Day 32 Wednesday 9th
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We checked in to the RNR self contained apartments last night. 3 nights out of the van. A bit of space, time to wash some bed clothes, decent shower, privacy on the dunny and a change of seenery. Got a great night sleep, all round. After a quick breakfast in the apartment we were off to explore Darwin. First stop, "Defence of Darwin" Military Museum at East Point. Australia was attacked 64 times in WWII and Darwin copped the brunt of the assault. The bombings started on the 19 of February 1942 and lasted just short of two years. In classic Darcey fashion we arrived at the Museum at 9.15. Two hours maximum, was the brief. The interactive exhibits were very interesting, I'm not sure any of us had a full appreciation of what Darwin indured during the war. The children were firmly focused on their work books given to them upon arrival. We left at 2.00pm mostly because we were all hungry!
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Next stop was Cullen Bay to check it out and for some grub. Cullen Bay looks to be the upper end of Darwin. We found a cool (cheap! Budget restraints are still in place) cafe for a few "sliders" and a burger or two. Cullen Bay looks to be a man made canal system similar to to those on the Gold Coast. Interestingly the water level is kept constant by a lock system on the inlet. After lunch we watched with great interest the lock work as a yacht exited the bay into the harbour. I have read quite a bit about them but never actually seen one work. On ya Darwin! We love you.
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We headed back to the apartment to prepare the van for a visit to the doctor tomorrow (will advise in a future blog).
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Nicole and Grace stripped all the van beds and we started a washing marathon!
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Quick swim in the pool, then a trip into the mall to look around (I came, God knows why! You would think I would learn) 6pm time for a tin or a gin or maybe both. Nicole and the kids headed rooftop, in their newly purchased bathers, for a sunset swim. I sat down with Maps and started a rough itinerary so we can give The Agnew's our ETA.
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Dinner at 7pm, walked up the street to a place called Table 43 great meal! Home to bed. I've got to get up early for the Vans Doctors appointment.