BATCHELOR TO KATHERINE VIA MARY RIVER ROADHOUSE AND GUMLON FALLS

We left Batchelor and headed for Douglas Hot Springs. When we got there we set up

and went straight to the river. We were so looking forward to dunking ourselves in the water, firstly finding just the right spot with the right temperature.

What a pair of posers!!

The water was shallow enough to just lay back and relax which is just what Jennifer did.

Jen just letting her whole body relax and the only problem was the sand that collected in the wrong places in her cossie.

We only stayed one night as we wanted to get to Mary River Roadhouse before nightfall. We intended to go to Gumlon Falls for breakfast so it was early to bed and up very early for the 30km trip, some of which was on unmade road. But it was well worth the early morning and rough ride. It was quite nippy, hence the jackets. It didn't take long to heat up though!!

Ronnie cooking breakfast of bacon and eggs in the hole (bread with a hole and an egg broken into it). It was yummy if I do say so myself.

Arnold and Jen enjoying the early morning feast ...

We had our swimmers on so after our "oh so good" breakfast, we packed up and then made our way up the rocky steps (or no steps but what you pace out yourself) to the upper part of Gumlon Falls.

Ronnie & Jen resting on out way up

We had the most fantastic time just swimming, floating and sunbathing in and around the plunge pools.

Jen just relaxing and sunbathing until the next pool beckoned!!

Going from one relaxing spot to another

Do Not Disturb!!!

You can't see it but behind us is a sheer drop into the bottom of the waterfall. We were being very daring and again being a pair of posers (as if you can't tell).

After a wonderful few hours we went back to our camp, spent an hour or so at the pool and then had stir fry with hoikken noodles for dinner. And then bed.

The following day we left Mary River Roadhouse, which is on the Kakadu Road, and headed for Katherine. When we got to the Low Level Caravan Park all the powered sites were taken so we had to have an unpowered site for the night (which was okay as we are self-sufficient). The following day our allocated site was very close to the pool, which was good, not that we spent much time there. We had booked a cruise on the river at Katherine Gorge (or Nitmiluk as they call it now). Our cruise was at 1.00pm so we had to be there 1/4 hour before. Arnold decided to stay behind and wait for us. (He always finds someone interesting to talk to).

The start of the cruise through Katherine Gorge (we did the 2 Gorge Trip)

Stopping after the first gorge and walking to the second

Oh so tired, hot and thirsty - just give me a minute ...

Ronnie having a rest at the first and second gorge changeover (one boat to another) with a few minutes walk in between.

We finally got to see a croc sunning itself. It didn't even move when we got closer. (Only a freshie through).

After we got back to port LOL we walked through an interactive area which outlined the story of the gorge and the history of the indiginous people through time.

The following day we packed up and set off for Timber Creek and our Victoria River Cruise. But that's for the next blog. Having the most wonderful time and learning something new every day. Stay tuned!!!! Bye for now.

DARWIN TO LITCHFIELD NATIONAL PARK (BATCHELOR)

We left Darwin on Monday June 15 and stopped at Berry Springs for morning tea and a swim. It was just wonderful. The water wasn't cold at all. As everybody knows, if the water is cold I don't go in. I am really going out of my comfort zone on this trip but it's well worth the ooo's and ah's until every part of the body is wet. Jennifer and Arnold jump straight in. I really am a wus (is that how you spell it).

Jen wanted to go under the waterfall but just wasn't too sure how far back the rocks were. After a few tries she finally made it under the falling water without hurting herself.

Nearly under

Made it under

And out again - wow she's did it!!!

After a quick dryoff we left Berry Springs and drove to Batchelor which was our base for Litchfield National Park and all the wonderful waterfalls and plunge pools. On Tuesday we spent the whole day going from one great spot to another. Our first stop was the Termite Mounds. They are enormous. Who knows how many termites it takes to build just one mound - and there are a huge amount just in this area alone.

Jennifer standing near wetlands Termite Mound

Jennifer standing near one of the biggest dry land Termite Mound

The next stop was Buley Rockhole. We had a quick dip here. It was great but we had to move on to the next waterfall and plunge pool.

I couldn't stand up - it was too slippery

This stick insect which was about 5" long was hanging upsidedown and dunking its antennae in the water - very strange.

The next stop was Florence Falls. These falls are the highest of them all. The carpark is at the top, as is a lookout. Then we had to take 144 steps down to the bottom of the falls. The going down is easy - it's the walking up the steps that's the hard part. I had to stop quite a few times with lots of huffing and puffing.

Lookout at Florence Falls

144 steps down to the bottom of Florence Falls

After getting to the end of the steps I decided not to go into the water - it was too deep for little old me. I need to be able to touch the bottom. Jennifer and Arnold swam right over to the falls. The force of the falls water hitting the surface of the water causes an enormous spray and draught which takes your breath away (in the words of Jen). Eventually they both managed to stay under or nearly under the falls, but not for long.

From Florence Falls we drove to Wangi Falls. These falls are not as high but beautiful nonetheless. We had taken a picnic lunch which we had at Wangi before we ventured into the water. I managed to go in the water and it was so nice. About halfway in there was a sandbar and I could stand up.

After a refreshing swim we dried off. By this time it was 4.00pm and time to head back to Batchelor. All in all it was a most satisfying day.... and so say all of us!!! The next blog will be from Mary River Roadhouse and Gumlon Falls. Bye for now.

BATCHELOR TO DARWIN

We left Batchelor early Wednesday 10 June and drove to Darwin. We were going to stay at Lee Point Caravan Park but after going to Lee Point we decided to go back to Howard Springs CP. Jill and Barry decided to stay at Lee Point as their friends from Phillip Island were there. We didn't really go siteseeing as we were waiting for Jennifer (Arnold's sister) to arrive very early (5.20am) Friday morning. We got to the airport in plenty of time to meet Jen on her arrival.

We drove back to the caravan park, had breakfast, then we all had a sleep. On Saturday we went to the Darwin Museum. This is the home of Sweetheart, a very large croc which has been taxidermed.

Of course the Museum houses many other species of wildlife and so many other things too numerous to mention. On Sunday we met Jill & Barry for lunch at Stokes Wharf.

We also visited the old WW11 Ammunition Tunnel which is constructed out of concrete and metal. It was amazing. It was very narrow at the beginning but opened up a little way in. There was also quite a bit of water on the ground and some uneven areas so you had to watch where you were walking. It was all very interesting with over 100 photos of the war effort in Darwin.

After a lunch of prawns and salad and some good conversation, we made our way to Mindl Beach for the market. There were so many people there and the atmosphere was great.

We also stayed for the magnificent sunset. Loads of people walk on the beach to take photos. It was certainly worth the wait.

Monday morning we left Darwin and drove back to Litchfield National Park so that Jen could see the waterfalls and swim in the plunge pools. But that's for the next blog. Until next time, byeee.

BANYAN FARM TO DARWIN NT

We left Banyan Farm CP and drove to Robin Falls.

We were going to stay the night but when we got to the parking area it was very tight so we decided to move on to Litchfield National Park. We stayed at a place called Batchelor for a couple of nights. It is quite a small town but the caravan park is excellent. On the second day we drove into the park itself. Arnold wasn't feeling well so Barry, Jill and I went. Firstly we stopped at the Magnetic Termite Mound.

On one side of the mound you could see the termites. You have to look close to see them.

We then drove to Buley Rockhole. The water was just the right temperature to have a swim but I didn't take my swimmers. There were quite a few people enjoying themselves in the water.

Then on to Florence Falls. These are quite spectular. Jill decided to stay at the lookout so Barry and I walked down the steps, all 135 of them, to go to the bottom of the falls. There were a lot of people swimming.

Then it was on to Wanghi Falls. Last time we were here there was no swimming because of crocs but this time there were a lot of people swimming.

In the Northern Territory the indiginous people do a lot of burning off. There is always smoke around. It is to rejuvinate the bush areas. On the way out we passed this area which had been burnt. It was still smouldering.

As it's getting late I will continue from here to Darwin tomorrow night. Bye Bye.