Sunday 13.06.10 – Out of camp by 10am (a record) . Stopped for lunch at the entrance to Gregory National Park. Drove onto Timber Creek, well one of the worst caravan parks, dust dust and more dust to top it off no Foxtel, huge trees. We did have a highlight they feed the freshwater crocs at 5pm at the back fence. John had a go at feeding them and said it was fantastic.

Monday 14.06.10 – Decided not to stay and do the cruise, not much to do here. First stop was the Bradshaw B ridge at big bridge across the Victoria River which has been built by the Military, we went croc hunting as we walked along this bridge. Next stop morning tea where we meet a lovely couple from Swan Hill, country folk. Final check that we had no nasties for the quarantine officers. Finally hit the WA/NT border and no problems, they check your car and van. We drove to Lake Argyle, just the most beautiful place. After help from Rocky to settle us in, we decided to do the Ord River Walk, which takes you up a mountain and then you overlook the Ord River, Dam Wall and Lake Argyle. Stunning!!! We then went for a drive to some lookouts and down into the Ord River which John did some fishing, until a croc (freshie) decided he wanted to get in on the act. Cruised straight over to where John was fishing, as he walked away the croc followed it was really scary, we have since been told they are only after your bait. So still no barra caught!!


Tuesday 15.06.10 – Up early as the sun comes up around 6am. We are camped next to Sue and Noel who we meet at Timber Creek, so they joined us for the Homestead Walk. This was a 2.5km walk through the bush but the views were fantastic. We visited the Durack Homestead. John and I continued on the Bluff Walk, this was a great, it took us around the mountain to the bluff and once again the views were unbelievable. In all we were out walking for about 3 hours. A quick rest and lunch before we went on the Sunset Cruise. This was fantastic, the lake is 40km by 70 km and 36 times the volume of water of Sydney Harbour – all manmade. Lots of pics, we saw Rock Wallabies, crocs, fish, birds and a beautiful sunset. One gentleman actually went swimming in the lake as we waited for the sun to set. All in all we had a great day.


Wednesday 16.06.10 – Rob told us of some hidden Rock Art and a fishing spot in the Spillway. Off we set on yet another adventure. We found the Rock Art on the left 9.5km up the road. It was very clear as it was in a cave. We then went across the road and took the 4WD track to the spillway, no- one in cooee. We climbed over the rocks and down towards the pools, so clear you could see the fish swimming around. Once again John tried his luck, they just swam past his bait. After a couple of hours he gave up once again. There were lots of birds here and it was very peaceful. We then decided to try our luck once again at the boat ramp. The evening was at the Camp pub to watch the State of Origin – well done 5 in a row.

Thursday 17.06.10 – Left beautiful Lake Argyle behind us. We gave John and Judy a call and decided we would join them at Hidden Valley Caravan Park. We are in the back lots and it is very grassy and we have a nice shady spot. John has his foxtel (very important). Looks like we will be here for about a week. After settling in we went off to do some much needed shopping as we were out of most stuff. A few drinks with our neighbours to end the day.
Friday 18.06.10 – Visited the Hoochery Distillery and went on a very informative tour. This is a private company and is run by family and a couple of employees. Very basic operation. We had some tastings and in all spent a couple of hours there. Down the road was the Sandlewood Outlet a completely different operation, run by a huge company and everything was modern and up to date technology. They have planted lots of Indian Sandlewood but have to wait 12 years for the trees to mature before they can harvest. Once again the experience was informative and interesting. Our next stop was Ivanhoe Crossing, as you will see in the pictures quite a long crossing with alot of fast running water. We took a picture of a pelican resting on a rock enjoying the water sprays.

Saturday 19.06.10 – As the boys had plans for the TAB, Judy and I decided it was a girls day. We went to the local markets, then visited the Argyle Diamond Shop and yes I bought myself two very very very small champagne Argyle diamonds, they are being set into the side of my engagement ring. Very very exciting moment. Judy is doing the same thing. We then went to the Zebra Gallery and I purchased some Zebra rock, unique to the Kimberleys. We then shared a fantastic lunch to top off the day. On the way home we collected some Boad pods from the Boad tree, these tree seem to be a very important part of the Kimberleys. To complete the afternoon we walked through the Mirma National Park.

Sunday 20.06.10 – John and I spent the day driving around Kununarra . we visited Celebrity Park, this where people from all walks have planted trees. We visited the Diversion Dam, Swim & Ski beach, golf club and a couple of galleries. We finished the day with a Mango Smoothie from the Salad Bowl – yummy. We also had hot scones with John and Judy who are also from Brisbane and we keep meeting up with them which is really nice.

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.

June 01, 2010

Week Commencing 01.06.10

Tuesday - 01.06.10 Here we are June already, back in Darwin and doing lots and lots of washing. Nine golf shirts and shorts. John spent the day preparing the van after 5 weeks to travel to Kakadu.
Wednesday – 02.06.10 On the road again, looking forward to new adventure. Stopped off to buy our passes and John finally got himself a Akubra , see pic attached. Arrived at Kakadu and who is camping beside us, yes John & Judy so happy hour was on this afternoon.
Thursday – 03.06.10 Headed off to Uribee Rock, this walks takes you past lots of Rock Art and then a climb up the rock to view the floodplains. This area is very beautiful. We also stopped at the boat ramps on the East Aligator River. We were watching some guys swimming at the causeway which takes you over to Arnhem Land. These guys are crazy, there are crocs in this river, we were told lots of them. (These guys pics turn up in Saturday’s paper, advising that a guy was taken from that very spot a few years ago). John tells me we will be coming back here to have a fish.
Friday – 04.06.10 Morning tea with John and Judy (yummy scones). In the afternoon we headed back to Cahill’s crossing for the big fishing trip. John assures me he is not going to fall in and plans to fish from the rocks. Unfortunately, no luck again. We did see a big croc swim by. We then headed off to Ubiree Rock to takes some pictures of the Sunset.
Saturday – 05.06.10 Rest day, the boys are off to the TAB for a few bets. Judy and I spend the afternoon relaxing watching movies and reading books. Happy hour when the boys came home.
Sunday – 06.06.10 John and Judy leave to continue down south. We spent a busy day, bushwalking and exploring. We visited Noulangie Rock, lots of rock art and a climb to a lookout over Arnhem land. We got some information from Shaun the Ranger who actually asked to see our passes. We then drove to Meirri Lookout, this was a steep hike up to the lookout, very loose rocks. I was very pleased with myself to do the climb and more importantly to get down again. We then checked out Sandy Billabong which was closed but we were very close to the Aligator River and this was not an inviting sight. Neither of us ventured to close as the banks were very low, yes more crocs. Crocs seem to be everywhere here in Kakadu. We continued down to Cooinda, only thing there is a caravan park. Yellow river was closed also.
Apologies for the late posting, try to keep on track. Love to you all.

May 2010

Week Commencing 17.05.10
This was my week to visit Brisbane, see the family and hand in my resignation, decided to retire.
Jason picked me up from the Airport 6am arrival. When I got home Mikayla came running to me saying Nanny Nanny, it was so cute. She has grown so much, a real little girl. We spent the morning together before she went to day care. Jason cooked a beautiful family dinner which was enjoyed by all.
Friday I went into the office to see Kylie and say goodbye to everyone. They were all surprised, it felt great. Mikayla spent the weekend with Brod, so the girls and I had a nice girly weekend. I enjoyed a nice dinner with Carmel and Wayne. Sunday we visited Mum in hospital she seemed pleased to see us all.
The rest of the week was spent catching up with lots of friends and family. All of a sudden it was Monday and I was back on a plane to Darwin.
John had a mixed week of golf, won the NT Veterans Championship and got a minor place in the other championship. A very hot and humid week in Darwin, just ask Neil King he said he was glad to head back to Brisbane.

Week Commencing 10.05.10
A very quite week here in Darwin, Jennifer arrived early Friday morning and we had a fantastic weekend with her. We went to the Jumping Crocs which was fantastic, seeing those creatures in the wild. It is another world there on the Adelaide River. We enjoyed a lovely lunch at the Humpty Doo Pub. We also visited the World War11 Oil Tunnels. All in all it was a great weekend and we were both sad to see her go home.

Week Commencing 03.05.10

Monday 3rd May – We spent the day sightseeing. Pearl Exhibition down at Stokes Wharf. Decided to share some Thai for lunch, which was delicious. Drove around the bay and found the Deckchair Cinema which we will save until Jen comes to visit. Government House was beautiful, of course perched right on top of the cliffs. Cullen Bay looks very posh. We then found Myilly Point Heritage Precinct, found four pre WW11 built for top public servants of the day.

Tuesday 4th May - Spent the day at home doing nothing much. Thought of my wonderful Tierney, as her funeral was today. John went to golf in the afternoon.
Wednesday 5th May – Had a call from John and Judy inviting us to dinner at the Casino. We enjoyed the seafood buffett – yummy lots and lots of prawns. Casino gave us all $10 to play the pokies. No luck there. I did buy a Keno and won $44.00 I was wrapped.
Thursday 6th May – Today I went shopping with Judy, we had a fun time and it was nice to spend some-time doing girl things.
Friday 7th May – Today we went to the city and then we walked around Bicentennial Park, down lots of steps and then up a huge hill back to our car. We then spent a couple of hours at the Botanical Garden. We then took a drive to Durack where Tess (my niece) used to live. Exhausted we came back to camp, jumped in the pool to cool off.
Saturday 8th May – Another rest day.
Sunday 9th May – Mothers Day – we had a nice day at home. Spoke to Jenny and Mel. Melissa had a lovely Mother’s day also.
All in all a very quite week, so well rested and loving it.

Week Commencing 26.04.10

Week Commencing 26.04.10
Monday 26th – Public Holiday and had a quiet day.
Tuesday 27th – Visited the Darwin Museum which was very interesting spent over 4 hours there. We met Deb and Garry for Dinner at Stokes Wharf, you seat on the wharf choose a meal from the many meal places and enjoy watching the fish feed. Took pictures of the sunset and then of the full moon coming up over the bay. A great evening.
Stokes Wharf - Dinner


Wednesday 28th – Tour of Fanny Bay Goal – would not have liked to be in this prison. We then visited the Darwin Military Museum – John found this very interested, spent three hours here, well worth a visit if you get to Darwin. John had a game of golf in the afternoon at Palmerston Golf Course. He said he hit a ball onto the green and some aboriginal boy raced over on his bike picked up the ball and bought it back to him – strange.
Darwin Museum, Fanny Bay & East Pt
Thursday 29th – Rest Day had some sad news this evening. Tierney (our old neighbour) passed away yesterday. She has been very special to me and our family. She will be sadly missed. My prayers are with Lorraine & Cath on Tuesday when they will celebrate her life.
Friday 30th – Rest Day – doing nothing but enjoying the pool etc – called Paul for his birthday
Saturday 31st – Race Day – took John to the TAB and I spent the afternoon with Deb and Garry doing some work on the computer. Found out lots of things. Lions lost – very sad
Sunday 1st May - Wow !! May already. Been on the road 9 weeks, time flies. John is playing golf this morning, and I went for a 40 min walk up and down the avenues in the Park, then breakkie and have just returned from an hour swim, yes chatting to folks. Met a family travelling to the Gulf, she is a nurse and they are travelling to a new job she has taken for the next 2 years. Previously they had been living in a Community on the Gibb River, the two girls were the only white children at the school. She said they fitted in fine. Now that is an interesting life for a young family. We are having Garry & Deb over for Roast Lamb tonight . Lamb roast went well, we had a great night.