Wednesday, September 25

The plan today was to get to Katoomba by train so we got up early to catch the 8.16 train from Oak Flats.  It had to be a quick turnover at Central: only 16 minutes to get to the right platform and we needed to fit in a toilet break and we were both ready for a cup of coffee.  The later train didn't leave until 11.18 which would get us to Katoomba only an hour before we had to leave for the return journey.

We realised it was all too hard and decided to go for a ferry ride instead.  Today, we opted for a round trip on the Parramatta River, getting off at Olympic Park to catch a ferry back to Circular Quay.  On the return trip, Marilyn caught sight of a group of men sitting at the back, looking very grim.  "I think they're two detectives who have arrested those others," she said.  She kept an eye on them during the trip, commenting how closely the prisoners were being supervised.  I suppose we were wondering what would happen if they made a break for it.  How exciting it would be if they dived overboard?  Would the policemen pull out their guns and let off a shot or two?  We'd really know we're in the big city if that happened.

Anyway, as we came closer to Sydney, by some pre-arranged signal, all the men got to their feet and morphed into ticket inspectors who came round checking that we were all on board legally.  It was a bit disappointing, really.

We had a good lunch at the Quay and made our way back to Central for the train home.