It has been a long time since my last blog. We have been so busy in Darwin, that time has managed to get away from me - very poor time management skills, you can tell I've been away from the office for a while, I just can't think what I've done with my time: relaxing, eating, touring, socializing!!! So where do I start .........
The last blog ended before our tour into Litchfield, so I'll start with the trip to the National Park. We were up early to go for our trip with Eco Tours as the bus picked us up around 7.15. We headed straight out past Humpty Doo to Fogg Dam to check out the wildlife there. Everyone was quite impressed with the wildlife and a bit wary as we weren't allowed to walk on the dam due to rogue salt water crocs in the area.
Then it was off to the Adelaide River to see the crocodiles that they knew were there. I stayed downstairs on the boat and had an amazing view of the crocs throughout the glass, and managed some great shots from behind the safety of the bullet proof (and croc I hope) glass.
Then it was off to Bachelor for lunch before we went on to the waterfalls. The lunch was OK although there was a discussion had, that the fruit platter was actually a bowl of tinned peaches! From lunch it was on to the waterfalls. The first falls we came to we couldn't swim in, the Wangi Falls had not been checked for saltwater crocs, so it was off limits for swimming, so we were pretty happy to comply with the request not to swim. Then on to Tolmer Falls, and we didn't swim there either, it was simply a look and see. But we finally made it to Florence falls and after negotiating heaps of steps, we made it down to the water hole, where the boys and Maureen got in the water and had a swim - with about 100 other people!! Unfortunately, after their swim, we had to re-negotiate the steps to get back up to the bus.
The next stop was Buley Rockholes, which was a series of rock pools, and small waterfalls. I found me a hole and I sat in it - it was lovely! It was a bit like an open-air spa. Then it was back on the bus until we came to a roadhouse where we changed out of our bathers, and Bradley scored a beer, Maureen a wine and the rest of us a soft drink -yes no red wine for me, it was way too hot for that. We then headed back to the bus for the trip back to Darwin.
We arrived back at the park and decided after the day, that we weren't going to cook, so all but Jane loaded into the car and we went in to Darwin City to Shenanigans for dinner. We had a great meal, and enjoyed the atmosphere of down-town Darwin before we headed back to the caravan park. Then the atmosphere unfortunately deteriorated!! The Darwin Show had set up at the show grounds, which happened to be next door to the caravan park. And Side Show Alley happened to be set up alongside our fence!! And it was this night they decided to give the rides a run. I knew straight away we were in for great treat over the next few days - not!!
And what a treat we had!! For the next week we had sideshow alley running from 10am till 11pm, we had an influx of 'carnies' in the park who managed to completely trash the amenities, cause havoc after dark, and generally ensure that our stay at Shady Glen Caravan Park was one we will never forget!! We were fortunate however that when the fireworks went off on the Saturday night we did actually have a ring-side seat from the other side of the wire fence -and they did manage not to burn anything down so that was also a bonus! We were a bit annoyed that we hadn't been warned when we booked the park site two months ahead, that the Show would be on, it would be next door, that sideshow alley would be against the fence and that the show 'carnies' would be moving into the park in droves. There was of course no refunds if we left early and no discounts, and therefore, you can find my review of our stay at the caravan park online at Trip Advisor for all to read!!
Our stay in Darwin wasn't all bad though. We had several great trips to Mindil Market, we visited the waterfront area of Darwin several times, we ate at some wonderful restaurants and had a great time with our family and friends who'd come all the way to Darwin to meet us. Thanks Jane, Maureen, Bradley and Janine for making our Darwin leg of our journey so good. We had some great laughs, and couldn't have wished for better (and funnier Brad) company. I could write a book about the escapades of Bradley, but that's another story (and yes Brad i have recorded it in my trip notes).
Once our buddies had all left, it was time for us to hit the road again and make the slow trip back home. We were really missing home now, and our girls and family, and one very special little man. So it was off to Katherine where we were going to do the gorge trip on a sunset cruise as a last thing before we started heading to the Queensland border, as we are traveling via Longreach to come home. So Katherine and beyond will be my next blog........
Wednesday, 27 July 2011
Monday, 18 July 2011
Fun in Darwin
We arrived in Darwin three days ahead of schedule, and the caravan parks were so full, we had to take the last site we could get in the Free Spirit Park on the outskirts of Darwin. It was OK, but only just. Our neighbor on one side was the ablutions block and garbage bins, so the smell drifting in our window of a night was a pleasant mix of various types of waste!! That mixed with humid sticky heat, made for an interesting stay. The green tree frogs had taken up residence in the toilet, and various types of mould had taken up residence in the showers, so our ensuite in the van proved to be an absolute lifesaver.
I was in desperate need of some civilisation, so we aimed ourselves in the direction of Casaurina Shopping Center for some serious retail therapy. Kevin was not as keen for therapy as I was, but he decided to come along for the ride. With the iPad assistance, we found the shopping centre without much hassle. We spent the next few hours wandering around, drinking coffee etc. For someone who was just along for the ride, Kevin was able to find quite a few things that made it into our shopping bags for the trip home!!
We left Casaurina, and Kevin suggested a trip into the city - my goodness, what had happened to him!! Anyway we headed towards Darwin City. We had a 'moment' over which carpark to park in, but we managed to recover from that and then spent some time wandering the streets, till we decided we'd really had enough of shopping (it was way too hot) and we turned the car towards the caravan park. Kevin spent the next hour flat out on the bed snoring, while I caught up with boring stuff - I liked Kevin's choice of activity better!!
We filled in the next few days running around Darwin getting stuff done that had been on hold until we were somewhere near civilisation, and then it was time for our visitors from home to arrive. I was pretty excited as we'd been on the road for two months with just each other for company - don't get me wrong, I've enjoyed that company, but it was time to expand our conversation pool for a while, and our buddies had arranged to be in Darwin when we were here so we could have some fun before we started back home.
The plane arrived about 20 minutes late, but we were pretty happy to wait a few extra minutes for the fun to start. Brad and Janine, and Jane and Maureen arrived pretty hot and removing layers as they had come straight from a very cold Tasmania to 30 degrees. So once in the Caravan Park, we all headed to the girls cabin for a few celebratory beverages, and that's when the first disaster happened!! Do you know how quickly a man and a chair can fall backwards from a balcony? Pretty quickly!! Brad moved his chair to get a photo with Kevin, and the leg went off the edge of the balcony, and Brad, his chair, and the glass top table all went off the edge backwards. Brad landed on his back on top of two very large, very sharp rocks!! We couldn't believe it - he was so lucky even though he was hurt, it could have been so much worse!! And he was stone cold sober! So after the balcony incident, the party folded and everyone headed for their beds.
After their night's sleep our travelers were all rested and we had decided to visit the Casino for the BIG Breakfast. Kevin had been waiting for this and was very very excited at the prospect of the buffet breakfast. We had to have seats outside, as the visiting Tasmanians wanted to soak up the sun. The rest of the day was filled with Parap Market, a barbecue tea, and a return to the Casino to watch St Kilda play on the big screen.
Over the next few days, we did various markets, went souvenir shopping, visited the city, did Mindil Beach at sunset, paddled in the man-made beach, checked out the wave pool and the waterfront district, ate ice-cream, drank coffee, walked the streets, sailed on the harbour, and generally had a fun time. Tomorrow we plan to have a bit of a rest from all our recreation, and get ready for a big trip on Thursday out to Litchfield National Park. That will be my next blog .....
I was in desperate need of some civilisation, so we aimed ourselves in the direction of Casaurina Shopping Center for some serious retail therapy. Kevin was not as keen for therapy as I was, but he decided to come along for the ride. With the iPad assistance, we found the shopping centre without much hassle. We spent the next few hours wandering around, drinking coffee etc. For someone who was just along for the ride, Kevin was able to find quite a few things that made it into our shopping bags for the trip home!!
We left Casaurina, and Kevin suggested a trip into the city - my goodness, what had happened to him!! Anyway we headed towards Darwin City. We had a 'moment' over which carpark to park in, but we managed to recover from that and then spent some time wandering the streets, till we decided we'd really had enough of shopping (it was way too hot) and we turned the car towards the caravan park. Kevin spent the next hour flat out on the bed snoring, while I caught up with boring stuff - I liked Kevin's choice of activity better!!
We filled in the next few days running around Darwin getting stuff done that had been on hold until we were somewhere near civilisation, and then it was time for our visitors from home to arrive. I was pretty excited as we'd been on the road for two months with just each other for company - don't get me wrong, I've enjoyed that company, but it was time to expand our conversation pool for a while, and our buddies had arranged to be in Darwin when we were here so we could have some fun before we started back home.
The plane arrived about 20 minutes late, but we were pretty happy to wait a few extra minutes for the fun to start. Brad and Janine, and Jane and Maureen arrived pretty hot and removing layers as they had come straight from a very cold Tasmania to 30 degrees. So once in the Caravan Park, we all headed to the girls cabin for a few celebratory beverages, and that's when the first disaster happened!! Do you know how quickly a man and a chair can fall backwards from a balcony? Pretty quickly!! Brad moved his chair to get a photo with Kevin, and the leg went off the edge of the balcony, and Brad, his chair, and the glass top table all went off the edge backwards. Brad landed on his back on top of two very large, very sharp rocks!! We couldn't believe it - he was so lucky even though he was hurt, it could have been so much worse!! And he was stone cold sober! So after the balcony incident, the party folded and everyone headed for their beds.
After their night's sleep our travelers were all rested and we had decided to visit the Casino for the BIG Breakfast. Kevin had been waiting for this and was very very excited at the prospect of the buffet breakfast. We had to have seats outside, as the visiting Tasmanians wanted to soak up the sun. The rest of the day was filled with Parap Market, a barbecue tea, and a return to the Casino to watch St Kilda play on the big screen.
Over the next few days, we did various markets, went souvenir shopping, visited the city, did Mindil Beach at sunset, paddled in the man-made beach, checked out the wave pool and the waterfront district, ate ice-cream, drank coffee, walked the streets, sailed on the harbour, and generally had a fun time. Tomorrow we plan to have a bit of a rest from all our recreation, and get ready for a big trip on Thursday out to Litchfield National Park. That will be my next blog .....
Tuesday, 12 July 2011
Playing in Kakadu National Park
Today we leave Kakadu National Park and head to Darwin, so today I pick out all the juicy stuff from our time here in Kakadu to blog about.
Our first stop on the road to Kakadu was at the Mary River Roadhouse to buy the National Park Passes that we need for traveling in the Park over the next week. The outside toilets were a real treat!! And then I discovered some pleasant alternatives inside - too late to save me from the outside experience unfortunately.
One thing I have noticed is the amount of snakes we've been seeing. I've seen more snakes on the road to Kakadu than I have seen my whole life living in Tasmania. I'm starting to feel just a little concerned about walking around some of these bush tracks out here, and have given Kevin a bit of a talk about being wary of snakes while he's out tramping about on the bush as he does!!
So we arrived at Kakadu Lodge Caravan Park and I was pleasantly surprised. Firstly they allowed us to pick our own site, and we managed to get a great site with heaps of shade - however Kevin did do several laps of the park before he decided on the very best spot!! The pool was great, and the bistro area serves great meals, so I think I might enjoy it here. The comment about keeping our shoes inside as the dingoes that visit at night have taken a liking to them was just a bit off-putting though!!
We checked out the Jabiru township which took about 5 minutes, and then headed out to the interpretive centre to get our bearings and see what we should go and check out while we are here. Then exhausted from all that effort, we came back to the caravan park, and Kevin forced himself to have a swim in the pool, while I filled in my time with a red wine and some phone calls back home. Tomorrow we planned to check out some of the sights and sort out what cruise and which cultural tour we should take - or maybe we'd just relax (life's tough when your on holiday)!!
Day two in Kakadu started with boring stuff like washing sheets and generally cleaning up.
Today is quite windy here, and I'm hoping the washing doesnt takeoff on me while we are away soaking up the culture!! So once the housework stuff was done, we travelled out to the cultural area to view the aboriginal people rock art paintings which included walking to the top of a lookout, where I had the strangest feeling I'd been there before. I then discovered that the Crocodile Dundee movies were filmed from this very spot - and here I was feeling there was some deep spiritual feeling I was experiencing among all this culture!!
After the walk, we then headed off to the crossing on the East Alligator River between Kakadu National Park and Arnhem Land, called Cahills Crossing, to watch the tide turn and check out the crocodiles who wait at the crossing with mouths open in the hope that they score an easy fish! We spent the next hour watching a big old croc lurking in the water, watching adventurous (stupid) drivers attempting the crossing on the turn of the tide, and watching the barrumundi fishermen getting way to close for comfort to the reptiles in the river!!
We decided after the long day, we'd eat out. Kevin expended more energy with a swim, and I expended mine just watching him. Then we treated ourselves to dinner at the Bistro. Beautiful meals, but very very big - we didn't need the extra wedges that Kein had ordered!!
Day three in Kakadu. We started our day early, as with the heat, we're not sleeping well so early starts are easy. We headed out to take a boat trip on the East Alligator River. Our tour guide was an aborigine guide called Terry, who was really great. We saw heaps of saltwater crocodiles - it was a little disconcerting when he started the tour with a safety talk that included not resting any body parts on the side of the boat or anywhere near the water. And what is it about providing us with life jackets on these boat trips? Who cares about drowning while you're being eaten??
The cruise was on the East Alligator River, which divides Kakadu National Park from Arnhem Land, allowed us to enter Arnhem Land - you have to get permission from the traditional owners. Terry then showed us how to throw spears and what they were used for. We also learned a bit about tribal justice and how traditionally they deal with those that break tribal laws - it was pretty interesting stuff.
On our return to the Caravan Park, we detoured and checked out the Uranium Mine out here at Jabiru. It was really awful to see it all happening in such an amazing place. The pit was huge and the piles of waste were mountain-high!!
By the time we reached home, Kevin was still hot, so we visited the pool, so he could cool down! Then he decided he couldn't be bothered cooking, so we settled in beside the pool with wine, a fancy chicken dish and music playing in the background. I wasn't sure at this point how I would ever return to my normal life!
Day three meant an early early start. I don't call a 4.30 start to the day much fun, but the fact that I was already awake at 3.30AM probably didn't help my mood at the beginning of the day. Anyway a quick shower helped to wake us up and before too long we hit the road to be at Cooinda Resort 50 Ks away to catch the boat for a Yellow River Boat trip.
After our arrival and checkin for the cruise, we sat on the boat in the dark for ten minutes contemplating just how many crocs there would be lurking just under us smelling their breakfast! But before they managed to eat any of us (although the million and twenty Mosquitos had had a fair go) it was time to hit the water! So just on sunrise we headed out, and two hours and a hundred photos later we'd had a great trip! We saw birds, crocodiles, amazing waterlillies, wetlands and more crocs!!
Then it was back to shore and back to the lineup to catch the shuttle bus back to the lodge for the big breakfast that was included -Kevin had been hanging out for this! We ended up being in the last load for the bus and the threat of missing out on crispy bacon was almost too much for Kevin to bear! But we made it, and there was bacon to spare, so disaster was averted!!
From breakfast, we moved on to the aboriginal cultural centre, and then to Jim Jim Billabong, but we couldn't get through the water that was blocking the track, so after attempting the first water crossing we decided to give the idea up. Kevin then had a great idea that we should climb a kilometer and go to the top of Cahills Lookout! Personally I felt it wasn't one of his greatest ideas, especially when I was half way up and just about dying on the track!! I did make it to the top however and was proud of my achievement, although I could have managed without the experience. Day four was to be a rest day for me while Kevin went trekking in the bush. I must say after the climb to the lookout I was more than happy for him to go off walking without me!
So day four arrived and my relax day. Kevin had organized to go walking in the wilds, and I had organized to do absolutely nothing!! Bliss!! So after packing the old boy off I'd decided to take it easy -to take it very easy in fact. Washing done, ironing done, groceries done, caravan cleaned, booked in to the next caravan park in Darwin and generally just sat about. Good for the soul and not very productive, but I felt quite relaxed at the end of it. Kevin returned about 3 and had had a great day walking in the heat (not sure how he could have but each to his own)
So our Kakadu experience was just about over. Now it's on to Darwin and on to the next adventure. I must say the civilisation is looking pretty good to me at the moment. There's only so much of the 'wild' a girl can take. I think I need a manicure, a pedicure, a massage, and some serious retail therapy to recover ....... But that's my next blog!!!
Our first stop on the road to Kakadu was at the Mary River Roadhouse to buy the National Park Passes that we need for traveling in the Park over the next week. The outside toilets were a real treat!! And then I discovered some pleasant alternatives inside - too late to save me from the outside experience unfortunately.
One thing I have noticed is the amount of snakes we've been seeing. I've seen more snakes on the road to Kakadu than I have seen my whole life living in Tasmania. I'm starting to feel just a little concerned about walking around some of these bush tracks out here, and have given Kevin a bit of a talk about being wary of snakes while he's out tramping about on the bush as he does!!
So we arrived at Kakadu Lodge Caravan Park and I was pleasantly surprised. Firstly they allowed us to pick our own site, and we managed to get a great site with heaps of shade - however Kevin did do several laps of the park before he decided on the very best spot!! The pool was great, and the bistro area serves great meals, so I think I might enjoy it here. The comment about keeping our shoes inside as the dingoes that visit at night have taken a liking to them was just a bit off-putting though!!
We checked out the Jabiru township which took about 5 minutes, and then headed out to the interpretive centre to get our bearings and see what we should go and check out while we are here. Then exhausted from all that effort, we came back to the caravan park, and Kevin forced himself to have a swim in the pool, while I filled in my time with a red wine and some phone calls back home. Tomorrow we planned to check out some of the sights and sort out what cruise and which cultural tour we should take - or maybe we'd just relax (life's tough when your on holiday)!!
Day two in Kakadu started with boring stuff like washing sheets and generally cleaning up.
Today is quite windy here, and I'm hoping the washing doesnt takeoff on me while we are away soaking up the culture!! So once the housework stuff was done, we travelled out to the cultural area to view the aboriginal people rock art paintings which included walking to the top of a lookout, where I had the strangest feeling I'd been there before. I then discovered that the Crocodile Dundee movies were filmed from this very spot - and here I was feeling there was some deep spiritual feeling I was experiencing among all this culture!!
After the walk, we then headed off to the crossing on the East Alligator River between Kakadu National Park and Arnhem Land, called Cahills Crossing, to watch the tide turn and check out the crocodiles who wait at the crossing with mouths open in the hope that they score an easy fish! We spent the next hour watching a big old croc lurking in the water, watching adventurous (stupid) drivers attempting the crossing on the turn of the tide, and watching the barrumundi fishermen getting way to close for comfort to the reptiles in the river!!
We decided after the long day, we'd eat out. Kevin expended more energy with a swim, and I expended mine just watching him. Then we treated ourselves to dinner at the Bistro. Beautiful meals, but very very big - we didn't need the extra wedges that Kein had ordered!!
Day three in Kakadu. We started our day early, as with the heat, we're not sleeping well so early starts are easy. We headed out to take a boat trip on the East Alligator River. Our tour guide was an aborigine guide called Terry, who was really great. We saw heaps of saltwater crocodiles - it was a little disconcerting when he started the tour with a safety talk that included not resting any body parts on the side of the boat or anywhere near the water. And what is it about providing us with life jackets on these boat trips? Who cares about drowning while you're being eaten??
The cruise was on the East Alligator River, which divides Kakadu National Park from Arnhem Land, allowed us to enter Arnhem Land - you have to get permission from the traditional owners. Terry then showed us how to throw spears and what they were used for. We also learned a bit about tribal justice and how traditionally they deal with those that break tribal laws - it was pretty interesting stuff.
On our return to the Caravan Park, we detoured and checked out the Uranium Mine out here at Jabiru. It was really awful to see it all happening in such an amazing place. The pit was huge and the piles of waste were mountain-high!!
By the time we reached home, Kevin was still hot, so we visited the pool, so he could cool down! Then he decided he couldn't be bothered cooking, so we settled in beside the pool with wine, a fancy chicken dish and music playing in the background. I wasn't sure at this point how I would ever return to my normal life!
Day three meant an early early start. I don't call a 4.30 start to the day much fun, but the fact that I was already awake at 3.30AM probably didn't help my mood at the beginning of the day. Anyway a quick shower helped to wake us up and before too long we hit the road to be at Cooinda Resort 50 Ks away to catch the boat for a Yellow River Boat trip.
After our arrival and checkin for the cruise, we sat on the boat in the dark for ten minutes contemplating just how many crocs there would be lurking just under us smelling their breakfast! But before they managed to eat any of us (although the million and twenty Mosquitos had had a fair go) it was time to hit the water! So just on sunrise we headed out, and two hours and a hundred photos later we'd had a great trip! We saw birds, crocodiles, amazing waterlillies, wetlands and more crocs!!
Then it was back to shore and back to the lineup to catch the shuttle bus back to the lodge for the big breakfast that was included -Kevin had been hanging out for this! We ended up being in the last load for the bus and the threat of missing out on crispy bacon was almost too much for Kevin to bear! But we made it, and there was bacon to spare, so disaster was averted!!
From breakfast, we moved on to the aboriginal cultural centre, and then to Jim Jim Billabong, but we couldn't get through the water that was blocking the track, so after attempting the first water crossing we decided to give the idea up. Kevin then had a great idea that we should climb a kilometer and go to the top of Cahills Lookout! Personally I felt it wasn't one of his greatest ideas, especially when I was half way up and just about dying on the track!! I did make it to the top however and was proud of my achievement, although I could have managed without the experience. Day four was to be a rest day for me while Kevin went trekking in the bush. I must say after the climb to the lookout I was more than happy for him to go off walking without me!
So day four arrived and my relax day. Kevin had organized to go walking in the wilds, and I had organized to do absolutely nothing!! Bliss!! So after packing the old boy off I'd decided to take it easy -to take it very easy in fact. Washing done, ironing done, groceries done, caravan cleaned, booked in to the next caravan park in Darwin and generally just sat about. Good for the soul and not very productive, but I felt quite relaxed at the end of it. Kevin returned about 3 and had had a great day walking in the heat (not sure how he could have but each to his own)
So our Kakadu experience was just about over. Now it's on to Darwin and on to the next adventure. I must say the civilisation is looking pretty good to me at the moment. There's only so much of the 'wild' a girl can take. I think I need a manicure, a pedicure, a massage, and some serious retail therapy to recover ....... But that's my next blog!!!
Wednesday, 6 July 2011
Onwards to Katherine .. We hit the Northern Territory
It was time to hit the road again, as we were leaving Kununurra behind and heading towards the Northern Territory border. After a robust discussion and slight confusion (on Kevins part) over which way the clocks should be turned, we agreed that the clock should go forward and we would lose an hour and a half as we slowly made our way back to the east coast of Australia, (and slowly left BumbleF**k behind us -maybe)!
The distance to Katherine was too far to make before the caravan park reception closed, (as we lost an hour and a half), so we decided to stop at the Victoria River Roadhouse for the night. We'd heard it was a pretty place and worth the stop. Well it was a pretty place, but I probably would have just stopped for a 'look' rather than a 'night' if I had known what the Caravan Park was like.
Victoria River scenery was pretty spectacular with huge gorges, a very inviting river -except of course for the crocodiles that live in it - and the contrast of the Northern Territory colours. I was tempted to take a helicopter ride over the National Park, and the helicopter pilot was cute enough to nearly make me forget that I don't like flying in anything under a 100 seats, but commonsense prevailed, and I gave the flight a miss! We found out later it was only $50 so we were kicking ourselves we didn't go!
We filled the afternoon in chatting to travellers at the Roadhouse, and also took a short walk to the river for a photo, but the 33 degree heat was a bit much for me, so I headed back to the van. Several glasses of water, an icecream and two panadol later and I was feeling heaps better.
So after our overnight stop we headed off to Katherine. I'd like to say we left Victoria River Roadhouse bright and early as scheduled, however, Kevin does love to talk -and that's all I'll say on the matter! So a little later than planned we hit the road and headed for Katherine. One night with no 3G coverage in fairly basic camping situation was enough for me. The showers were a breeding ground for who knows what, and with no water pressure to have a shower in the van, I was hanging out for a decent shower in Katherine!
We arrived at the park, which was a pleasant surprise after the very ordinary arrangement at Victoria River. We even managed to find a decent place in Katherine to get coffee -so now I'm feeling more human again!!
Our first night at the caravan park and we were surprised to hear music from the bistro area, so we made our way over for a look and once closer we were treated to some lovely 'yeehaa' music. So with red wine in hand, I settled in for the next half an hour and listened to the dulcet tones of some very very old music!! Kevin wouldn't dance with me though which was more than a little disappointing.
Our second day in Katherine and we discovered the Thermal Pools. We spent an hour floating about and generally relaxing in the water that is a constant 32 degrees. Of course there were other tourists there doing the same thing, and so of course our stay there was lengthened because Kevin struck up conversation. Still it was a pleasant way to pass the afternoon, and I really didn't mind listening to an old lady's life story while Kevin chatted happily to her husband!!
Our last day in Katherine we started the day around 7, with me heading to the showers and Kevin heading off for a walk to deal with his muffin top! We planned to head off early to go to Edith Falls, however our neighbor came across for a chat, and the rest is history!! An hour later, we headed off. Kevins good work was undone with the coffee and biscuits we had in Katherine before we left for the falls.
The day at the falls was pretty good. It was very very hot, and I completely squibbed out on the 2.6 kilometer walk to the top falls, so Kevin had to be content with the bottom falls. The water was pretty inviting, but the temperature, and the fact that there were reptile eyes watching us, ensured I didn't go for a swim! Kevin braved it though and had a wonderful time. I was happy to be the resident photographer.
Tomorrow we head off for Jabiru in Kakadu National Park, and I doubt there will be much swimming, as the salt water crocodiles live there, and they don't love sharing their water!! I'll blog more about our Kakadu adventures next time .......
The distance to Katherine was too far to make before the caravan park reception closed, (as we lost an hour and a half), so we decided to stop at the Victoria River Roadhouse for the night. We'd heard it was a pretty place and worth the stop. Well it was a pretty place, but I probably would have just stopped for a 'look' rather than a 'night' if I had known what the Caravan Park was like.
Victoria River scenery was pretty spectacular with huge gorges, a very inviting river -except of course for the crocodiles that live in it - and the contrast of the Northern Territory colours. I was tempted to take a helicopter ride over the National Park, and the helicopter pilot was cute enough to nearly make me forget that I don't like flying in anything under a 100 seats, but commonsense prevailed, and I gave the flight a miss! We found out later it was only $50 so we were kicking ourselves we didn't go!
We filled the afternoon in chatting to travellers at the Roadhouse, and also took a short walk to the river for a photo, but the 33 degree heat was a bit much for me, so I headed back to the van. Several glasses of water, an icecream and two panadol later and I was feeling heaps better.
So after our overnight stop we headed off to Katherine. I'd like to say we left Victoria River Roadhouse bright and early as scheduled, however, Kevin does love to talk -and that's all I'll say on the matter! So a little later than planned we hit the road and headed for Katherine. One night with no 3G coverage in fairly basic camping situation was enough for me. The showers were a breeding ground for who knows what, and with no water pressure to have a shower in the van, I was hanging out for a decent shower in Katherine!
We arrived at the park, which was a pleasant surprise after the very ordinary arrangement at Victoria River. We even managed to find a decent place in Katherine to get coffee -so now I'm feeling more human again!!
Our first night at the caravan park and we were surprised to hear music from the bistro area, so we made our way over for a look and once closer we were treated to some lovely 'yeehaa' music. So with red wine in hand, I settled in for the next half an hour and listened to the dulcet tones of some very very old music!! Kevin wouldn't dance with me though which was more than a little disappointing.
Our second day in Katherine and we discovered the Thermal Pools. We spent an hour floating about and generally relaxing in the water that is a constant 32 degrees. Of course there were other tourists there doing the same thing, and so of course our stay there was lengthened because Kevin struck up conversation. Still it was a pleasant way to pass the afternoon, and I really didn't mind listening to an old lady's life story while Kevin chatted happily to her husband!!
Our last day in Katherine we started the day around 7, with me heading to the showers and Kevin heading off for a walk to deal with his muffin top! We planned to head off early to go to Edith Falls, however our neighbor came across for a chat, and the rest is history!! An hour later, we headed off. Kevins good work was undone with the coffee and biscuits we had in Katherine before we left for the falls.
The day at the falls was pretty good. It was very very hot, and I completely squibbed out on the 2.6 kilometer walk to the top falls, so Kevin had to be content with the bottom falls. The water was pretty inviting, but the temperature, and the fact that there were reptile eyes watching us, ensured I didn't go for a swim! Kevin braved it though and had a wonderful time. I was happy to be the resident photographer.
Tomorrow we head off for Jabiru in Kakadu National Park, and I doubt there will be much swimming, as the salt water crocodiles live there, and they don't love sharing their water!! I'll blog more about our Kakadu adventures next time .......
Friday, 1 July 2011
It's all about Kununurra
It's time to blog again, and its all about Kununurra. We've spent the last few days doing and seeing all there is to do and see around Kununurra.
My first morning here started with a very cute, small lizard staring at me from beside the taps on the sink in the amenities block. The wildlife in the toilets is just another gentle reminder that I am actually in the wilds of BumbleF**k should I momentarily forget.
Our sight-seeing took us to the lookout above the town, and then out to Zebra Rock Gallery to check out the weird zebra looking rocks that are found in the area. Kevin bought a toothpick holder as a memento- not sure how useful that will be but it's sort of cute in a rockish kind of way!!
By 8.30 on our first night, and Kevin was snoring his head off in bed as per normal. The early mornings we put in mean we tend to go to bed pretty early. His excuse for early snoring was of course that the next day we were heading out for a cruise on Lake Argyle and a boat trip on the Ord River, and he needed to be rested for that.
Our trip to Lake Argyle and the Ord River meant an early start which was a bit of a killer, but once over that hurdle, it proved to be a great day. We headed off in the bus to the Lake and then from the bus onto a boat to take us for a two hour cruise. We had morning tea on board, and then after touring around for a few hours, taking at least 80 photographs, listening to a running commentary and generally just relaxing, we motored back to Lake Argyle Resort for lunch.
Lunch was without doubt the worst meal we had eaten the whole time we've been away! We waited for half an hour and then with only ten minutes left before we needed to get back on the bus, lunch arrived. Now whether it was because I'd asked how much longer our meal was, or whether they are just generally crap at hospitality and meals in general, but when the meal finally arrived it was almost inedible. Kevin's chicken was about 2 cm square, completely overcooked , very dark brown and crunchy!! So with lunch sitting in our stomachs like a brick, it was back on the bus and down to the water for the next part of the trip - a four hour cruise on the Ord River back to Kununurra.
The Ord River was amazing. The scenery was stunning and the eye candy who was commentating this part of the journey wasnt bad either, although I think he may have been just a tad young to be entirely appropriate. We had a great time, and spent the next four hours taking photos and soaking up the scenery (both in and out of the boat). It was a great tour and an amazing day
Day three in Kununurra and Kevin was up bright and early ready for a trip over the Bungles in a small plane. I wasn't going with him, as the plane was small and I felt the risk of not surviving was way too great! With Kevin packed off in the bus to take him to the plane, I headed into kununurra township to see what I could find. I decided on a pampering at the Kimberley Hair and Beauty. In hindsight it would have been safer on the plane!
I should have been wary when the girl was asking the manager (who looked extremely young) what colour to mix up. And I should have perhaps left when she mentioned that it may go purple. But I didn't, and I payed the price! Purple is definitely not my colour, and they tell me that it should wash out in a few washes! The cut, also a disaster may mean I wear a hat for the next two weeks until the botched job actually resumes a normal colour and grows at least two more centimetres. Kevin is very diplomatic, but he definitely does not love the Kununurra 'cut and colour'. In fact I think from now on a botched hair job will become officially known as a 'Kimberleys Cut and Colour'!!
Day four and Kevin was excited. This was the day he had booked to do a farm tour! I wasn't excited and I wasn't going with him. I'd decided to drop him off at 8.15 and come back and get him. I'd found an art gallery and I planned to go and check it out.
I dropped Kevin at the Hoochery - a place were they make rum and I headed off into town to find the art gallery. The gallery was closed as it was still only 8.45 so I headed to find a coffee shop to fill in some time. A coffee later, and I headed back to the gallery which was now open. I was absolutely amazed at such a cosmopolitan gallery in such an outback place, but there it was.
From the art gallery I moved on to the SandleWood gallery where I whiled the time away testing samples, smelling the products and watching a DVD about the production process. Half an hour later, and smelling much prettier than before, I headed back to the Hoochery to collect the farm traveller who i presumed would by now be much more informed about the Ord River irrigation scheme, the local cropping processes and all things agricultural around Kununurra.
Day five in Kununurra and the plan was to head to Wyndham. We spent the morning just chilling (well not really chilling because it was 25 degrees at 9am) but we thought we'd better make an effort, and get ourselves out of our deck chairs and on the road.
Our first stop on the road was the Grotto. A waterhole in the middle of a chasm. It was spectacular, even though the steps to get down there risked life and limb. Once down, the Grotto was like a mystical place out of a fantasy story. I could have spent hours there drawing!! Our visit to the Grotto was also shared by a big old lizard who had a fish hook caught in his mouth. It was a bit sad, and Kevin tried to help him, but he wasn't keen to be helped!
From the Grotto we moved on to Parry Lagoon and the Marglu Billabong. It was a birdlife Sanctuary, with a hide built out over the billabong. We sat and watched a crocodile checking out the possibilities for lunch. Then on to Wyndham.
The best things about Wyndham were the Barra and Chips, and the Five Rivers Lookout which was pretty spectacular viewing. So, after Kevin had finished speaking to everyone at the lookout, we headed for our last photo stop at the giant crocodile, before turning the car towards Kununurra and home (the caravan). It was really hot, but also unseasonably cloudy, which is probably just as well as any more degrees and I don't think I'd cope!!
Tomorrow will be day six. We are planning on doing the Kununurra markets, and then the afternoon preparing to say goodbye to Kununurra as we head towards the Northern Territory. But that's another story for the next blog........
My first morning here started with a very cute, small lizard staring at me from beside the taps on the sink in the amenities block. The wildlife in the toilets is just another gentle reminder that I am actually in the wilds of BumbleF**k should I momentarily forget.
Our sight-seeing took us to the lookout above the town, and then out to Zebra Rock Gallery to check out the weird zebra looking rocks that are found in the area. Kevin bought a toothpick holder as a memento- not sure how useful that will be but it's sort of cute in a rockish kind of way!!
By 8.30 on our first night, and Kevin was snoring his head off in bed as per normal. The early mornings we put in mean we tend to go to bed pretty early. His excuse for early snoring was of course that the next day we were heading out for a cruise on Lake Argyle and a boat trip on the Ord River, and he needed to be rested for that.
Our trip to Lake Argyle and the Ord River meant an early start which was a bit of a killer, but once over that hurdle, it proved to be a great day. We headed off in the bus to the Lake and then from the bus onto a boat to take us for a two hour cruise. We had morning tea on board, and then after touring around for a few hours, taking at least 80 photographs, listening to a running commentary and generally just relaxing, we motored back to Lake Argyle Resort for lunch.
Lunch was without doubt the worst meal we had eaten the whole time we've been away! We waited for half an hour and then with only ten minutes left before we needed to get back on the bus, lunch arrived. Now whether it was because I'd asked how much longer our meal was, or whether they are just generally crap at hospitality and meals in general, but when the meal finally arrived it was almost inedible. Kevin's chicken was about 2 cm square, completely overcooked , very dark brown and crunchy!! So with lunch sitting in our stomachs like a brick, it was back on the bus and down to the water for the next part of the trip - a four hour cruise on the Ord River back to Kununurra.
The Ord River was amazing. The scenery was stunning and the eye candy who was commentating this part of the journey wasnt bad either, although I think he may have been just a tad young to be entirely appropriate. We had a great time, and spent the next four hours taking photos and soaking up the scenery (both in and out of the boat). It was a great tour and an amazing day
Day three in Kununurra and Kevin was up bright and early ready for a trip over the Bungles in a small plane. I wasn't going with him, as the plane was small and I felt the risk of not surviving was way too great! With Kevin packed off in the bus to take him to the plane, I headed into kununurra township to see what I could find. I decided on a pampering at the Kimberley Hair and Beauty. In hindsight it would have been safer on the plane!
I should have been wary when the girl was asking the manager (who looked extremely young) what colour to mix up. And I should have perhaps left when she mentioned that it may go purple. But I didn't, and I payed the price! Purple is definitely not my colour, and they tell me that it should wash out in a few washes! The cut, also a disaster may mean I wear a hat for the next two weeks until the botched job actually resumes a normal colour and grows at least two more centimetres. Kevin is very diplomatic, but he definitely does not love the Kununurra 'cut and colour'. In fact I think from now on a botched hair job will become officially known as a 'Kimberleys Cut and Colour'!!
Day four and Kevin was excited. This was the day he had booked to do a farm tour! I wasn't excited and I wasn't going with him. I'd decided to drop him off at 8.15 and come back and get him. I'd found an art gallery and I planned to go and check it out.
I dropped Kevin at the Hoochery - a place were they make rum and I headed off into town to find the art gallery. The gallery was closed as it was still only 8.45 so I headed to find a coffee shop to fill in some time. A coffee later, and I headed back to the gallery which was now open. I was absolutely amazed at such a cosmopolitan gallery in such an outback place, but there it was.
From the art gallery I moved on to the SandleWood gallery where I whiled the time away testing samples, smelling the products and watching a DVD about the production process. Half an hour later, and smelling much prettier than before, I headed back to the Hoochery to collect the farm traveller who i presumed would by now be much more informed about the Ord River irrigation scheme, the local cropping processes and all things agricultural around Kununurra.
Day five in Kununurra and the plan was to head to Wyndham. We spent the morning just chilling (well not really chilling because it was 25 degrees at 9am) but we thought we'd better make an effort, and get ourselves out of our deck chairs and on the road.
Our first stop on the road was the Grotto. A waterhole in the middle of a chasm. It was spectacular, even though the steps to get down there risked life and limb. Once down, the Grotto was like a mystical place out of a fantasy story. I could have spent hours there drawing!! Our visit to the Grotto was also shared by a big old lizard who had a fish hook caught in his mouth. It was a bit sad, and Kevin tried to help him, but he wasn't keen to be helped!
From the Grotto we moved on to Parry Lagoon and the Marglu Billabong. It was a birdlife Sanctuary, with a hide built out over the billabong. We sat and watched a crocodile checking out the possibilities for lunch. Then on to Wyndham.
The best things about Wyndham were the Barra and Chips, and the Five Rivers Lookout which was pretty spectacular viewing. So, after Kevin had finished speaking to everyone at the lookout, we headed for our last photo stop at the giant crocodile, before turning the car towards Kununurra and home (the caravan). It was really hot, but also unseasonably cloudy, which is probably just as well as any more degrees and I don't think I'd cope!!
Tomorrow will be day six. We are planning on doing the Kununurra markets, and then the afternoon preparing to say goodbye to Kununurra as we head towards the Northern Territory. But that's another story for the next blog........
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