worries, immigration a breeze, Mhairi had been slightly waylaid by distances + interesting places on the way up – so I headed into Sydney to have a look about. Well, Seamus and I did..

After fighting her way through Sydney Traffic (and their signs) Mhairi arrived and I got into our mobile home for the next 32 days. And it’s *brilliant*. She already had the bottle of tonic and 4 lemons in the fridge (coupled with the 3 Litres of Gin (“You’re only allowed to bring 2 in, but we’ll let you through this time” – Thanks Mr. Customs Man)) we seemed to be starting the trip on a good footing..

So yes, cruised off to try and find a Sneaky Parking Spot by Botany Bay – but ended up in the district of Sydenham – pretty much.. Anyway – was great to meet up – but I must admit I felt slightly uneasy in the Big Bright Lights of Sydney.. with its motorways ‘n stuff!

Hmm, no nice scenic pictures on the blog since Mt. Cook disappeared off… so here’s just (yet another) one from Castle Hill the weekend before last. Crazy place.

It was a fun week. On Wed was out for Kirstys birthday. Only this time she had some ‘bling bling’ I believe is the correct term ;) As she and Andy just got engaged. They’re just lovely! :) they deserve each other ;) ehehhe. This is Kirstys Victorian pose..

And the rest of the week has been quite lazy – spent today packing. It all seems slightly unreal that in 16 hours I’ll be flying to Sydney to meet Mhairi. Hope we can survive 4 months of eachothers’ company… ehhehehe, I know I’d go mad hanging out with me for 4 months. Still, fun and games. But I am so looking forward to travelling with her – I’ve had quite a silly grin for the last few days :D

Had a really great send off last night – lots of friends out at the Dux for drinks. I will miss them all.

Though the ones in this picture I’ll be seeing in Thailand (can’t wait!). Oh, on that note – perhaps a useful link for people is : IHI insurance. It’s great – covers you for everything, can take it out anywhere.. it’s just good.. I needed to get additional coverage.

Anyway, I wish I had the eloquence and verbal dexterity to sufficiently convey how truly spectacular this country is, how generous, friendly and kind the people are, and how much fun I have had over the last year and a half. I am really really looking forward to traveling, but I know that I will miss this place, these people, and that when I come back in February that I’ll be straight off sea kayaking with Warick and co to Stewart Island – and I know that’s going to be great.

I dunno – waffle waffle – but yes, I also am really looking forward to seeing family and friends in Dublin. That’s going to be great. But I dunno, there’s something about this place and people that just feels right. There’s less stress and more fun. If you want a high-powered career and lots of cash then this isn’t the place to come (except for your 15 days holiday ;) ehehe, ehem, but for a place to live – even for just a couple of years – it’s the best

At least that’s my opinion anyway. I know I’ve had a pretty unreal time of it – esp with the flexibility that my job has let me enjoy. So I dunno what it’ll be like when I come back – something I am a little nervous about – but it’s important to me to get the permanent returning residents visa – just a further 10 months… so yes. Will do that.

And.. I love being able to look like this.. and feel great about it!

Today I was slightly geekier than normal. See, without (though I will) sounding needy + pathetic ‘n stuff.. it’s *very* nice when away from home to get mails / calls / notes on a message board… and best of all – postcards..

So thanks to all of you who have said hello from time to time. I promise to try and send at least one postcard over the next 6 months (yes, 6 months!) of travel..

Anyway – there’s this thing on blogger where you can leave comments (the little links at the bottom of each post). But either you have to be a member of blogger (pain) or you have to have the posts anonymous – and then you get spam..

Someone wrote a hack to allow posts without having to go through the blogger screen and that’s here. However, you get spam using it – so I added in a little password field – same as my message board – and made a little site so that if anyone wants to use my change they can. And that’s here at http://patricktesting123.blogspot.com.

Anyway, ‘nuf geekiness for one day.. but feel free to leave a comment.. and to all the silent watchers out there… you can post anonymously ;)