Hello.
Another month has passed so we thought it was time to give a travel update. The Top End has been fantastic. The banded colours of the Bungle Bungles, the Darwin sunsets, the huge variety of environments in Kakadu, and the 5 day Jatbula trail in Nitmiluk (Katherine) National park. The more national parks we go to, the more we are amazed by this country.
We next head off across the top of the NT into QLD, across a track called the Savannah way. We aim to get to Cairns in the next couple of weeks.
 |
| Dwarfed by the Bungle Bungles (and Min dwarfed by her pack) |
 |
| We overnight hiked into Picaninny gorge, deep within the Bungle Bungles. Luckily James still had his beard, which added to the whole 'rugged' experience. |
 |
| Nice crack. Echidna Chasm, Purnululu NP. |
 |
| We finally left WA after spending 11 weeks in there. We'll be back for sure. |
 |
| Douglas Hot Springs, on the way up to Darwin. Very hot. The water was pretty warm too. |
 |
| Sunset at Cullen Bay, Darwin. |
 |
| Min's parents visited for the week and we explored Darwin together. Here we are at the Trailer Boat club, Fannie Bay, Darwin. |
 |
| Into Kakadu and across to Arnhem land, Eric took us on a tour of some of the Rock Art in the hills behind Gunbalanya. |
 |
| Even thousands of years ago, the local Aboriginal people knew a tall, slightly awkward, lanky, white male would visit at some stage. |
 |
| River crossing at East Alligator river, Kakadu. We crossed here to go in and out of Arnhem land. |
 |
| Half an hour after we crossed the river, this Saltwater croc decided to cross too. Luckily Min said no to James' request of walking the river to check to depth before driving across it! |
 |
| The beautiful wetlands of Kakadu, on board the Yellow water cruise. Added bonus was the all you can eat breakfast at the end of the cruise. James ate his own weight in hash browns. |
 |
| Jabiru. You can tell this one is a female given its yellow eye. Just one of the many facts we know, given we are 'tweeters'. |
 |
| Rainbow Bee Eater. |
 |
| "Mmmm... Min, I'm pretty sure that is the rare white-throated grass wren, rather than the Red goshawk." |
 |
| Twin falls, Kakadu. |
 |
| Swimming spot at the top of Jim Jim Falls, Kakadu. |
 |
| Min's very practical orange African fishing pants. Very good mosquito protection. She now goes by her African name, Hakuna Matata. |
 |
| We had heard there was a great 5 day walk called the Jatbula trail, in Nitmiluk NP. Now that we have some hiking experience, we thought we could give you the 8 essential tips to hiking. |
 |
| Tip 1: wear appropriate clothing. James' new fishing/camp shirt. Good sun protection, tick. |
 |
| It also has the dual role of supporting local business. |
 |
| Tip 2: Pack light. (Well, that's the reason James gives for only packing his speedos rather than putting in his boardies too). Every gram counts. |
 |
| Tip 3: Use appropriate technique over obstacles. This is the much used, 'leg over log' method. |
 |
| Tip 4: Adequately assess depth of water crossings before attempting them. Apparently, using James' knee as a measuring tool isn't very useful if you have shorter members in the hiking party. |
 |
| Tip 4: Even if something unexpected happens (like getting wet up to your navel), always maintain an upbeat spirit, and don't get angry at other members in your hiking party. Walking in stony silence for a few hours is not very fun, no matter how good the scenery. |
 |
| Tip 5: Ensure the best possible quality drinking water, even if it means nearly drowning trying to get it. |
 |
| Tip 6: Never dive into waterholes, especially off dodgy, homemade rope swings. You never know what rocks and sticks might be underneath. |
 |
| Tip 7: Concentrate on the task at hand. Unfortunately, impersonating Ainsley Harriot while cooking risotto meant James didn't notice the cooking pot teetering on its edge. Consequently, James spilt dinner on the ground. The look on James' face turned from camp delight to profound melancholy. |
 |
| Tip 8: Spoil yourself to great meals. Walking all day, you want a something nourishing and tasty to end the day. Just because you are camping, doesn't mean you can't eat like a king and queen. For example, look at this amazing rehydrated lentil soup. |
 |
| Biddlecombe cascades. Campsite night 1 of the walk. |
 |
| 17 mile creek falls. Night 3 campsite. |
 |
| Sweet water pool. Day 5 of the hike. Min's tan coming along nicely. |
