Katherine Gorge

Did not want that alarm to go off just after 5 this morning....grrrrr. However all my little herd were gathered together by 6 fir me to get them their bid breakfasts and then on the coach at 6.10. It was a full bus so my hopes of sitting on my own and just having a bit of 'me' time wasn't going to happen. Morning started out a bit cool but clear skies so once again we know we are in for perfect weather. Once again upon leaving Darwin, we head south and our first stop is the Adelaide River War Cemetery which is dedicated to those killed in air raids in Darwin in WWII. It is only small but beautifully maintained. we drive through Pine Creek which is an old gold mining town and then on to Emerald Springs which is a whistle stop for a cuppa and scones, although I didn't have any scones as I was full from my croissant in my box breakfast. Then on to Edith Falls which was a pretty little spot. We then head through Katherine to Nitmiluk National Park where we have lunch. I tried crocodile for the first time and it was okay, but I'm not really sure what it really tastes like as it was minced with lots of herbs in a pastry case. Could just have easily been any other meat as the herbs took over all the taste. Then on to Katherine Gorge for a cruise into 2 of the 13 gorges. It was absolutely beautiful. Not a cloud in the sky. I loved it! Saw a couple of fresh water crocodiles on the banks. If you have to choose which crocodiles you prefer, always pick these as the saltwater ones will eat you whereas the freshwater ones will swim away from you. As we got to the second gorge we had to get out of the boat and then walk near sheer rock walls to get to the next gorge and our next boat. This gorge was even more spectacular to cruise through. For those who can remember the movie 'Jedda' much of the gorge and sandstone cliff face were in the movie. I remember the advertising campaign of a few years ago where Daryl Somers was telling people to visit the Northern Territory. His words ring true that "if you never ever go, you'll never ever know". If you were only even half thinking about a visit to the NT, then make sure you visit Katherine Gorge. Sadly it is time to start heading back and I say a very reluctant farewell to these beautiful gorges. off the boat and back on dry land I Didn't much like walking past the trees that had hundreds of black winged bats hanging upside down from but apart from lots of squawking from some of the bats they left us all alone. its a long hike back to Darwin but has been a great day. We stop at Emerald Springs again about 6.15 pm for a very quick dinner and then on again back to the city. We finally were dropped at our hotel at 9.30pm and everyone was pooped. I'm feeling a bit poorly as I've developed a sore throat and my nose is running like a tap. I refuse to consider that I have caught little M's cold so instead have dosed up on some aspirin, sucked on a lozenge and am now about to put myself to bed. Photos from today will however have to wait until tomorrow. Leisure day tomorrow so no need to set an alarm and no need to be anywhere at all!