So very exciting day today, although very tired from last two weeks in Kakadu, Litchfield and settling into Darwin, we have decided to take a spontaneous road trip with Bronny and Johnny (aka Boomerang) and kids. Were going to have a day out, first heading to Adelaide River Queens Jumping Croc Cruise and then head to Berry Springs for lunch and a swim.

Everyone is very enthusiastic and the kids are beside themselves with excitement about our road trip. We head off around 7:30am, which is a classic to see Bronny up and out of bed and dressed at this time of the morning!!! She said shes a changed girl and lm now starting to believe it! Anyway, we make our way out to Adelaide River, which is about 45 mins south of Holtze, to make the 9am cruise. When we arrive, the kids are running around frantically, all excited to be together and to be going on a boat. Bronny and l head down to the river to have a look while the kids play on the playground near by, and low and behold, across the river we see a croc out sunbaking. Bronny is astounded!! Dont think she has seen too many crocs yet, they havent done Kakadu... Anyway, we board the Adelaide River Queen vessel and head off down the river. The water is muddy and murky and not to long we spot our first croc. Like its been trained to do, it makes its way over to the meat hanging from the stick off the side of the boat that the handler is dangling and teasing it with and jumps up to retrieve it. The lady handler informs us that the crocs must jump at least 3 times before they will let them have their meat, bloody hard going hey! The kids are impressed as the scramble to front position to catch a glimpse. You hear "wow" from them as the croc jumps up out of the water to get its meat. Marty and l arent as impressed which is unfortunate, as last time when we did this cruise, ten years ago, we were gob smacked. But l spose once youve seen it, not much to it, and it hasnt changed in the ten years since we were here last. Still for $90 its not a bad touristy thing to do, plus the kids had a ball which is what its all about most of the time!! As we went up the river the crocs seem to get bigger, which was cool. Up close they look so soft and fearless, but we all know too well that that is not the case! Our hour cruise flew, and before we knew it we were back docking at the river shore.

Next stop, Berry Springs. We had heard rave reviews about this local natural springs swimming hole, so l was hoping not to be disappointed. I was not!! Walking down to the springs we passed threw a lush green area of shaded trees and palms, it was beautiful. We headed down to the natural pool first and the kids were in before l knew it. It was beautiful, with a little running waterfall on the other side of the bank and the water was warm in temperature. We decided on heading down to the next pool, which ended up being less crowded but deeper, too deep for the little kids. So eventually, at the middle pool, everyone was happy. There were steps to get in and out, whilst there were deep bits, the kids had places they could stand as well. Everyone was in swimming and having a ball together, really good times... We decided to have a break and eat our homemade sangas as we sat dangling our feet over the edge into the water. Next minute all these fish turn up, we were fascinated. Then a few spits of water came from them, we were a bit shocked, but Brendan was so upset as one of the fish spits landed on his face. We couldnt not laugh, it was hysterical. Marty and l had never seen these fish before and they just kept spitting, until we decided to feed them some crust from the sangas, then they were like vultures in the water trying to get the crust first. So weird and funny at the same time. We decided a last swim before going and a few of us floated down this narrow water passage down to the next pool. It was a tad difficult with Meg floating on my back at some points as it was deep, then it would become really shallow and l grazed my legs a few times on the rocks. It was amazing though, just a beautiful place, able to relax and have fun with our friends.

After an exciting morning, followed by a relaxing arvo we headed back to the caravan park for what would become our once a week ritual of communal snags and onion in bread with relish. The kids had become this little gang, riding around the park on their bikes, picking up kids along the way to join them. Whilst we just drank, laughed and ate. All good fun really.... Love spontaneous days like this that have no planning and end up having the most awesome time. Hope to have plenty more with the Hambrooks while their here, but oh well, tomorrow we start finding work in which case the fun will slow down a bit while work takes over again :(

Bell XXX