Katoomba’s pages of time are beautifully chronicled in the Carrington Hotel (circa 1882) and we four are living the narrative just like tourists of a century and more ago.
A love-seat in the lead-light bay window, a bathroom befitting the great Gatsby—with a shower reminiscent of the Katoomba Falls–drinks taken leisurely on the front verandah; a graceful dining room recollective of High Society and art objects to keep the antiques road show going for a year.
The gracious old lady is located smack in the middle of this Blue Mountain township, right on Katoomba Road with its host of old shops which is a historical registry in itself.
Like the Paragon Cafe celebrating its centenary this year and still kitted out in a style the Anzacs enjoyed, with one exception; meal orders are now electronically sent off to the kitchen.
Fortunately we arrived in the mountains yesterday with its sunny disposition and the chance to clearly view the three sisters; for today the temperature is more like 12 degrees with thick fog and Scottish mist to boot.
Perfect for the genial graciousness of those holidaying in the late 19th century.
Julie has taken her leave of us and retired for the afternoon while Graham reads the Oz iPad edition, Isabel is listening to a talking book and doing the crossword and I am recording it all for the blog. (All happily ensconced in a lounge area best described as indulgent.).
Katoomba was originally known as William’s Chimney or Collett’s Swamp.
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