Three Sisters...

**Tim_A** · 09-22-2010, 06:16 AM

Well, "NSW Tour Leg 28b" didn't seem to pull in the punters! Now you're here, you might as well read on...

NSW Tour Leg 28b: Katoomba to Pinnical Homestead

At all of 9 miles, this has to be the shortest leg of the tour so far, and yet the highest number of pictures (and believe me, I took many more!)

Starting off essentially from where we leff off last time. I've taxied out onto the runway. Now normally I wouldn't take off uphill, but I didn't want a standing start from the top of the hump, for reasons that will soon become clear...

Yup, these are power lines, crossing the runway threshold! And believe me, you don't want to get tangled in them...

... or you'd have the entire output of this substation up your jacksie!

Here you can see it in all its glory. If you get the chance, visit Katoomba: It's a really great little strip.

This is katoomba town, and the reason most people visit is just over that ridge...

On the peak of the ridge there: The Three Sisters.

The Blue Mountains area is a sandstone plateau, cut through with massive gorges. Our destination is just over that saddle to the right. (in fact, you can just make out the strip, if you know where to look...)

Aboriginal legend has it that the three sisters - Meehni, Wimlah and Gunnedoo lived here in the Jameson Valley as part of the Katoomba tribe. They had fallen in love with three brothers from the nearby Nepean tribe, but tribal law forbade them from marrying. The brothers were naturally unhappy, and battle ensued...

Sensing their danger, the witch doctor turned the sisters to stone, in order to protect them from harm.

More...

**Tim_A** · 09-22-2010, 06:17 AM

...cont

But he was killed in the battle, and since nobody else had the power to turn them back, here they remain.

Crossing the saddle, aptly named 'Narrow Neck'

Looking back into the Jameson Valley

Over the ridge, and you can see the strip on our left.

We're pretty much immediately on a wide downwind.

The notes for this strip say 'Steep slope'. They are not wrong!

Final

There are not many places where you add power after landing!

And up to the top of the runway. This time I don't think we'll try taking off up hill!

**azzaro** · 09-22-2010, 09:23 AM

Very interesting and scenic flight. Lots of real atmosphere, and the widescreen is very effective.

— Bob

**ccb777** · 09-22-2010, 09:38 AM

Great shots, great story. It was a pleasure to view.

Chris.

**aircav1970** · 09-22-2010, 11:48 AM

Wonderful flight Tim! We have a "Three Sisters" here in the States also,they are located in Wyoming situated just east of Evanston on Interstate 80,I've traveled over them many times in the past 35 years and they can be a dangerous challenge in winter driving an 18 wheeler!