Left Katherine today for our last day exploring apx 700mls in the Northern Territory. Made our way to the Katherine Gorges where we boarded our flat bottomed boat for a trip through the first two of 13 Gorges.
Lots and lots of sandstone! At the end of the first gorge we took to walking to reach the second – viewing some more stone paintings en route. 2nd gorge slightly smaller, but still spectacular. Returned to coach and set off to return to Darwin for tonight. Lunch at Mayse’s cafe in the tiny gold mining town of Pine Creek. Mayse’s is probably most famous for her mango smoothies, made with locally grown mangos.
Noticed celebrations happening on the town green. Duly explained by a friendly Aborigine lady, Lizzie, who told us that today was celebrating the hand back of the surrounding land to the clan, by the mayor of Pine Creek. A big day in the life of the Aboriginals.
Stopped a bit further on to take a close up look at termite mounds. These particular ones were Cathedral Termites named after the style of their mounds.
Some 140 species of termite exist, all with their own style of mounds. The mound represents about one third of the termite nest – the other two thirds underground.
Further on to a small, but popular pub in the middle of nowhere, with a famous film star as it’s main attraction.
Back about 5pm to the Novotel in Darwin. Managed to lock ourselves out of our bathroom! However some judicious use of a Leatherman soon sorted that out. Out to a Vietnamese restaurant tonight – celebrating the birthday of one of the ladies in our group!
5am start tomorrow so night night to all !
M & A in Oz 