Our guide Chris was very informative and was able to tell us quite a bit about not only the bush but other aspects of life in Australia. The Blue Mountains were given their name because the drops of oil falling from the leaves of the eucalyptus trees turn the sunlight a bluish-green color. We learned that Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world and that it is not safe to venture out without a hat (which I didn't have until two days later) and sunscreen. A hat is even part of the school uniform in Australia. One aspect of the bush that I was not prepared for was the huge flies that pestered us at every turn. They didn't bite, but they really were a nuisance and bothered us all day long. Our first experience with the flies was at the first rest stop at a picnic area (no restaurant with an attached souvenir shop on this expedition) and I was glad that I had my insect repellent and wrap-around sunglasses. Bill had worn long pants and said that although he got hot, at least the flies didn't bother his legs. I was going to take every advantage of summer in December so of course, I had on shorts. At least I had on sturdy Reeboks instead of sandals although smooth-soled aerobic shoes aren't the best choice for a bushwalk.

The vehicle was a new 15-passenger 4-wheel-drive which was built so that the front was able to take a different direction from the back on steep, bumpy roads. There was plenty of storage space for picnic items as well as a built-in water tank to provide water at rest stops. The only convenience missing was an on-board toilet and with the lack of facilities in the bush, the ladies found a nearby secluded area, watching out for snakes all the while.