Week Commencing 07.06.10
Monday 07.06.10 – Lazy Day - reading , sleeping, played hairdresser.
Tuesday 08.06.10 – Left camp around 11am and headed off to Mary River Roadhouse. Love it, really nice camping ground lots of trees, birds, lovely pool and friendly. Settled in and decided to check out the T-Junction waterfall and plunge pool the ranger had told us about. We turned in and it was a 4WD track so yes another adventure. When we arrived at the carpark looked like a short walk to the waterfall. A little eerie but we continued on and then a very pretty plunge pool with a beautiful waterfall. Not a sole around no way was I entering the water. John climbed some rocks just because he wanted to. We then drove up the highway to Ikoymarrwa Lookout, could not see our waterfall but thought it was down there somewhere. When you look back into the area you were walking, there is no way you would be found if you went off the beaten track. Back to camp and enjoyed a nice dinner and settled in for the night.
Wednesday 9.06.10 – Up early this morning as we have a huge day planned. As Jim Jim Falls are closed we decided to experience the equally impressive Gunlom and Motorcar Falls. We walk through country traditionally owned by the Jawoyn people of the southern region of Kakadu. As we drive along the dirt road the landscape develops into a magnificent landscape of rocky outcrops, ridges and hills, giant termite mounds, spectacular lookouts and stunning waterfalls. We arrived at Yurmikmik car park and started our 7.5km walk, we first walked over a suspension bridge – one person at a time. I guess we walked for about an hour through a very small track with grass on either side of us higher than us. Finally we came to a junction where there was a tour of people, we followed this group and finally reached Motorcar Falls. Here we had to climb over huge rocks and then there was a beautiful plunge pool. We spent about an hour there it was lovely we chatted with some of the tourists on the tour. Then we had to track back the way we came. This took nearly two hours . From here we drove about another 20kms to Gunlom, this drive took us over small creeks , up hills until we came to a camping ground, beautiful green grass and shady spots under trees. We enjoyed a lovely lunch. The plunge pool here was really big and you could see people who had hiked to the top of the mountain. After a sort of a swim, the water was freezing I mean took your breath away, John decided to climb this mountain. He said it was fantastic, there were lots of smaller pools up there. The view was great. By the time John returned it was time to drive the dirt track back to camp. We both decided it was a really good day, really enjoyed the whole experience. Once again we finished the evening with a great meal.
Thursday 10.06.10 – Up early and headed back to Pine Creek, hoping to call Mum and see how she is going. John said she sound in good spirits. We decided to go to Katherine and we are staying at the Big 4 this time, we have a really shady spot. Crowds, there are lots of folks here. Settled in and then John decided to go for a fish at Low Level – Katherine River. No luck yet again. As they have happy hour and Bistro food, we decided to eat in tonight.
Friday 11.06.10 - We spent the morning cleaning the winds and screens in the van. Washed all the curtains, amazing how much dust was there. John bought something else for the trip at the camp shop, we can now take the fridge with us and it will run off the second battery. Thankyou Mike Potter for your advice. We walked from the park to the Hot Springs and had a swim. Really nice tell some guys tells us there was a snake swimming yesterday. Planning a relaxing evening.
Saturday 12.06.10 - Special Birthday wishes to Sam Potter, 21 today, congratulations. John spent the morning installing his new connection to the car and fridge. He then went to TA B for Strakbroke Day – big race I am told. I spent the afternoon watching videos, the lady next door kindly lent them to me. We have packed ready for our adventure towards the west. Will b e out of service for the next four to five days.