Darwin

The pub at Mandorah

Mandorah ferry . A pleasant 15 - 20 minutes across from Darwin (which you can see in the background)

Looking back to the jetty from the pub.

Big croc at Crocosaurus

Predicting the election result.

Bitter Springs

Have been here for a few days now. Tried to do a post the other day but for some reason would not load.

Bret has gone fishing with friends and even though I enjoy fishing there were some other things I wanted to do including getting something on this blog.

The election commentary is on the TV in the background.

It has been more hot and humid the further north we get.

Since the last entry we have been camping at Edith Falls, Materanka Springs and Bitter Springs. Edith Falls was freezing to swim in much to Bret's delight and the springs were warmer much to Sue's delight. Both of the springs were great but the better one was Bitter Springs as the surroundings were more natural, it was just beautiful. When comparing Bitter Springs to Dalhousie Spring the first is small, little more than a deep creek but it is very green and lush and is cooler which was good as it was a lot hotter than when we were at Dalhousie. Both were great and well worth revisiting should we get the opportunity in future.

While we have been in Darwin we have been to the Mindal Beach Markets which was great.

We for a wander around the city revisiting areas from when Sue lived there (nearly 30 years ago!!!). The place she used to work has been knocked down and there is a resort there now and there were many changes to the inner city area whre she lived. Some things hadn't changed of course. While in the city we had a look at Crocosaurus Cove (http://www.crocosauruscove.com/) a new(ish) tourist attraction in the centre of Darwin. It has some big crocodiles and alot of information about crocs as well as a big display of reptiles from the north. Was pricy which is to be expected but interesting and worth a look. They had a bit of a brief story about of the big crocs and how they came to be in captivity. It was also interesting hearing about the croc hunters of old who got them for their skins before crocodiles became a protected species and crocodile farms started breeding crocs for this market. There were some bags and purses and the like for sale for about $2000 - $3000 but they didn't have one in a colour I liked so decided not to get one ;-)

Yesterday we went to Mandorah which you get to by a 20 minute ferry ride or if you want to drive it takes hours. We caught the ferry across and had lunch at the pub then sat around reading, enjoying the sea breeze and watching boats ranging from small fishing tinnies to yachts to navy ships going by. We spent about 4 hours doing this before heading back to Darwin on the ferry. Was a great way to spend the day.

Will be heading out of Darwin on tuesday for Lichfield then Katherine for the night. Have booked 3 days at Habitat Resort in Broome starting 28th August (Bret's birthday)