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.