Blue Mountains Journal

Bell is a little station. The train doesn't stop here unless you let the guard know in advance.  The railway and highway run through the same corridor most of the way up and down the mountains.

We get some of the wider views to the west before beginning our descent.

That's what weekday commuters usually do - either that or stare at laptops, iPads and mobile phones.  On the weekend people usually gaze out the window. There is a backdrop of cherries here but Blackheath is more known for its Rhododendron Festival held in November.

We are passing by the Hydro Majestic Hotel where people once came to take in healing waters and bracing mountain air.  It's closed for renovations at the moment. The signs say it will reopen in 2012 but I have my doubts because those signs are falling down.

The grass has become so green over the past few weeks and with the trees in fresh new leaf its a delight to the eye.  The green of the non-native deciduous trees is so different from the olive green backdrop of native eucalypts.

Weekday trains carry commuters.  Weekend trains fill with tourists from near and far.  Leura, with its crafty shops is a popular destination.

You get quite a nice view of Wentworth Falls lake from the train.  Spring blossom is in full swing in the upper mountains.  Wentworth Falls is considered the gateway to the Upper Mountains.