Overcoming our fears of speeding cars and high places

Today was an...interesting day. We went to the Illawara Fly Tree Top walk about two hours outside of Sydney. Adventures abounded. After breakfast we walked over to another hotel to pick up our rental car. This is where the adventure started. Our reservation had been made for the week before so Dad had to spend some time getting it sorted out. Once we got it all settled, we were on the road, the terrifying road. 

Let me start with saying Dad did a really great job driving. He didn't hit anything (other than the steering wheel) and no one honked at him all day. Dad didn't have any time to practice before hitting the streets of downtown Sydney. Everything is on the opposite side of the car. Even the blinker was on the right side of the steering wheel. 

We made it out of Sydney okay. There were a few moments that were a little intense as we got used to the roads and whatnot. The real craziness started when we were about 25 minutes away from the Tree Top place. We had to go up this narrow, twisty mountain road that was out of control. At one point, each of us learned how we react in the face of abject terror. Dad puts a death grip on the steering wheel. Traci tears up a little bit. Laurel hangs on to the Oh S**t handle with both hands and I laugh uncontrollably. We learned this when we came out of a crazy curve and saw a delivery truck hurtling towards us on our side road. I am pretty sure at least two us (and I am not saying who) peed a little. 

Once we finally made it, we discovered it was well worth the trip. Even though it was rainy and cloudy, it was so beautiful. We got to walk 25 meters (I have no idea what the conversion is) in the tree tops. At one point, we climbed a giant spiral staircase up to a platform 75 feet in the air. I wanted to vomit several times, but Traci, Dad and Laurel were loving it. 

In the parking lot, Dad let Traci and I drive around to see what it was like. We didn't like it. Then began the three hour drive home. We got directions to a supposedly less twisty road. LIES! It was a little wider, but still gut-wrenching. Then we had some trouble with the GPS and once we got in Sydney, we got amazingly lost...in rush hour. It was sad how close we were to the hotel but couldn't get to it. In the process, we also blew a toll and have to figure out how to pay it. I am afraid it we don't, Dad won't be able to leave the country. We were supposed to have the car back by 6pm and we got it back at 5:56. We an impressive people. I have never seen four people escape a car so quickly. 

After dinner (Traci and I had kangaroo!), we came home and crashed for the evening. Despite being the day we walked the least, we were all pretty exhausted. Overall, a good day, full of adventure. 

Tomorrow is more nature, but we are getting picked up at 7am. Yea for another early start!!

Happy weekend!