Just the World as We See It
Spent the day travelling toward Borroloola, stopping at October Creek Rest Area at around three and setting up camp. Before to long , grey nomads started drifting in and quite quickly the small camping area was full. We spent the afternoon and evening enjoying the balmy weather and identifying the different bird species as they came into camp to drink from a water bowl we provided (while we drank from the wine glasses we also provided)
We continued our journey out to the Stuart Highway then headed south to Katherine where Bob made enquiries about a replacement starter motor to no avail. We then headed down to Mataranka before turning off to go into the Roper Bar. We drove right out to within 40 kms of the Bar when the bitumen came to a halt and the corrugations began. Initially it wasn’t to bad but as we moved further in we realised that the corrugations were getting worse (we were going in late in the season) and that the track we intended to take to Borroloola was worse than this and was 360 odd kilometres long. It was decided that the Turtle and the Redback would turn round and head to Borroloola via the bitumen. We headed back to another bush camp at Mount Price Rest area.
We left the mosquitoes behind to head into Jabiru then onto Nourlangie Rock to view more rock art, including the most photographed piece of Aboriginal Rosa Art in the world. Again, well laid out tracks and extensive viewing sites made for interesting viewing and a feeling of awe when you realise that humans had stood here painting these walls thousands of years ago.
After our contemplations we headed back out along the Kakadu Highway and made camp at Harriet Creek Rest Area.
We left Darwin in good time and headed down to Kakadu. We decided that we would head straight to Ubirr. We walked into the rock art and clambered over the trails to view the extensive galleries there.
Bob and Deb returned to Merl Campground to set up camp while Jenny and I waited until sunset to catch the setting sun’s rays on the escarpments. We left just before sunset to beat the fifty or so people there down the track back to the carpark. We got back into the campsite just in time to cook dinner before the mosquitoes attacked en masse. I can honestly say that I have never seen such a density of mosquitoes before and their attacks were so ferocious that we were forced inside to escape them despite wearing Bushman’s Red insect repellant and having mosquito candles burning. Unfortunately they had gained access to the motorhome so I was consumed during the night.
We went into Darwin after a bit of a restock at the local IGA. We visited the Royal Flying Doctor Service’s Museum at Stoke Hill Wharf. They have an extensive visual display on the bombing of Darwin (including a spectacular Virtual Reality show) as well as films on the establishment of the RFDS and on an American Naval Officer’s view of the events in Darwin Harbour on the day of the first bombing raid. We stayed at the wharf until it was time for our Dinner Cruise on the harbour. Great night during which we discovered that the two older ladies seated next to us had relations in Leongatha and that one of the lady’s daughter-in-law was Bob’s first girlfriend! Talk about a small world!
We were up early to catch the ferry out to Bathurst Island. A pleasant trip out to he island and a real eye opener when we arrived. Its and alcohol free area, so none of the usual signs of alcohol abuse, but the main township is full of neglected buildings and rubbish. The locals were extremely friendly and welcoming ( one family invited us to view their dinner that they had caught earlier and which they would cook until 5 o’clock before consuming it tonight -carpet snake)
It was very hot on the island, even the locals commented on how unseasonal it was. There is a distinct lack of local amenities forr tourists unless you take one of the bus trips (which we thought was expensive at $295 each). We still visited Tiwi By Design and bought a couple of little sculptures. We retreated to the beach under a large tree until it was time to catch the ferry back home. The trip back was a bit rougher because the wind had come up but we still got back home around 6.30 pm
We went out to Berry Springs this morning but unfortunately there was a crocodile sighted in the pools yesterday so no swimming or going near the pools. A couple of yanks came down to the pool to go for a swim but we discouraged them from doing so –why you would ignore the signs saying that the pool is closed due to a crocodile sighting is beyond me. We visited the Berry Springs market and then headed back into Darwin.
Bob and Debbie caught up with a former workmate of Bob’s while Jenny and I walked around the CBD until heading to the Mindel Market for dinner and a window shop.
We did a tour of the sights of Darwin City today including the Art Gallery and Museum (which is really worth the effort). We then made our way around the docks to find out where we depart for our Bathurst Island Tour and our Sunset Dinner cruise. Icecreams on the wharf then back to Howard Springs for an afternoon siesta.
Left Mataranka for the 400 km trip to Howard Springs, beautiful balmy morning with a light breeze. Got into our camp Howard Springs Holiday Resort mid afternoon and set up camp. There is an information session on what is available tourism wise in Darwin this evening so we can plan our five or six days in town. Its about 32 º in the shade of the palm trees – easy to get used to.
Relaxed morning – a few minor repairs on The Turtle then coffee and phone calls to book us into Darwin – Howard Springs Big 4 Caravan Park. Then we all went down to the thermal pools for a two hour dip. Imagine the scene, a pleasant 27°, dappled sunlight over the pool and laying back in the body temperature water as the world passes by. Of course we all thought of those poor people still in South Gippsland and felt so sorry for them – honest, we did.
