The Adventures of Lynne and the Betty Bus
Probably back home with a couple of side trips.
Yikes, will this little bridge be strong enough for me?
Then on to Banka Banka Outstation for the night.
And then Barkly Homestead where …Yep, my neighbours were too.
And, now, the last two nights (and probably a couple more) at the amazing billabong just out of Camooweal.
After Kakadu, there’s really only one way to go and that’s through one of my favourite places – the wonderful Mataranka.
Do we all remember reading Jeannie Gunn’s novel in high school?
Stayed at The Homestead CP this time. Kirsty and I had a very enjoyable stay here previously on our way to the Kimberly a few years ago.
It’s a bush camp. Lots of wild animals and birds
And an easy walk down to swim in the springs.
And past the beautiful Rainbow Pool
Plus, at night there’s a cafe and entertainment around the fire.
Had dinner with a group of “older” bikers from Townsville who were going to Darwin then down to Adelaide and back to Townsville. Averaging 750ks per day. Really? Why bother? They told me they stop about every 1.5 hours cos of “numb bums”. Yeah, great way to travel.
So, I headed off to Kakadu. Was told about a billabong down a dirt track and promised “lots of birds”
Lots of red dust was all I found and, the worst of it, I’d washed the car the previous day. Sheesh!
Anyway, on to Cahill’s Crossing which is the crossing over into Arnhem Land. Currently closed cos of Covid.
There’s a large sign
But, well, there’s “stupid” then there’s a whole other category
And right beside the memorial for the guy who was eaten.
I was standing next to a man and his son and we counted 19 crocs that we could see.
Then around the corner is Ubirr, renowned for its Aboriginal paintings. But, more to my liking, amazing rock formations.
The Yellow Waters cruise is famous and a “not to be missed” item on the Kakadu agenda so I headed on to Cooinda Lodge and booked for the sunrise (the best) tour.
Got up at 5.30am and breakfasted by the full moon and the magnificent sound of dingoes howling close by.
Then caught the bus down to the wharf.
And on to the boats. What a fabulous trip! Lots of crocs, birds, buffalo, wild cattle, wild pigs etc etc. Wonderful trip!
You may not appreciate the size of the wild boar, because they’re at a distance, but they are huge!
HOORAY!!! I made it.
Am staying at the Darwin Free Spirit CP and I have a lovely grassy spot surrounded by a little hedge and not far from the toots and showers. My body is going “What the heck? Clean every day?”
I had to go to Office Works to get some printing/scanning done and, of course, was chatting with everyone within earshot. A lady there told me not to go into the city after 10am because “it is so busy”. I was actually a bit anxious about going especially knowing that the speed limit here Is 130kph and people tend to drive like they’re in the Montreal Grand Prix.
But …. I got a park easily in the city and could have crossed most streets with my eyes closed and been safe. Obviously her idea of busy and mine are quite different.
Walked my feet off around town (yes, looking at the sites but also trying on clothes and shoes). Pretty much like every other city but in small scale. People here are very friendly and sociable. The climate, at the moment, is a steady 18° to 32° or thereabouts with not much humidity. There are some good cafes and a chocolate shop. I could live here easily if it wasn’t so far from family and friends. It’s beautiful, relaxed and warm.
Did the tourist thing and visited Cullen Bay. Looked at the lovely homes and marina.
Then on to Mindil Beach
and Nightcliff.
Darwin’s easy to get around provided you drive fast. However, I have not heard a car horn the whole time here. They’re obviously fast but relaxed.
Went to the Mindil Beach night market. Only had a quick look because there were a lot of people and that’s a bit of a worry these days. It was mostly just food stalls and the usual rubbish you see at all markets. Not sure what I was expecting but definitely something different. I’ve been told it’s currently only about a third of the size it normally is.
Came back to the park for dinner and was joined by a friend.
And so – Darwin’s done.