Are The Mountains Really Blue?
03 April 2023 / Story:Barry Pope Photos: Various intrepid explorers
Are The Mountains Really Blue?
The above question was to be answered on the 25th and 26th March by a group of intrepid travellers in their trusty MX5s.
The meeting place was the truck stop on the Picton Road, where seven cars and their courageous occupants met for the journey to the Blue Mountains.
Weather was overcast as we set off, ably led by John and Chrissie Zaremba.
Our first leisurely stop was the Cobbitty Bakehouse, where a variety of goodies were enthusiastically enjoyed.
From here we joined the Northern Road with a quick stop to raise roofs due to a light sprinkling of rain then onto Glenbrook for a comfort stop with the rain persisting.
A self-catering lunch was planned for the Norman Lindsay Gallery at Faulconbridge.
A very enjoyable look through Norman Lindsay’s heritage listed house was undertaken with a viewing of many of his paintings, drawings, sculptures and model boats. Most of the paintings were of nudes and these required close inspection.
The lady guide gave us a very informative talk on the painter’s life and showed us his studio, which remains much the way it was in his heyday.
Lunch in the Art Gallery
We were provided an area at the back of the gallery with tables and chairs to set up our lunch, which turned out to be magnificent, and many thanks are due to the lady MX5ers who organised the food. (Though some men admitted to taking part in the preparation).
After lunch, some exploration was taken around the extensive grounds and down to the pool which was shown in the movie of Norman Lindsay, called Sirens.
After lunch we headed off to Echo Point to have the question answered Are The Mountains Blue?
A short stop was taken at Echo Point for a viewing of The Three Sisters but with the heavy cloud and mist, the question remains unanswered.
Off to our accommodation at the Grandview Hotel, at Wentworth Falls (built in 1883).
Rooms with ensuites had been booked for our party of 12. After a change of clothes we all met at our own dining area for pre-dinner drinks and snacks and much chat. This was followed by a very enjoyable dinner.
The next morning a select group of us headed off in the rain to check on the status of the soon to be re-opened Zig Zag Railway on the Bells Line of Road at Clarence. Passengers are not allowed on the train at this time due to lack of compliance but we did see it leave the station.
A decision was made to head from here to a nearby gallery and cafe for refreshments and a look through the gallery.
From here we split up and headed off home. After a very enjoyable weekend but with our question still unanswered, no mountain was to be seen!
Many thanks are due to Senia and Bob Gaunson for organising and to John and Chrissie for leading the run,
