After much planning and anticipation our first International Inbound Journey ambassadors arrived on Friday 17th October 2008. A group of 17 Kiwis from Christchurch were welcomed at a casual afternoon tea picnic at Tench Reserve in Penrith on the banks of the Nepean River bathed in sunshine. Hosts and club members were on hand for the afternoon tea and welcome from President Kay Price. From the Kiwi's friendly faces instant friendships were born and any apprehensions that may have existed for the first-time hosts were very quickly dissolved.

From the feedback received the variety of activities in the program delighted our ambassadors which included Katoomba tourist attractions, Mt Wilson gardens and the fantastic tour of the Temple of Baal cave which I am sure we will never forget. Our Kiwi visitors were blown away by the wonderful lighting, sound and beauty of this magnificent cave which was selected and guided by our own tour guide member Allan.

The Conservation Hut at Wentworth Falls was chosen for the Farewell Dinner venue which is situated on the escarpment affording wonderful views and proved a great hit with our visitors and members alike.

During the journey our visitors were treated to a broad range of our weather conditions - hot, cold, sun, mist, rain and even a shower of sago snow!! I think they got the picture of how quickly the weather can change here.

On a very cold Thursday morning we farewelled our visitors having made many new friendships and happy to share just a little of our precious Blue Mountains.