Batchelor & Litchfield National Park - 17th to 19th August

The sun rises later up here and with the alarm set for 6:00am it didn't take long to realize that it was too dark to pack up. After a quick reset of the alarm to 6:30am there was time for a bit more sleep. Our aim lately has been to get on the road early before it gets too hot, so after the extra sleep and our usual casual pack up we were heading out of Katherine at 8:30 and relatively cool. We have decided to stay at Batchelor just outside of the Litchfield National Park and day trip in. Batchelor has a reasonable General Store, good Caravan Park which means we will not have to try and carry extra supplies or keep riding 60km each way to get food. As it turned out the new people running the caravan park were very accommodating and gave us a great spot under a shade cover with shade cloth floor and concrete picnic table right at our door step.

Having gone for 7 weeks without having to buy ice as we had always had camp kitchen fridges to make our own, it was a shock to have to buy ice in Katherine at $5 for a small bag. Even though Batchelor doesn't have a camp kitchen, Trish found a fridge in the laundry, so I was soon back into my ice making routine. After a stock up on food and some salad rolls for a picnic the next day we were all ready to explore Litchfield National Park. Chicken Curry Laksa for tea.

Now we are used to the different sunrise times here the planning for the next morning was more realistic and with the salad rolls packed in the pannier with a bottle of newly made ice we set off to explore Litchfield National Park. It was a 69km ride in along a beautiful undulating twisty road, great motorbike country. On arrival we did our usual quick change from hot bike gear into bathers and walking sandals and headed off on a 1.4km hike into the lower Cascade. Once past the crocodile warning sign, "Don't swim downstream from here" the rock pools started to look very inviting. At the end of the wet season they put out croc traps and relocate any offenders until there have been no further sightings for two weeks before declaring the pools open for swimming. The croc traps downstream are continued to be monitored throughout the tourist season.

Finally the temptation was too great and we slid into a rock pool and wallowed around like a couple of Hippopotami. So nice with the water temperature being refreshingly cool but not cold. As we clambered over rocks heading upstream we had the occasional dip in another rock pool. Rather than clamber back down we took the longer hilly circuit back. Being naughty I chose to stay in bathers and sandals to ride the 9km to Wangi Falls. Trish being a goody two shoes did put her riding jeans on.

Where we had seen very few people in the pools at the Cascades, Wangi Falls was chocker block with cars, tour buses and people. Here you can drive right up with no walking over rough tracks involved. Although it was a very large rock pool it was wall to wall people. Once again very refreshing temperature. Finally with us getting a bit wrinklier with all the time in the water it was time to ride for camp. We did stop off to view the Tolmer Falls, which turned out to be a bit of a challenge in our hot riding gear. Never the less we enjoyed the view and headed back home. First priority at camp was a dip in the swimming pool to cool off after shedding riding gear. A most enjoyable day.

Day three and a bit more of a casual start as our days destination was a lot closer. Buley Rock Hole and Florence Falls beckoned. On the way we stopped to see the much touted Termite Mounds, which was reported to have a combination of Cathedral and Magnetic mounds. Termite mounds are everywhere so we were both a bit ho hum about what we would see. As it turned out we were both very impressed. I had taken my small compass with me to see if they were really magnetic. Drat nothing changed, the compass still pointed North. Metal things would not stick to the magnetic Mounds. Just joking of course as the mounds are thin and align north south. Sure enough my compass confirmed that they were all facing due North. This of course gives the least exposure to the sun in the hottest part of the day. Cathderal Mounds on the other hand were just massive.

Next stop was at the Buley Rock Hole, where the water cascades down through a series of pools. Once again wall to wall people but there was always a pool were you could find a bit of space. Refreshed we set off for the 5km round trip walk to Florence Falls. This is a sure way to get away from the crowds, as soon as a little effort is involved most people would rather jump back in their air conditioned cars and drive. Unlike Intrepids who love to walk and get close to nature. All along the well-formed path were more inviting and totally uncrowded pools to refresh before continuing on.

A final 135 steps took us down to the very spectacular Florence Falls and once again wall to wall people. The scenery and the temperature of the water made it all worthwhile. After retracing our steps and pool hopping back to Buley Rock Hole then home, we both were blown away with a wonderful day.

The only blot on the day was discovering a steady stream of little ants making off with our muesli, Deb and wraps. Exterminate! Exterminate ! Trish has gone into her Day Before packing frenzy ready for Darwin tomorrow.

Rock hopping ant crushing Dave