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March 19-23: The Blue Mountains, Katoomba, Australia, by Jeff

When we arrived in Australia, we really had no clue the Blue Mountains even existed, if not for Pete saying we could not miss it.

Heading off on our next road trip

Since we really wanted an excuse to make a drive inland into the outback, we chose to head in the direction of Lightning Ridge, the black opal mining town deep into the outback and go by way of the Blue Mountains and the town of Katoomba.

Traveling without Dakota on this trip has been hard on all of us and if ever there is a chance to fill that void with any kind of animal encounter – whether a dog or cat on the street or visiting some kind of zoo or animal park – my two traveling companions will never let an opportunity pass.  Perfect example was…

Featherdale Wildlife Park

As usual, Cathy found another unique place we could stay while exploring this area.

The Blue Mountains are about 30 miles west of Sydney and are considered the Grand Canyon of Australia.  Within the town of Katoomba, you have access to some amazing vistas and hikes from top to bottom or breathtaking trails along its edge.

The return route

We planned on staying four nights and doing multiple hikes but after our first full beautiful day,  rain and low clouds for the last two days kept us inside which we really did not mind considering our really comfortable cottage to just relax and unwind.
The Yellow Deli,  by Cathy
Two rainy days in a row, we went into town and ate at the busiest, and coziest, place in town – the Yellow Deli. We loved it. Warm lighting, lots of hand-hewn wood, and soft American folk music playing (imagine an “Oh Shenandoah” playlist). When we asked our very nice waiter about its history, we learned that it was part of a sort of chain of delis/bakeries, started in Tennessee, each run by a local branch of the “Twelve Tribes,” using the products they grow and/or make on their communal farm.  Sounded very warm and fuzzy and we likened it the Green Gulch Farm Zen Center. We were drinkin’ the Kool-Aid.
 
“Too bad the place is run by a cult.”
Apparently, as I discovered while putting together this post, the outstanding flat-whites, delicious homemade bread, and what Mick said was “the best” sandwich” of the trip were just brainwashing!!
Take a look at this article if you want to read more:
Just the name of this article is scary!!
Visiting the Cafe That’s So Good You Forget it’s Run By a Cult:
Katoomba’s Yellow Deli is owned and operated by the Twelve Tribes. Amongst other things they’re about “producing an army of 144,000 male virgins, who would prepare the way for Christ’s second coming.”

4 Replies to “March 19-23: The Blue Mountains, Katoomba, Australia, by Jeff”

  1. Loved this last one! Beautiful hike and yummy foos best of both worlds! Strange cult deli but funny

  2. Your trip continues to amaze me – your great luck – the joy of it all.
    Australia is a continent of wonderful people and diversities galore.
    Dr Knowles

  3. Made me laugh with this one. I bet Mick thought the cult thing was creepy. Brings back memories of me walking him by that cult’s house in Berkeley. He was so freaked I thought he was going to cry.

    The Blue Mountains look beautiful. On our way right now to man made Disneyland. Woo hoo!!!! Worlds apart right now but always sister of my heart. Xo

  4. The pictures are so colorful. I see Mick is taller than mom now. Enjoy your adventures.

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