Wednesday 18 June 2008
We made it to Darwin! It took some time to cover those 2,500 miles, but we are quite happy that all went so well. The trip from Guluwin’ku was a series of dayhops. The landscape was rather uninspiring, and totally void of crocodiles. Apparently we nearly ran one over (the people on “Spindrift” told us), but we did not see it.
We went ashore in Port Essington. The ranger was not present, but a small museum was open. The shop was closed until further notice, so we missed out on ice cream.
For the final leg it was necessary to leave our anchorage at Alcaro Bay at 4 am to catch a favourable tide. There was very little wind when we left so we motored around Cape Don picking up a nice help from the tide and reaching a speed of nearly 11 knots. The nice full moon disappeared behind a big black cloud and the new day introduced itself with rain for 3 hours. Finally Jemimah received the long overdue clean from all the dust and salt. With the rain came the no wind and we were becalmed all the way to Darwin arriving at 19.30. We watched the most beautiful sunset ever and were overflown by at least 20 Air Force fighter jets departing Darwin airbase for an exercise (very noisy).
Next morning we rang around for a Marina berth and found one in Tipperary Marina. To get into it one must travel through a lock with a tide of at least 4 meters. We were scheduled for 2 pm. The experience was like this: you steer towards a rock wall and try to see a metal plate. When you see it keep steering at it and hope it opens in time. Once through you find yourself in a large container filled with water and missing roof. Suddenly there was the sound of rushing water and the water level inside the container rose and so did we. A second gate opened and we were free to enter the marina and find our berth.
Friday 20 June
Our plan was to fly back to Brisbane and go by car to Hervey Bay to see our new grandson. The next reasonable priced flights didn’t leave until the following Wednesday so we booked the flight and hired a campervan for 4 days to explore Litchfield and Kakadu NP. But before we took off we applied for our Visa at the Indonesian Consulate.
Saturday 21 to Wednesday 25 June
The first stop after foodshopping was Litchfield. The waterfalls and rockpools were quite impressive, and we spent some time in these natural spas. It was early in the season, and tourist numbers were not yet up to the “crowded” level. For our little campervan, only the main attractions were accessible. Our budget did not allow the 4WD hire, and time constraints prevented us from long hikes. So Litchfield was done in a day, and without stress.
The decision for Kakadu and not Katherine was also inspired by limited available time. It was a completely different landscape, the wetlands of Kakadu were fascinating. Most tracks were still closed this early in the season. The various information centres were very good, they explain the relationship of local people and nature. There are so many things we did not know ...
The town of Jabiru reminded us of a ghost town. It seemed that nobody lived there. Nothing was open, and the commercial buildings had no windows. Maybe the nearby Ranger Uranium mine inspires the need for protection? The local aboriginal people had identified the whole area as “sick country” a long time ago.
Then it was time to return the campervan and rush to the airport. We spent three weeks away from the boat. Our new grandson is just beautiful, and the girls are as cute as ever. We certainly will miss them! There was a lot to be done, and we were extremely busy all the time. This is why you haven’t heard from us!
Back at the boat, it was time to prepare for the trip. New batteries, duty free diesel and alcohol, gas bottles filled, and groceries for the next three years. We wonder what we forgot, but it’s too late now. We cleared customs and immigration on Friday, and in about 3 hours it is bye bye Australia.
Until next time, take care
Rosi & Mike
