Our introduction to Darwin was fairly relaxed. Four nights at Discovery Park at Winellie. Nights were hot and days were hotter. Thank goodness for air conditioning. David picked up the cover for the air conditioner which we had ordered when we were in Mount Isa. Days were spent by the pool and watching the aerial displays put on by the Airforce operation Pitch Black. Nights were trying to hear yourself think over the jets taking off and landing. Well we were practically across the road from the runway, so it was expected. It was quite amazing really.

We were fortunate to leave Suncatcher with cousin Scott at his workshop while we stayed in Darwin for convenience when our friends arrived. Michael was with us for 3 nights and Julie and Anne for 6. So much fun. Plenty to do and see. The boys went for the fishing and crocodile jumping cruise. The girls more into local sightseeing and the Indigenous art. We were fortunate to be in Darwin during the festival which meant entertainment every night if you were interested. We went to a few night time activities as well as the famous Mindil Markets. Even a day trip to Berry Springs and lunch at Adelaide River pub. It was a really great time. I am so appreciative of such good friends.

After a teary farewell, we headed back to the motorhome and resumed our journey. Kakadu was our destination - about 280 km away. Two nights at Jabiru and two nights at Cooinda. Both had lovely resort style pools which were better visited in the mornings. They got quite busy in the afternoons. Still so hot - around 35 degrees - so it’s actually too hot to sit around in the sun. We did the Ranger Walk at Ubirr and watched the su set over the flood plains of a Kakadu. From Cooinda we did the Yellow Waters morning cruise which was amazing. Watching the sun rise over the mist was gorgeous. We spotted many bird life plus lots of crocs and even buffalo. Highly recommend it.

After Kakadu we headed south to Katherine Gorge just for an overnight stay. We decided against a cruise and just did the 4.8 km hike to the lookout and the loop back to camp. On leaving there we went to an indigenous art Gallery and bought a painting. Reggie Sultan was the artist and it was called Seven Sisters. This is the story of seven stars/sisters who came to earth looking for a bit of fun. They were met and showed around by 7 hunters and once they had to leave, one sister was tempted to stay. When you see the stars in the Milky Way, there are 6 stars together and 1 is a little behind. We are yet to find them in the night sky.

From Katherine we travelled west 132 km to a rest area for the night then a further 182 km to Timber Creek. The drive on that day was just magnificent! Some of the most scenic so far. The hills and mountains rose out of the earth and the colours were spectacular. Before we left town we travelled to a lookout on the south side where there was a memorial to the men who guarded the north of Australia during WWII. They were known as the Nackeroos. They had some Aboriginal men with them and they said that if there was an Aboriginal on there watch, they would never go hungry. They helped out with finding their way through the scrub and, of course, the bush tucker.

Around 230 km further along Isa Lake Argyle. First, however, you must go through the quarantine station on the WA/NT border. They are ruthless. Only cooked veggies are allowed in. No fruit, no veggies, no honey. And no sense of humour. Awful job, I guess.

Lake Argyle is very picturesque. At the caravan park they have a beautiful infinity pool which looks out over the red cliffs of Argyle Dam. We had a great three night stay there. A good singer called Steve. Ashe was there to entertain nightly at sunset and then later in the beer garden. Interesting and funny song about Double d*** Derek.

Only 70 km to Kununurra. A strange little place. We stayed at Kimberleyland Caravan Park for three nights. Great site. Waterfront. It was a Ladies Day at Kununurra Race Track. What a hoot! A fun day was had by all.

On Sunday night we were treated to a concert at a local Art Gallery. Traditional dancers and a musical group called Narlis. The lead singer was Steve Pigram - look him up - and the didgeridoo player was Mark Atkins. There was also a drummer, violinist, lead guitar and flute player. With the full moon as a back drop it was a great experience.

Time to keep heading west so we free camped about 250 km from Kununurra and then, because it was bloody hot we decided to push on the next day all the way to Broome. It was a very long day - about 760 km - our longest drive so far - but to arrive at Cable Beach in time for a beer as the sun set, was soooo worth it. Now to wait for Mel and Eddie to arrive on Friday. We are also meeting up Charles and Melissa and Sean and Jane. Here for just over a week. Ahhhh time to relax.