Day 167 - 168 29th July - 30th July 2012

Day 167 Sunday 29^th July 2012.

Well we are still in Darwin. Today we decided to “go fishin”. We grabbed our rods, reels and bought some bait at the caravan park and off we went to Mandorah, about 70k’s up the road. We were told that there is a jetty there and a pub. That sounded pretty good so off we went.   Maps all say Mandorah but buggered if any of the signposts do.

After driving round, and round and round eventually found the “jetty”. Off we went very excited to do some “fishin” at the top end. Well, after about 3 hours of not getting a “nibble” we just about threw the whole thing in saying that the NT had no fish.

Circumstances changed rather rapidly. A young “boy” of the jetty hooked himself a hammer head shark. It was fantastic see how he managed to pull it in. A ferry coming across from Darwin didn’t see everyone on the jetty  directing him to stop or go around and the ferry ended up “cutting” the “boys” line to the shark.  Everybody was naturally “pi**ed” off. The shark was attached to a white buoy which was slowly being pushed further from the jetty. A small boat was flagged down and the young boy hopped into the boat, went up to the buoy, connected his line and rod and continued to pull the shark in. Once back on the jetty he (and others) managed to pull in a 2.3metre hammer head shark. What happened next I was not too impressed with!  Other younger men “killed” the shark and basically wasted it. I would have preferred to see the young “boy” measure the shark have his photo taken and the shark released back.  Alas, not too be.

Vania and I in the meantime were getting no were fast. All the locals were catching smaller “bait” fish and using these as “live” bait. Somehow a  “ local” man called Bob came up, started a conversation and helped us rig up our lines appropriately and also provided some “live” bait. Well, my fortune changed. After about 6-7 minutes I had a “bite”.  Bob was with me still at the time and he advised me on how to bring this “monster” in.  I only had a very light line and it was most likely that I would lose this “monster”.  After about 10-15 minutes of pulling this monster in Bob grabbed a “grappling” hook and hooked my “monster”.  Well I had no idea what it was but when it landed on the “jetty” I was absolutely chuffed. It was a “Queen fish” and I estimate it would have been between 8-12 kilos. Needless to say this was one bloody huge  “monster”.

Having landed the largest fish in my whole life I had to find out how to “gut” and “clean” it. Once again a local lady called Helen was extremely helpful in giving me instructions on what to do.

Having cleaned this monster we bought some ice and rubbish bags to keep it “edible”.  Drove back to the caravan park with my “prize” catch and filleted it up. Vania also made some “roll mops”. No doubt we will be having this “monster” for some extended period.

Although I am NOT a real enthusiastic fisherman as such, after this I can see myself taking a lot more interest. I must sincerely thank Bob for his advice and assistance as without that I don’t think In could have landed this “monster”.

So what started off as a quiet day of “fishin” ended up a very, very exciting day that I will not forget for a long time.

Sorry to “rave”on about my catch but as you may have gathered I am rather “chuffed”. So till nect time , take care from Vania and Oscar.

PS Sorry to rub it in Lester but this was some great fighting fish and it was HUGE. Get your “arse” iup here and ger into the “fishin”.

This is the 2.3 metre "Hammer Head" shark that nearly got away.

Young "boy" with his prixe catch.

Panaroma of the jetty and surrounds. This is were it was ALL happening.

This is my "monster" still in the water. It put up a great fight. Lot of jumping out of the water.

Yours truelly with my prize catch and Bob. Bob was a complete stranger who openly helped. These are the people that I love to meet along this "journey". I have been extremely fortunate that I (we) have meet so many todate.

Picture showing the shark still hooked to the buoy but NOt to the fishing line.

This was totally unnecessary. Others "buchered" the shark and did not really do anything with it.

Day 168 Monday 30^th July 2012.

Vania thinks that I now have a head 4 times “bigger” than what it was before. I try not to “gloat” about my catch but somehow  on "rare" occasions cannot stop myself.

There was no way today was going to match up to yesterday. We had to do some “housekeeping” before we move on. We have been in Darwin now for 8 nights. Our longest stay in any one spot since the start of this journey.

In the afternoon we decided to take in a movie as we had time to kill.  The movie was “The Dark Knight Rises”.  A “Batman” movie. I enjoyed it but Vania was not too impressed.

We will be moving on tomorrow into Kakadu. It is times like this that you realise how awkward and difficult it can be organising “stuff” while travelling round the country.

Not sure when I will get the opportunity to “blog” again so may I wish you all the very best to everybody in “blog” land and take care. Take care from Vania and Oscar.

Sorry, no pictures today. I was tempted to publish pictures of my huge catch again but felt that would be "inappropriate".

Day 164 - 166 26th July - 28th July 2012

Day 164 Thursday 26^th July 2012.

This “journey” is not just about seeing the sights of this great country of ours. To me it is experiencing it and the “people” in it. We have been very fortunate to have met some really lovely down to earth people whilst seeing some magnificent sights

Last night was a very, very simple night; HOWEVER the simplicity of it all was absolutely fantastic. The caravan park put up a twilight movie night in the open under the stars. So what is so great about that you may ask? Simple, seeing “families” there with mum and dad sitting in camping chairs or on the ground and young “kids” rolled up very comfy in sleeping “gear”. Even the family dog had a presence.  It was great to see strangers come together and mingle so easily and friendly.  With my poor hearing I occasionally (more often than not) lost the plot of the movie and simply stared into space. Stars and more stars. Absolutely beautiful. This is what life and this “journey” is for me.

OK, now that you think I have gone absolutely “troppo” (after all I am in the tropics) let me say that we have booked for another 3 nights here at the caravan park. Vania (and I) both need to recharge our batteries (sounds silly, but true).

We went to the “Berry Springs Nature Park”. Basically this is “swimming” area where there is a small “waterfall” and two “pools”. All are connected by crystal clear “warmish” water. Vania is still not here “bubbly” self and could not take a plunge. As for yours truly I spent quite a while under the “waterfall” getting a neck, shoulder and back massage. Beats hands on massage.

We went to Mindil Market with all the other throngs of tourists. It was actually great; Most of the stall holders had very, very good quality “things” and the selection of food vendors were incredible. Market starts about 5.30PM and finishes about 10.00PM. After we did the circuit round the market we went over the sand dune and sat on Mindil beach, with all the other tourists as well, to watch the sunset. Amazing to see so many people enjoying nature’s beauty. 

After the sunset / market we went for our compulsory “drink.

Keep you posted.

PS The movie we saw was “War Horse”.

Minil Beach Market. This is very early on at the start. Later you could hardly move due to the millions of "tourists".

Sunset at Mindil Beach. Can you see the 2 sailing yaughts near the horizon?

All the "tourists" on Mindil Beach. Probably just as (if not more) popualr than Cable Beach in Broome.

More sunset photos. Note young girl jumping in air.

Yhis vendor was actually selling  "merchandise" made out of crocodile skin. Lovely stuff. I thought the skelton heads was good as well.

Day 165 Friday 27^th July 2012.

Today Vania and I drove into Darwin wanting to do a bit of “banking business”. Much to my surprise the streets of Darwin were very empty. Unbeknown to us today was a public holiday in Darwin. Darwin show day.  All banks were closed.

Not deterred by this we drove round Darwin seeing the sights and ended up in the “wharf precinct” where, yep you guessed it, we had some drinks and a lovely meal. I wasn’t an alcoholic before this trip but I will certainly have to dry out when I get back “home”.

Our campsite at “Tumbling Waters Caravan Park is approximately 65K’s from Darwin city so each time we drive in it is at least 130K’s.  Don’t regret not staying closer to Darwin as this caravan park is great, pretty and half the price of the caravan parks closer to Darwin.

Looking anto Darwin City from the wharf precinct.

Coast guard has a presence in Darwin. Wonder why? So does the army and RAAF as a matter of fact.

View back into Darwin city from "Fannie Bay". True!

Two tug boats in the wharf precinct.

Lot of "pearl lugger" boats for charter.

Looking back to Darwin City. Darwin has a small popullation of between 68,000 - 75,000 people. There are some lovely "suburbs" around Darwin. "Fannie Bay" is on the waterfront whilst "Palmerston" is about 20K's inland. Palmerston has a population of 25,000 and is rapidly growing.

Day 166 Saturday 28^th July 2012.

Slow start to the day.  We intended to drive back to Darwin and sort out our “banking business”. However, other more important matters arose. By the time we had finished these “other” matters it was too late for the banks again.

We will probably move on towards Kakadu tomorrow.  Vania received a text message from her friends (Bev and Brian) who were leaving Gippsland today and were coming up to this part of the world. We have made tentative arrangements to meet at Mataranka at the hot springs.  We need to work out some “itinerary” so that we can meet in Mataranka.

We have stayed around Darwin now for 6 nights. Have seen what Darwin has to offer and seen some of the “touristy” things as well. On the days we haven’t done much it has been great simply to “veg” out. It is good NOT to be “busy” every day.

Fellow “bloggers” it is almost time I handed back the responsibility of “publishing” the blog back to Vania. I will however offer to do some of the “housekeeping” tasks (eg download photos, compacting photos, photo selections (if she wants me too) etc….) to take some of the pressure of Vania. Believe it or not it can become “stressful” in preparing the “blog” especially when there is no communication for numerous days. So can I honestly say that although I was a bit reluctant and apprehensive at the start I am “sort” of enjoying it now. Vania will no doubt give a lot more “detail” of where we have been and what we have seen.  Vania is exgtremely good at remembering “names” of places. We have different styles of communicating and you will “learn” a lot more about this wonderful country from Vania’s descriptions.

So, take care all. Cheers from Vania and Oscar.

PS We have been on the road now for 5.5 months. I will try and publish some “stats” on our journey after we have completed 6 months. Things like distance travelled, amount of fuel purchased, vehicle consumption, cost of camping, cost of food, etc…. Some of you will find this totally boring, so to those I simply want to say “bad luck”. To others this will be very interesting and it will give some insight to what is involved in a trip like this.  Keep tuned.

PPS. Sorry no photos today (or at least one's that I could publish - just joking).

Day 162 - 163 24th July - 25th July 2012

Day 162 Tuesday 24^th July 2012.  

Today was a “catch-up” day.  I sought out a watch repairer and had my watch fixed as well as pick up the new rear tail light assembly.  As you travel around you get to realise that people want to be helpful but are not fully qualified to provide “professional” assistance. The lady jeweller in Katherine that put the new battery in must have lost a small part and this caused the watch to not work. I wasn’t charged for the battery, however to fix it in Darwin I had to pay.

I had put out my “opera nets” in the local billabong and to my surprise actually caught 2 fresh water “prawns”. I felt that they were much too small so I threw one back and a young boy wanted the other for live bait for when he went fishing for Barramundi.

Quiet night and into bed early.

I thought this was one of the best "looking" tents I have seen so far on our journey. How practical it may be is another question. Fun anyway!

This was one of the fresh water "prawns" I caught in the "opera net". Since there were only 2 and they wern't HUGE, I threw 1 bne to a young boy who was going to use it for barramundi fishing. Good luck to him

This is the "billabong" where I catch the fresh water prawns.

 This is one of the resident guests at the "Tumbling Waters Caravan Park". There are 11 others.

Compulsory "arty farty" photo.

Day 163 Wednesday 25^th July 2012.

Up early this morning to take WDU564 in for servicing.

Vania decided to have a relaxing day simply “hanging” out at the caravan park.

After I dropped WDU564 off I got a lift into Darwin (only 7-8 minutes away) and did the local sights. The previous day I had picked up a map of Darwin which highlighted the major attractions. Not having the car I walked continually for 4.5 hours. It was very interesting to read about the bombing of Darwin on the 19^th February 1942. I Never realised the extent of the damage caused by the 2 air raids by the Japanese air force on Darwin that day. In excess of 200 people died and numerous ships / boats sunk. Major damage was inflicted on Darwin.

I caught a cab back to pick WDU564 up mid-afternoon. Considering what she has been through her injuries were relatively OK. The only unexpected problem was a “high pressure oil switch”. I had this replaced and hopefully WDU564 will now be OK for the next part of the “journey”.

There is a “free” outdoor movie on at the caravan park tonight , under the stars. Vania and I will take our chairs and enjoy the movie.

Tomorrow, may play Bocce in the morning, go for a swim at the Berry Springs Nature Park, go to the late afternoon / evening market at Mindil Beach in Darwin followed by some entertainment.

So till next time, take care and cheers from Vania and Oscar.

Early morning in the Darwin Mall. It does get much, much busier than this latter in the day.

View into the Darwin Waterfront Precint. They have done a tremendous job so far and are working on the next stage of the project. There are eateries on the pier. Great spot to have a meal and whatch the sunset.

View of the boats near the pier.

Coast guard has a presence as well. Hmm, is it for the "boat" people?

Photos taken during the bombing of Darwin on 19th February 1942. There are many, many photos like this inside the "fuel" tunnel near the wharf. Next picture is the actual tunnel.

A system of tunnels was built to store "fuel" for the boats. In this particular system there are 7 tunnels. The project took 2.5 years to complete as the whole system was dug by picks and wheel barrows. It was meant to be all hush, hush. When it was completed the war was over and the tunnels never ever were used for what they were intended for. It is now a "tourist" attraction. The tunnel system goes right under Darwin and it was extremely humid inside, despite the fact they had many large fans working.

Cargo ship coming into berth at Darwin Harbour.

Two lovely "mares"! What more can I say.

Inside the Chines church in Darwin. Don't know too much about it but I gather the Chinese must have "many" gods as I saw quiet a few that appeared to be "Gods".

This is looking down "Berry Springs". More comments about this tomorrow.

Honestly guys this charactyer was HUGE. He / she looked really mean as well.The body was almost as big as a 50 cent piece. True!

Day 158 - 161 20th July - 23 July 2012

Day 158 Friday 20^th July 2012.

Breaky done, packed the “little snail shell” (caravan) and on the road by 8.30AM.

Headed towards Litchfield NP. From Katherine Gorge NP to our destination is approximately 230K’s. Not a lot happens whilst we travel. Generally have the CD cranked up to almost maximum and simply take in the sights along the way. In some ways I almost feel like I am “spaced” out.

Lunch at Adelaide River Hotel was very interesting. Vania ordered a Buffalo Burger and I ordered a “Vegie Quiche” with chips and salad. Well Vania got a bonus with her meal. As soon as she bought her burger outside there must have been at least 1 million flies on top of her meal. How come she was so lucky? I didn’t have one! Not to say the least Vania couldn’t eat her meal and decided to sit in the protection of the car. Whilst this was going on I enjoyed my meal and drink (without any flies).

About 65K’s from Litchfield NP I stopped at a “town” called Bachelor where I filled up WDU564 (she to gets very thirsty – too thirsty). Vania went in and paid and returned with a sausage roll for herself and an ice cream for me. By the way, Vania didn’t get the bonus flies this time.

Within Litchfield NP there are several “campsites”. We decided to go to Wangi Falls campground, simply because it had toilets and showers. We arrived about 3.00PM and out of the 34 caravan camp spots there were only 2 or 3 left vacant. Very, very popular place. We were extremely lucky to get a spot.

After setting up our “little snail shell” again we went to see Wangi Falls which are only 300 metres from the campsite. Wow! Awesome sight. Two falls cascading into a water pool.  There were also short walks around the “waterhole” and on the “tree top” walk 5 wild pigs (4 legged variety) ran across our path. There was 1 male with fairly large “tusks”. I certainly was not going to get in his way. Additionally on this walk we also saw lots and lots of large bats. Boy did they stink!

We will probably stay here 2/3 nights before heading into the big smoke (Darwin). There are lots to see around here as well. Other waterfalls, huge termite nests, the lost city(???), 4 WD tracks, etc……..

So once again it’s goodbye from Vania and Oscar till the next time. Take care guys in “blog” land. We love you all. Cheers.

PS Happy birthday to my Mum today and happy birthday to my youngest son Nathan for tomorrow. Thinking of you lots. Lots of love.

One of the many wtaerfalls and waterholes in Litchfield NP

Board walk at Wangi Falls. There were bats and wild pigs in here

Water flowing through a hollow log

Wangi Falls

Adelaide River hotel. This is were thye flies took off with Vania's Buffalo burger. Obviously the flies prefer meat to "vegies".

Wangi Falls. There was actually a pool of warm water about 6 feet up from the left hand water fall.

Board walk u[ from Wangi falls.

Bower birds nest. He had collected shells, glass, plastic, silver foil and whatever he could find that was shiny to attract the female. What us males go through!

One of the hundreds of bats at Wangi falls.

Day 159 Saturday 21^st July 2012.

Firstly and most importantly “happy birthday NATHAN” (my youngest son). We will talk as soon as I have communications.

Off this morning to do the sights in Litchfield NP. Lots to do and see. Please forgive me if I don’t name all the waterholes and waterfalls and swamps and swimming holes and  ……  Many beautiful places in Litchfield. I have to congratulate the Northern Territory administrators for maintaining beautiful facilities in the park. Everything is well signposted, pathways are well defined and toilets are remarkably clean. BBQ facilities are great as well.

WDU564 got her feet wet as well today with a fairly significant water crossing. WDU564 also had to do more “bl**dy” corrugations. Actually WDU564 is getting much, much better at handling them.

The waterfalls and the waterholes in Litchfield are superb. Great swimming in the waterholes. During the wet season it is not possible to swim in these areas.  The waterfalls are massive and the waterholes are very treacherous.  The waterholes also get “salty” crocodiles in them during the wet season.

Back to the campsite after a full day of “adventuring” to have a hot shower. Tomorrow will be a quiet one before we head closer to Darwin on Monday.  Hate to sound like a “broken record” but for those that have the time and the inclination this part of Oz is absolutely fantastic. Get out there and enjoy your country!

OK, that’s it for me. Cheers from Vania and Oscar. Take care and love you all.

"Bluey" watyerhole in Litchfield NP

Bluey Waterhole.

One of the many crustal clear creeks in the NP

The "Lost City". Sandstone boulders in the middle of no where. Great 4 wheel driv

Termite nests. These are the "flat" variety. The face North / South to minimise the amount of sun hitting on the nest. This is the way they control the heat inside the nest. Very clever these termites.

Bluey Waterhole. Great to see so many people enjoying thye crystal clear fresh water.

And again. Note people relaxing in water.

Another waterfall. Could not get to the base of this as it was the home of some protected "bats".

Yet another waterfall and waterhole.

Reflections of how life used to be!

Another huge rock in the "Lost City" (in Litchfield)

The arrow indicates that the "Lost City" has been found. Thank God!

Swamp. This was one of the "low highlights" for me at Litchfield.

Yeh! Another water fall and waterhole. I swam in quiet a few of the water holes. Lovely clear refreshing water.

Have you ever seen an ant with a green BUM? Boy can they bight!

Indication of how high some of these termite nest can be. This one is about 5 metres tall and supposedly 50 years old. This one is NOT North / South oriented.

Day 160 Sunday 22^nd July 2012.

Very quiet day today. The only activity today was doing the relatively short walk around Wangi Falls. DEC (Department of Environment and Conservation) were having a “burn off” in the area and it was extremely smokey all day.

Despite not doing much today we did manage to have a roast Pork. Mmm, mmm delicious. The Cobb oven works like a dream. The only complaint that I have is Vania insists on poring “beer” into the moat. Bloody good beer going to waste as far as I am concerned. Why can’t I use water? If I stop my grumbling I have to admit the roast and vegies were absolutely fantastic.

Buggerised round with the car a little bit in the afternoon and cut myself a template (out of cardboard) to fit over the air intake. Reason being is that if we ever cross DEEP water crossing in addition to my tarpaulin I wioll use the template as well. If water gets inside my motor I am STU**ED.

Of towards Darwin tomorrow. Picked a Caravan park about 60K’s south of Darwin. Fairly cheap and meant to be extremely nice. Will report tomorrow.

Till next time take care. Cheers from Vania and Oscar.

Vania's "arty farty" of vegetation in the clear water ways.

Another "arty Farty"

This is the "Bower" bird. I believe this is the male as "he" was building the nest to attract the female.

Both NT and WA have extensive burn offs. They completly char the whole landscape. Esential. With the wet session all the vegetation comes back.

Looking down onto the campsite at Wangi Falls in Kitchfield NP. Note the heavy smoke cover.

One of the many varieties of birds. This bird actually had a red bum.

Day 161 Monday 23^rd July 2012.

We packed our “little snail shell” up and moved on relatively late for us (9.00AM). Not a worry as we were only travelling about 110-120K’s. There was a shorter route  to “Tumbling Waters Holiday Park”, however I chose not do do this as some of the distance was on “gravel road”. I don’t see the point of saving 30-40K’s driving on gravel roads. The potential damage that can be caused on gravel roads FAR outweigh the savings in distance. I suppose I’ll have to change my mind when we get to do the “Development Road” to Cape York in Queensland. The big difference there is that I won’t be towing our little “snail shell”.

Lady luck must be with us on this journey. Arrived at the caravan park relatively early thinking we would be able to get in no worries as we were so early. Oh no. No vacancies, especially powered sights. Managed to sweet talk the lady at reception and she organised that we have a look at a few “possible” unpowered sights. Well blow me down. Managed to find a GREAT spot with flattish ground, semi tropical shade and well away from the maddening crowd. Great spot. Only initial concern was if I was confident enough to back it into a relatively “tight” spot. Bit the bullet and backed the “snail shell” in without any hassles.

The only issue we may have is that this is in a “tropical” setting and we have a “dry” creek bed next to the caravan with a bit of “stagnant” water. Great breeding spot for mosquitoes. Vania has already been bitten 3 times.

I booked in for 3 nights however I wouldn’t be surprised if we stay much longer. We have communication and we are planning to use this as a base to tour Darwin. WDU564 is getting a service on Wednesday so there will not be any requirement to move on before then. This caravan park offers lots of activities as well. The 3 that I am looking forward to are Croc. Feeding (they have a lagoon here with 12 fresh water Crocs., Bocce and the open “Deckchair Cinema”. I have already put my “opera net” in the nearby “billabong” and will see what I have caught (if anything) tomorrow.

Till then take care in “blog” land. Lots of love. Take care from Vania and Oscar.

Campsite 33 at Litchfield NP. We were lucky when we arrived as there were only 1-2 left.

"Arty Farty" again!

Vania finally managed to get a butterfly that would pose for her long enough to take a photo.

Our new home at "Tumbling Waters Holiday Park". Great spot!

That "thing" in the middle is fresh water crocodile. They have a "billabong" here at the park with about 12 crocs. They have a feed session once a week. Hoping to see that.