© irene waters 2018
The Blue Mountains were named because in the heat of summer the eucalpyt trees release their oil shrouding the mountains in a blue haze. It is winter at the moment and instead of heat the houses have their fires roaring and those like me from the north shiver as we take in the beauty of the Three Sisters and Mount Solitary in the distance.
© irene waters 2018
The three sisters are named Meehni, Wimiah and Gunnedoo. Legend has it that the three sisters fell in love with three men from a neighbouring tribe but they were not allowed to marry. The men decided to capture the sisters and a battle ensured. One of the elders turned the girls to stone in order to protect them but he was then killed. As the dead elder was the only one who could turn the girls back they have remained in stone ever since. It is uncertain as to whether this is Aboriginal legend or one made as a good story for the kids by a white settler.
© irene waters 2018
In reality the cliffs of the Jameison Valley were created over time by wind, rain and river erosion. The resultant cliffs made it very difficult for the early settlers to reach the other side. The first explorers to find a way across the mountains diarised thoughts and a flash fiction story are found here.
© irene waters 2018
Here you can see the location of the bridge that I posted for Silent Sunday.
© irene waters 2018
A wonderful view of Mount Solitary and the three sisters from Echo Point.
Reflections and Nightmares- Irene A Waters (writer and memoirist) 
Still find these interesting.
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Glad you do Sharon – otherwise I’d be boring you.
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You never bore me.
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Wow, I never knew this
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What a breath-taking landscape, Irene, and even more amazing about the eucalypts making a blue haze.
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I agree Tish – it is breathtaking
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I’ve never heard of this.
Very cool!
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It is a major tourist attraction closeby to Sydney. I agree Dawn, it is cool.
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What a sight (and smell?) to experience when the eucalyptus oil hangs blue in the air. I’m fascinated to learn more about this place. Great detail about the dogs — it sets the era, frame of mind, and determination.
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Thanks Charli. I’m glad I set a scene for you and the photos (and the smell) help give it context. All explorers I think must have that element of determination and adventure in them to leave comfy homes for know not what.
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If curiosity drives the growth mindset perhaps that “not yet” thinking drives exploration in many ways.
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It may well do Charli.
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I loved the story and it ended making this post even more special . New Zealand is turning out to be a fascinating country.
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I’m glad you enjoyed the story and it added to the post. The Blue Mountains are in Australia rather than New Zealand and both countries are fascinating although Australia is so big it is difficult to get around where New Zealand it’s a piece of cake (or should I say pancake).
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Ah! I seemed to have got my Geography mixed Irene , so thank you for that . Here I was reading of your pancake seaside rock erosion in New Zealand and the very next post I happened to zoom in was this beautiful tale and I got the country wrong . Well, I’m glad I’m hooked to your posts , there is always something new or forgotten I’m taking away with me. Cheer!
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No problem. I just didn’t want you to at some point in the future go to New Zealand and be disappointed when you couldn’t find the Blue Mtns. My trip to NZ was a couple of years ago now but the photo suited the prompt . I have just had a trip to the Mountains. Glad you enjoyed them anyway.
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Hahaha! That would’ve been a disappointment on an epic scale. Seriously though, when I first read of the Blue mountains, I was reminded of John Denver’s song ‘Country roads’ where he sings of Blue ridge mountains and Shenandoah River. So many places to go and so much to see. You are indeed very fortunate Irene😊
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So true – so many places, so much to see, too little time.
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A lovely story and amazing pictures, Irene.
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Thanks Robbie.
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