Darwin

 Arrived in Darwin on Tuesday after a really fun morning exploring Edith Falls which is part of the Nitimiluk NP near Katherine. What a place. We did the 3km loop walk to swim at the upper pools and they were just mind blowingly beautiful and also very refreshing. Had a lovely picnic on the green shady grass down the bottom then headed to Darwin past 1000s of termite mounds of all shapes and sizes.

Been in Darwin a few days now and loving it altho we have spent a lot of time fixing the roof rack and resupplying the car for the next leg of the journey. Staying with Bonnie (Dunk's cousin) and Dan who live in a gorgeous apt in Cullen Bay overlooking the sea and harbour. It's also walking distance to Mindle markets, the museum, has a swimming pool and the guys are just the best hosts. 

So the boring, fixing the car stuff took most of 2 days but thankfully we had a shaded car port to work in. After a bit of research looks like rivets and rough roads are an incompatible solution so we've now moved the roof rack back onto the canopy and ubolted the racks and cage to the roof of the canopy. Looks like it should be ok but I guess time will tell. We've also used metal epoxy to fix the toolbox, been told the windscreen needs replacing so will hold out on this as long as we can as I'm sure we'll get more stone chips. 

Its show day in Darwin but we went to the local cafe for huge and very tasty coffee and thickshakes. Also fed the fish there which was good fun. Went to museum as well and learnt about Cyclone Tracy and Sweetheart the Crocodile. Going back tomorrow for more fun. 

Went to the best free waterslide and park yesterday in Leanyer. What a superb facility for everyone to share. Green grass, slides for little kids and big kids alike and shaded picnic tables plus a massive wide pool especially for kids. The slides were so much fun tho one of them was completly dark so both me and Dunk only did that one once as we nearly got sick! Very disconcerting flying down a water tube and not being  able to see!

The food and markets here are incredible. Went to the Ski Club on Tuesday when we arrived for chicken parmy, beers and amazing sunset. Sampled some of Dan's barramundi Wednesday night. Yummo! Last night went and had laksa on the beach at Mindle and did the night markets which are just a foodie dream. Soooo much choice. Also got the biggest and best vanilla slices ever and Greek baklava, and mini doughnuts (profiterjis?) slathered in honey and cinnamon. I'm hungry just thinking about it. Tomorrow morning thinking of the markets at Parap - who doesn't want noodles for breakfast!! Tonight picnicing on the local beach and watching the sunset if the kids ever get out of the pool. And we might just have to the markets again Sunday!!

Had a bit of drama walking back from the markets about 50m from the apt block. There was a lady who had just been bitten by a snake. Her partner seemed to be in shock and was saying it's ok she can walk it off but we told them to call an ambulance and waited with them til it arrived. Dunk got a compression bandage from the car and she was till fine after 15 mins when the ambulance arrived so think it was probably non venomous but always best to check it out. Quite ironic to think we've been in the wilds for nearly 3 weeks yet encounter a snake bite situation in the heart of the city.

Next week we leave the fantastic hospitality, luxury and comfort of Bonnie and Dan and head back out into Kakadu before heading west to Western Australia which will hopefully stay open borders til we cross. Who knows at the moment with bloody covid. 

Highly recommend Darwin for a visit, heaps to do and the food markets alone are worth it. We have also seen quite a few industrial estates on our mission (failed so far) to find a piece for the gas stove but we can work around it for now.

Feeling very lucky right now!!