Alice Springs to Darwin

We left Alice Springs on the 7th June & headed north, along the way we crossed the Tropic of Capricorn again (third time, Longreach & Rockhampton) . The drive was quite good average road, great views.

Ian standing on the Tropic of Capricorn for the third time.

We passed lots of vans along the way & got to Barrow Creek, for a short break. This is no: 2 Telegraph Station on the Overland Telegraph Line. It looks well look after.

We where headed for The Devils Marbles for the night, quite an eiry place really.

The marbles at sunset

The marbles, so many different views that you get a bit overwelmend by the no's of rock just thrown around

Our van at the overnight parking area. The ranger came to give a talk about the marbles, which was ok.

Next day we where of to Tennant Creek to meet up with Sig & Bianka, they bet us by 1/2 hour. I don't know that I would stay very long in Tennant Creek. Too many people sitting around doing nothing.

A mural on a shop wall, the only thing worth a photo. While in the area we went to visit another Telegraph Station, on the way we found this unusual windmill, witch had a cattle dip beside it. We had a short drive of the road on a soft track to get to it.

Inside the workshops at the Telegraph Station, this part was used for a butcher shop at one stage, the remains of the cool room & chopping block.

The origanal cellar, used to hang meat & store provisions for the station

The veranda of the main building, on the other side had a breeze way between the two building. One was living/dining room the other was sleeping & the office.

Tennant Creek Telegraph Station, on the way north we stopped at Daly Waters Pub in a non powered site as all the powered ones where gone. Had a great time at dinner with the Beef & Barra dinner & the entertainment. Next day we where of to Katherine.

We arrived at Katherine and set up the van, the site was very narrow but we managed for 3 nights. On Friday arvo we walked to the springs for a look, then on Saturday we did the 3 Gorge cruise. What can one say about the gorge cruise!!!!!!!!!!

Above: Katherine Gorge "Nitmiluk"

Below: Paintings on the rock wall of the gorge

A friendly native, Port Jackson crocodile sunning himself on the rocks

Crocodile tracks up the beach, where people don't go as the crocodiles have laid eggs in the sand

This is a crocodile trap for the salt water crocs. The wet was a bit long this year so the rangers are still trapping crocodiles in the gorge.

This one was on the other side of the gorge to the trap & up stream of it. This is a Estuarine (Saltwater) Crocodile & not to friendly, he too was sunning himself on the rocks.

This is a water montor (lizard) also sunning itself on the rocks. It was on the way to the lily ponds that we swam in, well away from the crocs.

Looking from the 3rd gorge into the 4th gorge, the boats don't go that far

The lily pond where we swam, cool & refreshing, we also had afternoon tea here.

We also visited the Katherine Outback Heritage Museum, very interesting as we saw the Gpysie Moth that was the 1st flying doctor plan in the NT.

Katherine River at the Low Level Bridge

Snowflake crossing the low level bridge

Frogmouth owl, there where two in the tree at Springvale Homestead

Springvale Homestead, built in the 1878 & home to the manager Alfred Giles & family, nice caravan park out there that we may try next time in Katherine

Store house of Springvale, note the hole in the end wall at door height, for shooting invaders when under attack.

Well we arrived at Darwin on Monday and have only done maintainance on the van, new bracker, fan & switch behind the waeco wine fridge, one way valve in the shower to stop water from the sink coming up the shower, I have washed cloths, cleaned the bathroom etc: On Thursday night we took the bus to the Mindil Beach Sunset Market which was good, we may go again.

See you all soon with some updates of our stay in Darwin, we hope to stay about 4 weeks here the park in roomy with lots of pools & all the things that one needs to enjoy oneself.