Rain welcomed me to the Blue Mountains, the soft pitter patter on the leaves setting the pace for a weekend of slowing down. After settling into the cabin, there was nothing left to do but light the crackling fire, sink into a hot bath and embrace having nowhere else to be.
Morning arrived wrapped in mist, with birdsong replacing my alarm as I wandered to the onsite dining room for a scrumptious breakfast on the verandah. It was the perfect way to fuel up for a day of adventure without needing to lift a finger in the kitchen.
Between slices of apple pie at a local café, fresh pumpkin and watermelon from the fruit bowl, and a stop through Bilpin, the days unfolded effortlessly.
The Mount Banks Summit Walk offered the perfect adventure, with the option of a short climb to sweeping views or a longer trek for those wanting to explore a little further. And of course, no Blue Mountains escape is complete without a stop at the Grumpy Baker for a beef pie, a lamington, fresh wholemeal sourdough and a raisin scroll to take home.
Another sunrise, coffee and porridge on the verandah, chilli scrambled eggs on fresh sourdough, and watching the World Cup by the fire was a gentle reminder that the very best weekends are often the simplest.
Riparide Stories are authentic experiences shared by real travellers (who are handy with a camera). It's like reading your best friend's travel journal - packed with photos, honest reviews and visual itineraries.
