Day 19 Thursday 27th
There is a little doubling up here as apparently I didn't listen to JD when he said he'd done today so I did it too! Twice the enjoyment from two different perspectives!
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On the road early, record time of 9.15, as apparently we couldn't book into Mataranka-Bitter Springs (Aya & Woody's recommendation) and it fills up early. Most of the hundreds of vans from Daly Waters had already gone by then so we might still not get in!
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Turned left onto the Stuart Hwy......Boom! Road Train! Grace was less than impressed with my enthusiasm but I will persist in pointing them out to her with great vigour! Surprisingly Nicole was disappointed with " only 3 trailers" not 5 like we have seen!
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On the Road Train hunt again, James encouraging Grace to look out the window every now and then as one approaching.... Whoop whoop 5 trailers.....
B double and then some!!!!
"60 tonnes!"
"Once you've seen 5 trailers, any thing under that's a bit......???"
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Easy 170kms to Mataranka. HA! Pub at Mataranka says 'If you don't stop and eat we'll both starve!"
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JD- Cruised into Bitter Springs Camp ground got set up and headed down to the Springs for a dip! The water in Bitter Springs works its way, as does the water in Mataranka Springs, through a limestone seam that stretches from Katherine. The nutrient rich water is heated by the earth to 34 Degrees, so by the time we floated down the stream it's a bit chilly when you get out into the 33 Degree air temp. Yep major issues up here in the Territory!
BBQ dinner, bed by 9.30....again.
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NHD- We rocked up at Bitter Spring camp park to find plenty of powered sites available, we set up in a lovely quiet end of the park. Away from everyone else. Apparently we took ages to set up and then had a cup of tea as well!!!
Ablutions block was 'rustic' to say the least, tin shed on cement slab, but the park was an easy 10 minute walk to the hot springs.
We FINALLY went to check out the hot springs. The kids and JD went for a float down the river on hired noodles and I took a few photos. Back to camp for a quick lunch and "not ANOTHER cuppa!"
Back to the springs. Me with bathers and much to the kids surprise and delight...I actually got in!
The water temperature was 34 degrees, and so incredibly clear, smelling strongly of sulphur, the girls loved it! We did multiple trip up and down the river running back to the start along the gravel track (thongs back on, if you had them) and floating back down again.
Lots of submerged logs you could sit and stand on. Or swim under, if you're Grace, after I pointed out (after observing some backpackers doing it) and said it was a "good way to get dead!!"
2 hours later, grown ups had had enough and we're ready for a quiet drink. Walked back to our little site to find ourselves completely surrounded on all sides by other campers!
Early night!