Hit the road at 8:00, heading for the Yellow Waters Cruise. Our itinerary called for the Alligator River Cruise, but the high, fast water had closed both the river and the access road. The Yellow Waters was a flood plain, and our boat meandered in amongst the trees and islands of floating grass. It was so spectacular, you did not know which direction to look. The grass seemed to undulate in the soft breezes, there were water lilies (white and lavender) everywhere, and every tree was a virtual work of art. We saw many water birds including sea eagles, black swans, the jabiru (stork), fish eagles, darters, snake birds, and kites. Several were nesting.
After a quick lunch and tour of the Bowali Visitors Center, we took a short drive to Nourlangie Rock to see the 2,000 year old rock paintings. There are many rock art "galleries" in Kakadu Nat'l Park, but this is one of only two that have been released by the Aboriginals for public viewing. Everything is sacred to them, and shared with reluctance. The paintings are done along the walls of the escarpments in areas sheltered by outliers (bluffs). Some were used for teaching the children and some for telling stories. When we returned to the coach, we were treated to drinks and "bickies" (crackers), served by Sandy.
We arrived back at our hotel around 2:30, ready for a short rest. Later in the afternoon, I walked the short distance to the "shopping center"; a grocery/variety store, video store, clothing store, and snack bar. All were very small and arranged around a park-like courtyard. There were many Aboriginals both here and wandering around and through the hotel. At 6:00, I stood outside our room and experienced the return of the rainbow larakeets. They came from every direction in large flocks, screeching loudly right up until dark.
DAY 12 4/21/00 268 miles
Left the Crocodile Hotel at 7:45, heading north once again. We left the paved road and headed down a bumpy dirt road, heading towards our first stop, the Wildman/Mary River Cruise. When the road began to get really bad, we were met by a "special" bus that was sent to take us the rest of the way. It was ancient, had rolled up canvas in place of windows, and provided us with a ride we will never forget! When we arrived at the boat dock, there was only one much-needed restroom, so the men were sent to "go bush". Just before boarding the boat, we saw a VERY large goana (water monitor) feeding in the grass by the path.
The boat ride was very enjoyable as there was a nice breeze blowing and the bugs were somewhere else at the time. The sky was very blue with big fluffy white clouds. There were large stands of bamboo, some as high as 30 feet, several types of palms, lots of lotus lilies, and even some banyan trees. We also saw the strangest houseboats I have even seen. They looked like large two-story boxes floating on the water. Although we were told there were both fresh and salt water crocodiles, we saw NONE!!
After a lunch stop at the Bark Hut, we headed north once more, through some interesting sounding places; Annaburroo, Nanambur Creek, Humpty Doo, Rock Hole, Couzons, Corroborri Park, Leaning Tree Lagoon, and Bird Billibong. We then came to an area of flood plain from the Adelaide River. There was no brush or trees; just grassy plains and lots of water. We saw flocks of carellas and magpie geese, and many, many white egrets. We left the main road and turned into Fogg Dam, a man-made earth dam. It was surrounded by a large wetland area where we saw jabiru, cormorant, and several spoon-billed ibis.
Late in the afternoon, we pulled into Darwin at last. It is a beautiful city; surrounded by the bay and the sea. Before going to our hotel, we rode through Fanny Bay Park. Saw many, many wallabies there. They are protected, and seem to really enjoy living by the bay.
DAY 13 4/22/00 0 miles
Our hotel was wonderful; right across from the sea. We had a two-room suite on the 5th floor. All of the rooms were around a central atrium which housed the dining room and assorted sitting areas. There were trees and plants and ponds in and around these areas; very pleasant. There was also a great pool and excellent food.
We were to join our tour at 8:30 to head for Litchfield National Park, but we decided we could use a day of leisure before heading home on Sunday. We waved good-bye to our coach and took a slow stroll along the esplanade across from our hotel. The view of the ocean was wonderful and the morning air was quite pleasant. When it turned hotter at mid-morning, Dick headed for the AC and I took a walk into town to a computer center and sent off several e-mails. On the way back to the hotel, I picked up lunch. We spent the afternoon reading and watching TV.
That evening, Sandy and Lindsay held a reception at the hotel where we could say farewell to our crew and fellow travellers. There were lots of drinks and snacks and address swapping. Everyone agreed that it had been a WONDERFUL experience!!
DAY 14 4/23/00
Up at 5:30 to catch our taxi to Darwin Airport for our flight to Sydney and our final adventure. Waiting for us at Sydney Airport was a computer friend and her husband, Alicja and Laurie. She and I had been "talking" on ICQ for several months, and they drove almost 4 hours to meet us and take us on a mini-tour of Sydney. We got to see Sydney Harbor, the Harbor Bridge, the Sydney Opera House, and Bondi Beach. It was the PERFECT ending to a PERFECT trip!!
Sign My Guestbook
View My Guestbook
Click HERE to send this site to your friends!
