Day Sixty One - September 5th, 2013
Litchfield National Park

The very early start was worth it. We were up before 5.30, and at Duncan's by 6.30 to set off on our 'Top End Trip'. The car was loaded, the snacks were to hand, and we were away!
I fell asleep and was woken only by Angus swinging the car around to get a better look at the magnetic termite mounds - rows upon rows of what look like tombstones all perfectly aligned with one side facing west, the other east. This is done so the termites always have shade and sun - ingenious little critters.
We made it into Litchfield National Park and spent the day busting various spectacular sights, including a few waterfalls which at this point in the dry season are not as heavy as they could be. The real highlight of the day was waiting for us at Florece Falls. We weren't expecting much, as the other swimming hole we'd seen had a thin layer of debris floating on top of the surface due to lack of movement but this place was fantastic. 143 steps down into paradise, with two cascading waterfalls and a beautifully warm swimming area! We all scrambled over the rocks and cooled off under the never ending flow of water. This was the first time myself, Elliot and Angus had swum in a natural waterfall (Mum had done previously in Jamaica) and it was bliss! I could have stayed in all day!
After a picnic lunch overlooking more termite mounds, including the spectacular cathedral mounds which are HUGE, we made out way to the 4x4 off road track which would lead us to Surprise Falls and back onto the Stuart Highway towards Katherine. Now Elly and I had another first, and Mum too, crossing several rivers in the car! We had an old Range Rover following us, and we pulled over to chat. A Yorkshire lad and Aussie boy drinking tinnys out of an eski, and out for a day of off roading! We let him walk the creeks to test the depth (and scout out any crocs!). We saw roos, red tailed galas and even our first wild dingo! It was definitely one of our top 5 days since coming to Aus.
The campsite is surprisingly good, and I'm looking forward to a long uninterrupted sleep away from the airport. We ate all together in the little bistro here, and discussed tomorrows events. What a great trip we're going to have!