The original inhabitants of the valley would probably have known the answer to that and the much later arrivals who attended a vice regal function in the valley at the weekend must now also have their suspicions.

NSW Governor Marie Bashir was a VIP guest for ceremonies as part of the Blue Mountains Crossing Bicentenary program.

The Governor had two duties to perform, the second of which was the opening of a nw walking track from the Hartley Historic Village to the tors, prominent rocks from the beginning of time dominating the hillside above the convict era village.

As the ceremony ended with the cutting of a ribbon at the beginning of the path all eyes turned skywards as right on cue two magnificent wedge tailed eagles began circling overhead, and in no hurry to leave.

The symbolism of the arrival was not lost on the big crowd.

A number of indigenous guests in the audience  appeared to have knowing smiles but perhaps they, like the eagles,  were just happy to be part of the occasion.

Perhaps it was just a remarkable coincidence that the cutting of a purple ribbon marked the arrival.

Or perhaps the National Parks people who manage the village have better contacts than we know.

Manager Steve Ring was not giving away his secrets.

Whatever the case, it did provide a fitting finale to stage one of Hartley’s big day.

While at the village amidst the ghosts of the convicts and first pioneers beyond the mountains Governor Bashir opened a new permanent gallery in the 19th century Farmers Inn.

Then it was a short walk to the old post office and the walking track where she joined with State Member Paul Toole in opening the walking track before sharing another moment with Hartley Trust representative Bob Morris in placing a message in a time capsule that is planned to be unearthed at the 300th anniversary of the Blue Mountains crossing in 2113.

While some of the visitors enjoyed an excellent home cooked morning tea in the restored post office the Governor and official party head up the highway just a few hundred metres up the highway to the old Hartley School where she opened another bicentennial exhibition, ‘Moments In Time’.

There was another ribbon cutting in front of a large and welcoming crowd and the planting of a bicentennial daisy with the help of Meadow Flat school student Faith Shean whose name for the plant had been chosen from a big list of entries.

Another of the competition winners, Heidi Wood, of East Blaxland, presented the Governor with a painting by Blackheath artist Helen Hudson.

Hampton School students were accompanied by Lithgow musician Garry Bucholtz on a tine whistle with a delightful rendition of the national anthem.

Master of ceremonies Duncan Wass, Mayor Maree Statham, and aboriginal elders Aunty Flo Grant and Helen Riley addressed the crowd.

The Governor spoke on the importance of the anniversary, not only as one of the great milestones in Australian history but because of the impact on the original inhabitants of the land west of the Blue Mountains.

Then it was time for Governor Bashir to tour the ‘Moments in Time’ exhibition, guided by curator Joan Kent.

The ever gracious and down to earth vice regal visitor was clearly interested in the very professional exhibition, mingling with the crowd, happily posing for photographs and in no hurry to leave.

Then Hartley’s big day was over and voted a success by all, including a relieved organising committee.

Bu the omen of the eagles did not end there; rain that had threatened all morning remained away from the valley for the two and half hour duration of the ceremonies.

Within half an hour of the Governor’s departure for a rain swamped Sydney the rain came over the mountains then continued for most of the weekend.

Yes, they’re great organisers those people in Hartley.

FOOTNOTE: The ‘Moments in Time’ exhibition at the old school continues for the next two weekends and should not be missed,