Blog 46 - 27th to 31st July 2014

Sunday 27th - time to leave Mataranka and Bitter Springs - a truly magic place, with crystal clear blue warm water, and some amazing lush forest areas. We pack and head east towards Qld, with the aim to drive out via Roper Bar and the Limmen NP. Most of the road to Roper Bar is tar, but only one lane wide, so for each approaching vehicle, both parties need to hit a bit of dirt and slow down as we pass. The last 30 km's or so is dirt, with lots of small corrugations to make it interesting. I at least expected there to be a town, but all it really consists of is a general store and fuel station near to the airstrip, and a camping ground a few km's up the road. But it was on the map, so we had to visit. We top up with diesel and drive down to the causeway (the Bar itself) for some lunch beside the river, taking note of the now familiar "croc warning signs".

A quick drive across the bar, and then back again for some more photos before taking the road signposted to Borroloola - it was another 370 km's to this next town, and we had driven 180km's since Mataranka - only 550km's between towns out here, so don't forget something when you go shopping. Only 40km's up the road, we call into Tomato Island, which is a NP owned campsite, that is currently leased out to a couple who run it as their own. What a pleasant welcome we got, with the managers only too happy to help out, and to tell us about happy hour around the big red bus at 5pm. We set-up camp, read a book, walked down to the river and the boatramp,

and then grabbed a cold ale for the 5 o'clock festivities. There were about 30 other travellers around the circle, and we chatted until dinner time when we all returned to our camps to prepare the evening meal. A great spot with really nice facilities but no tomatoes, and not even situated on an island - go figure????

Monday 28th - we leave after breakfast, and venture further into the NP, headed for Butterfly Springs. We arrive about lunchtime and walk down to the pool for a look before back to camp for some lunch, and then wander back later for a cooling swim. We spot the resident Mertens water monitor (goanna) on the banks, and also marvel at the thousands of Common Crow butterflies perched on the rock walls in the shade.

As you approach, they all get startled and fly away, only to resettle in the same spot in about 15 seconds. The waterfall into the pool is only a slow trickle, but enough to keep the water sort-of clear, and certainly swim-able. We gather some wood and light a fire, and prepare to cook our roast in the camp oven - roast beef and lots of vegies - should last us 2 nights.

Tuesday 29th - Di goes for an early morning swim in the pool, and then we decide to try to get the keys to the gate that is locked into the Western Lost City - a 28km bumpy, dusty track into the bush, where at the end you will find some amazing sandstone sructures that are like rock columns out of the ground - or picture cans of Red Bull in a cafe fridge. The track in took nearly 90 minutes, with several rough sections requiring 4WD. Once we arrived at the Lost City, the temp was about 34 degrees, but we still decided to wander around for about an hour exploring these astounding formations.

We also found some bizarre "metallic green" bugs hanging in a bunch from a leaf, and some Aboriginal art drawn at the base of some rocks, with large trees roots hanging down in search of moisture from the walls above. On our way back to camp, the temp had reached 37 degrees, so we both went for a swim in the pool,

and also noticed the cormorant bird sunning its wings in the tree. There were also several whistling kites flying overhead, searching for a feed of fish jumping from the water. Left-over roast for dinner - yum!!!

Wednesday 30th - today we ventured to the Southern Lost Cty, following the main road south for 30km's before turning off onto a track for 4km's. Whilst it was the same sort of sandstone structures, these were much more separated from each other, and you could walk around and amongst them much easier. We grabbed hats and sunscreen, and set off for the 1.5 hour walk around the area, climbing the trail to the lookout, where there was yet another set of Lost City rocks off in the distance - so much for being lost - we had already found 3 sets in the last 2 days.

We continued our walk, marvelling at the strange sight of these rocks towering overhead, but tall and thin like tenpins - they also seemed to have a slight lean to one side which was a bit wierd. Back to camp for some lunch and another swim.

Some lamb chops cooked on the bbq tonight, and then we cooked a damper, which we will save for breakfast for the next 2 days.

Thursday 31st - damper with butter and raspberry jam for brekkie - yummo. We pack the camper, and then head down for another last swim before saying goodbye to Butterfly Springs - a lovely campsite, except for the smelly pit dunny. We have seen lots of wildlife in the few days we have been here. We continue south, crossing several creeks, some with water, but most are dry. At the end of the track, we decide to go left to Borroloola rather than right to Cape Crawford, and are now driving north east. After many, many mile of dirt roads, corrugations, and plenty of patches of bulldust (amazing how it puffs up to engulf everything), we finally hit the tar for the last 30km's into town. We arrive for a late lunch at the cafe of possbly the biggest burgers we have ever seen, and then book into the caravan park for the night to recharge the batteries in the camper - once we leave here, we will probably be another 8 or 9 days without 240V, so we need to be fully topped-up.

One of the strangest things we have seen in the last few days is the animal droppings from the feral buffalo - or to the lay-person - buffalo poop. They are up to dinner plate in size across, but it is the height that really throws you - up to nearly a foot high as well. Picture a 4 litre can of Taubmans paint and that is about the right size. What can possibly poop something that huge??? What does it eat to be able to achieve such a size??? And how big must it's bum be to push out something that big???

Just something to ponder.......

Tomorrow we will continue east, heading to Hells Gate (an actual place) and then to Doomadgee to get some groceries before the store shuts at 1.00pm on Saturday, before heading into KingFisher Camp (KFC) and then to Lawn Hill NP to camp beside the spring fed gorge for 4 nights - ah, its a tough life!!!!

More to come soon.

Di and Hammo

Blog 45 - 12th to 26th July 2014

Saturday 12th July - another relaxing day spent in the outskirts of Darwin, with a quick trip back to Berry Springs in the afternoon for a swim.

Then do some shopping to re-stock the pantry for when we leave town tomorrow.

Sunday 13th - we depart Darwin headed for Litchfield NP, and we know we need to get there early to try to get a spot at Wangi Falls. When we finally arrive at about 11.30am, a guy is frantically waving to us to follow him - the spot next to him is vacant and it is the last one in the campground. After many thanks, we set-up camp, then go for a quick walk down to the waterhole and falls - looks magnificent. Back to camp for lunch, and then back to the waterhole for a swim out to both sets of falls, and to sit under the warmer water flowing down the rocks. A truly gorgeous spot.

Monday 14th - before breakfast, we do the falls loop walk (2.6km's), which climbs through the monsoon forest, and crosses the creek above the falls, then descends back down the mountain to the waterhole. After some breakfast, we head out to The Cascades, about 7km's up the road. After a 1.4km walk alongside the small stream, we arrive at the falls, with a small pool at the bottom.

We climb above the falls and find some small rockpools for a quick swim. Then back to the small falls for another swim in the clear water. The force of the water gave a nice massage on the back when you stood under it. Back to camp, and another swim in the main waterhole, before chatting to our neighbour into the evening.

Tuesday 15th - some more exploring today, starting with the magnetic termite mounds, which are all aligned north-south to take effect of the movement of the sun, and to maintain a constant temperature in the nest.

From here we drive to Florence Falls, where we meet up with Marita and Mike, whom we had met about 12 months ago and spent some time with at Lake Tinaroo in the Atherton Tablelands behind Cairns - amazing who you might bump into. The falls were spectacular, with a large pool at the bottom, and lots of decent sized fish swimming amongst the rocks.

A very popular place too, with lots of people. After some lunch, we headed to Buley's Rockholes, which is a series of waterholes as the creek cascades down some rock shelves.

Some are shallow, whilst others are very deep, and you can jump off the rocks beside them - a great spot, and we spend a few hours sampling each of the swimming holes. Again lots of people, but well worth the swim. Back to camp where our other neighbours break out the guitars and perform a private concert for a select few of us.

Wednesday 16th - exploring again, with the first stop The Lost City, which is an area of rock formations that seem to just rise from the ground in a small area - worth a walk around.

Then back out to the tar for a short drive to Tabletop Swamp, but not much to see here really. Then on further to Tolmer Falls lookout, but this was a look only option as the area below the falls was closed due to species of resident bats - but a very spectacular waterfall dropping off the plateau into the gorge.

Then back to camp for a swim in Wangi pool, then some lunch, and then for something different, we went back to the pool for another swim. The evening was finished with a slideshow by the rangers about the Litchfield area.

Thursday 17th - some offroading today, with a visit to the Blythe Homestead which was an outstation hut used when the tin mine was being operated. From here we followed the track down to Sandy Creek, and walked the 1.7km's to the waterhole. What a magic place, with another set of falls dropping off the side of the escarpment into an incredibly deep pool, with a sandy beach area closer to the banks.

This is a more secluded spot, and there are only a few people during the time we are there. We walk back to the car, and then back to camp for lunch, before heading back down to Wangi for another afternoon swim. We also meet another family that we had met in The Grampians in VIC back in March.

Friday 18th - we were going to leave today, but we decide to extend for a few extra days as it is so nice. Today we drive out to Greenant Creek and do the walk to the top of the falls, and have a swim in the small pool just before the water plunges over the edge.

We then do the return walk and drive back to camp, where we have another swim. Our new neighbours are 4 German backpackers, who decide to stay up till 1.30am playing cards and giggling - a bit annoying.

Saturday 19th - a lazy morning with some reading after a nice breakfast. Then we wander down to the pool for another swim and relax.

On the way back, we meet up with Shay and Bruce, who we have met several times (Cape Le Grande in WA in Jan, Maree in SA in Apr, and then Darwin in Jul). The neighbours are noisy again, just not as late tonight. We are also passed by the resident black wild pig as she wanders around camp looking for some scraps to eat.

Sunday 20th - today we are leaving Litchfield, and have spent 7 days exploring this amazing area, and doing lots and lots of swimming - so much so, that I have a blocked ear and will need to get some drops to clear it. We leave via Batchelor, after stopping for some supplies and to make some calls. We follow the highway south to Adelaide River, where we stop in at the war cemetery

and wander around looking at the magnificent gardens and reading some amazing history. We are heading for Douglas hot springs, and decide we should follow the scenic route rather than the highway - well I am sure that "scenic route" really means "bumpy, windy, narrow road", but it does take us via Robin Falls,

where we stop and go for a walk, but this time no swim as the water is too cold. After our week at Litchfield, we need to recharge the batteries, so we book into Douglas Daly Tourist Park for 2 nights on a powered site. Nice to also have a hot shower.

Monday 21st - we head out the back of the caravan park, along a dusty track, and explore along the river, stopping at some waterholes, a weir, and then some rock formations called the Arches,

where the river has worn a path through the rocks similar to a channel. Back to camp, and then along some more dirt tracks to take us to Butterfly Gorge, where we walk up the hill, and then down the ravine to the small gorge below.

We swim across the pool, and climb out via the small waterfall and over some rocks. Then through another pool, climb out some more rocks, then up some rock steps, before we find another larger pool with a very dark bottom - it is so deep you cannot see where it ends. We swim across this to the other side, and climb out to find yet another pool, this one only about 8 feet across, but also very, very deep. We retrace our steps / swims, and arrive back at the sandy beach, and walk back to the car. Now for the 18km's of rough, rocky track, encountering several large patches of bulldust along the way - wow, is that stuff thick!!! We turn-off to Douglas hot springs, where 2 small streams join together, one of them hot water which bubbles from the ground at 65 dgerees, whilst the other is cool water.

The water is only a few inches deep, so we dig some holes in the sand and lay in the water in several places, trying out the hot side, and then the cooler side, before selecting a spot where the 2 meet and the water is warm. Back to camp for another hot shower.

Tuesday 22nd - on the way up to Darwin we noticed a place called Unbrawarra Gorge, but decided to leave it until we were travelling back south. So after leaving Douglas Daly, we stopped in at Pine Creek where I greased the trailer bearings and got some ear drops from the medical centre, before heading 3km's south and turning off for the 22km's out to the gorge. We decide to go for the walk before we set-up camp, and have a swim in the pool near the end - very relaxing but not too deep.

Back to the campsite, where it went from just us for the night to another 3 vehicles turning up later in the afternoon.

Wednesday 23rd - we are up early and make our way to Edith Falls, where we had been about 5 weeks ago - such a magic place we just had to come back. We arrive at 10.30am, get allocated our spot and get set-up. We relax for an hour or so, and then visit the kiosk for what turns out to be one of the very best barramundi burger either of us has ever had - yummo. Then we wander down to the waterhole for a swim.

We then sit in the shade for the afternoon, before a cooler evening.

Thursday 24th - Matthew's birthday today - no longer a teenager, as he is now 20. We pack some things in our backpacks and set-off on the walk to the upper falls to spend several hours swimming and relaxing.

This is one of our favourite spots and we stay for several hours, with a couple of swims around the pools, and I climb the falls and explore around the pools and rocks at the top, before climbing back down for another swim. We walk back to camp for the evening slideshow by the rangers.

Friday 25th - we say goodbye to Edith Falls, and make the massive journey down to Mataranka, after stopping in at Katherine to hit Woolies and do a food re-stock. As the bottle shops do not open until 2pm, we have to wait until we get to Mataranka to buy some grog, and then we set-up in the caravan park near Bitter Springs. Once parked, I climb under the trailer to replace the spring shackles, as they are very worn, with greatly enlarged holes for the pins.

Saturday 26th - after toasted muffins for breakfast, we wander down to Bitter Springs for a relaxing swim and float along the channel. Again, we were here only weeks ago, but it is such a nice place we wanted to come back. Back to camp for some lunch, and then off to the homestead and the thermal pools for another swim in the warm water. We join our neighbours for happy hour drinks under the trees and watch the little wallabies race through the campsite.

Tomorrow we head towards Roper Bar and across the Savannah Way and back into QLD.

More to come soon.

Di and Hammo

Blog 44 - 25th June to 11th July 2014

Wednesday 25th June - today we head into Kakadu - a place that a lot of people we have met along the way in our trip have said to not worry about - "Kaka-don't" many of them say - it's not worth going to. But we are going anyway, as we like to make up our own mind, and I am sure that there will be lots to see and do. First stop is at the turn-off to Gunlom Falls where we check the map, and prepare for some more dirt road. The first 25km's is generally good, with the last 12km's a bit worse, but still OK - we meet some backpackers in a Commodore and a Falcon on their way out, so it can't be too hard. After picking our site for the night, we walk to the waterhole at the bottom of the falls but decide not to go for a swim as very few are in the water and there are lots of croc signs about.

Back for lunch, before we decide to do the climb to the top of the falls and go for a swim up there - crocs can't climb, can they??? The views on the way up are spectacular out over the surrounding area, but once at the top, it just gets sooo much better. The rock pools each step down from the last, until they fall over the edge into the waterhole below.

The view over the edge, with the rock pool is just like the promo shots. We swim in several of the pools, climbing over the rocks.

At the top is a gorge that flows back into the mountain,

but it is too late in the day for an explore, so we climb back down to camp, have some dinner, and then join the ranger for the slide show under the palm trees.

Thursday 26th - we pack and head back out to the tar. First stop is Bukbukluk (say it like a chicken!!!) lookout with views over the fire-burnt area. Then another dirt track into Maguk waterhole where we park and walk to the end of the track.

The waterfall into the pool looks astounding, but no-one else is swimming, and the fear of crocs is in the air, so after a very quick jump-in, jump-out we head back to the car for some lunch. Then it is a quick dash up the highway to Jabiru to meet up with the Cummings family and their friends. We manage to grab the very last site at the caravan park and set up before a swim in the pool. Then into town for a quick look, before being invited to join the group for an Indian feast and chatting until late into the night.

Friday 27th - we join the Cummings for a drive out to the wetlands region 45km's west, and complete a couple of walks which both end with a platform to look over the water, with lots of water lillies, some fish, and I'm sure a few crocs lurking under the surface. Back to the car for lunch under a big shady tree, and then back home for a relaxing afternoon reading and drawing. Another evening with the group - drinking, chatting, feasting, and listening to the AC-DC covers band play tunes into the night from down at the Club.

Saturday 28th - today we go off exploring into the Ubirr region. First up we do a walk amongst the rock formations and along the edge of the river. Then we explore around Cahill's Crossing, which is the road into the Coburg Peninsula. The water is flowing across the causeway, and lots of people are fishing.

It is not long before a crocs floats downstream, and in the flow of water over the causeway, gets caught-up and surfs across the edge, mouth open hoping to also catch a fish or maybe a fisherman. As each croc approaches, a whistle is heard amongst the fishermen, which is the signal to watch your toes and take a few steps out of the water - very risky way to catch a fish. But we see a lot of fish caught in the next 30 minutes, so it must be worth it. A bloke next to us tells us the fish in his bag came from one of the guys fishing, who decided that a 60cm barra was not big enough to worry about, so he gave it away. A bit later a 3-trailer road train full of cattle comes across the causeway - the weight enough to ensure he is not pushed into the water by the current.

Next is Ubirr rock, where there is lots of rock-art to be seen, and then the walk to the lookout over the green wetland area - the same view as in Crocodile Dundee movie.

The views are awesome from the top, and this is what my image of Kakadu was all about.

Back to camp where we meet up with a Dutch family who are travelling with their 4yo son for 3 months in a hired Hilux camper. Then another night with the big group, and more drinks, food and chatting.

Sunday 29th - we are all leaving Jabiru today, so we say goodbye to our new friends Di, Grant and kids, and then also to the Cummings who are heading west to the Kimberleys. We decide to drive back south a bit and go into Jim Jim Falls and Twin Falls. Again, another dirt road, so we let tyres down and after 50km's of reasonably good dirt, we arrive at camp and set-up. We decide to drive to Twin Falls and have a look. We get to the river crossing and select low-range 1st before entering the water - and not looking at the croc signs

- all good and out the other side to continue on to the carpark. After a short walk from the carpark, it is a short trip on the ferry - $12.50 pp to get taken through the gorge to a spot where you can walk the remainder to the falls.

Wonderful views on the way to the falls. Once there, it's like a beach with an area of sand and then a massive waterhole, and of course the falls themselves.

The gorge surrounds us on 3 sides, and it is a beautiful scene that you must see one day. We retrace our steps back to camp.

Monday 30th - after a bit of a sleep-in, we decide to do the walk to Jim Jim Falls, and go for a swim. The drive to the carpark is uneventful, and we set off on the 900 metre walk. The views up the valley are stunning, with the cliffs in the background.

The walk progressively gets harder as you go further, until the last few hundred metres are climbing and clambering over rocks until you arrive at the edge of the pool where the waterfall above tumbles down into.

The water is very cold as the area gets very little sun, and the waterhole is over 60 metres deep. The surrounding rocks that have fallen from high above are massive, and the whole area would shake if one was to fall. We find a small beach area off to the side, with a beautiful clear swimming hole, and decide to take a dip.

The water is cold but refreshing, and this is a magic spot to spend an hour or so. There are lots of small fish joining us. You cant stay in one place too long or they nibble on your toes. The walk back to the carpark seems a bit easier. Once back at camp, we start a fire, have some dinner, and chat with our neighbours into the evening.

Happy EOFY to all you accountants back at home!!!!!

Tuesday 1st July - we ask the Ranger which is the best walk to do, and he says the top of Jim Jim is the best, so we set-off with some snacks, water and our swimming gear. It is 6km's return, but the sign says to allow 6-8 hour - I don't mention this to Di. We cross the river and start heading uphill. It is not too long before we are climbing, and looking for trees to help us get up the next rockface. It is becoming very difficult, and a bit scary too. After 1 hour and 20 minutes, we have finally got to the top and completed about 1km of the walk - again, I do not mention this to Di. We are both quite exhausted, but continue on. The walk across the top is much easier, with only a bit of climbing required to clamber out of the dry creek channels. Finally we spot the pools at the top of the falls, and follow the track markers to the edge of the falls. It has taken us 3 hours to walk the 3km's to this point and we are buggered. But we can only see down to the next level, and there is another set of falls and another pool before it finally falls off the top down into the massive deep pool below. Di waits by the waterhole, determined not to walk any extra steps, but I must get a photo from the very top looking back down the valley. A bit more rock-hopping and I get to the spot for the photo - what a view!!!!

Just astounding, with massive boulders balancing at the edge - very spectacular. I return to join Di, and we jump in for a swim in the cold water - very refreshing.

Then we follow the track back, and then start the climb down, which is a bit harder but much easier. After 2 hours, we are back at the carpark, and are spent - no more walks for a few days.

Wednesday 2nd - after packing, we drive the 50km's of dirt back to the highway, and then detour into Cooinda, which is a resort and camping ground. We have a coffee by the pool, make some calls, and then drive to Yellow Waters where the cruise boats leave for trips up the waterways. Very green and lush, with water lillies and lots of birds, but also lots of mozzies too.

We then go to the Cultural Centre, which is quite good and worth seeing, before some lunch in the carpark. We then drive a bit further to Muirella camping ground where we relax in the shade of the afternoon. A quiet relaxing day is much needed.

Thursday 3rd - after leaving camp, we decide to tackle Mirrai lookout, which is a 1.6km return walk. A slow walk to the top, but the views are nice, with different aspects at each turn. Then to Nourlangie which is a large rocky outcrop which has lots of Aboriginal art under the overhangs.

Another walk around each of the sites and to the lookout, before back to Jabiru for some lunch. We have now seen just about all of Kakadu, and we have really enjoyed it. We can understand how people can be disappointed, especially if they stick to the tar, as there is very little to see, and much of the scenery from the highway is very bland and boring. But once you get onto the dirt and start exploring, the sights are truly magic, and the waterholes are very special - we really enjoyed it. On the drive towards Darwin, we decide to stop at Mary River Retreat for the night, and it is lovely to be camped on lush green grass for a change. A swim in the pool is nothing like a natural waterhole but not too bad either.

Friday 4th - we continue towards Darwin, stopping along the way to do the jumping crocodile cruise up the Adelaide River. For $35pp, we get an hours cruise, and they get the crocs to jump for the buffalo chunks 4 times before they are rewarded with a feed.

It is amazing how far they can get out of the water, but they look really funny doing it with their little front legs dangling beside their bodies. We also spotted some very large crocs along the banks getting some sun. Well worth doing, but also reinforces the scariness of these deadly lizards. From here it only a short drive to Coolalinga where we book into the caravan park for our time in Darwin - $40 a night for a small patch of dirt and some demountable facilities, but it is also much cheaper than other places, and most other places were fully booked. We meet up with Allan and Joy again, who are staying in the same park.

Saturday 5th - Allan has a migraine, so we kidnap Joy and go off to explore Darwin city. We park at Doctors Gully and catch the "hop-on, hop-off" bus to do the loop around the city, before jumping off to explore the areas of interest. We get off at the mall, and wander around the shops, stopping for a coffee. Back on the bus and we go out to East Point Reserve for a quick look, and then back to the waterfront for some lunch.

We then watch people enjoying the wave pool, and make a note to come back later in the week. Then back to get the car, and we drive to the Botanical Gardens, and have a walk around. We then meet Allan back at East Point Reserve for drinks and nibbles as we watch the sun setting over the ocean - very picturesque.

Sunday 6th - Allan and Joy are departing for Kakadu, so we head to Woolies for a re-stock, and then drive back into town for the Mindil Markets and Beer Can Regatta. Firstly down to the beach to see hoardes of people watching the fun events, where boats are made out of beer cans and then paddled around a course.

But the sun is so hot, we retreat back to the shade of the trees surrounding the markets. Lots to see and do, with food of all flavours, and many varied stalls selling everything from clothes to artworks to tarpaulin hats. We wander around until it is time to grab some dinner and plonk on the beach to again watch the sunset over the water.

Another magic night with the temp finally falling below 30 degrees - not bad for winter!!!!

Monday 7th - a lazy day, with a visit to the big shopping centre at Casaurina for a wander around, then back to camp to get our hair cut by a lady in the caravan park, and then a lazy day at camp chatting, and Di cooks a big pot of chicken soup for dinner.

Tuesday 8th - Triton goes in for a service today, so we catch the courtesy bus into town and spend the day wandering around. First the shops, then to the wave pool, where we spend a few hours swimming and relaxing under the shade. Then a late lunch at the mall, before walking back to the Mitsubishi dealer to be told the cost of the service is $500 more than what was quoted the day before. After much arguing and several attampts, the bill is reduced to what I was quoted and we leave, disappointed in the lack of service again.

Wednesday 9th - another day exploring, this time out to Fogg Dam where there are lots of magpie geese and other birds roosting in the wetlands. From here to Berry Springs, which is similar to Bitter Springs in that it is quite natural, with crystal clear water flowing through, but the pools between the channels are much bigger and deeper - a great place for a swim and to cool off.

We float downstream, from pool to pool, and watch some kids (both big and small) swinging off a tree rope into the water. Back to camp to "pretty up" before heading into town again to the casino for some dinner before the SOO game, where NSW are crushed by QLD. Di invests some money on the roulette table, and has a small win, but then loses this, so we leave, having contributed to the NT economy a small amount.

Thursday 10th - after a very relaxed morning, where our neighbour cooks us some stir-fry noodles, we drive to Howard Springs Nature Park for a wander around. This was originally the water supply for Darwin before the dam was built. Lots of big barra's floating around in the dam, but not allowed to swim due to the algae in he water. A bit more of a drive around the suburbs and into Palmerston, and then back to camp.

Friday 11th - we help the neighbour load his Harley onto the trailer, before going out to explore the northern suburbs of Darwin around Casaurina Coastal Reserve. We see Dripstone Park overlooking the beach, Brinkin, Tiwi, Rapid Creek, and Nightcliff. Then to the shopping centre for lunch and then back to camp, where the place is packed again - must be a weekend thing, as during the week it got emptier each day. On the way into town from Kakadu, I was craving some pizza, so we find a shop in Palmerston and go out for dinner tonight - IT WAS GOOD!!!!

Tomorrow we will do some more food re-stocking as we plan to leave for Litchfield tomorrow for the next week or so - looking forward to a few more days swimming and exploring.

More to come soon.

Di and Hammo