Preparing to Depart

After arriving back from the Bungles, we moved into the house to feed the new dog and clean the pool for the next 3 weeks. We managed to sell out car for 60 % more than we bought it for which makes a change from sending it to the wreckers. Amanda filled her time in productively when not provisioning the boat.

We leave in 10 days and our rough plan at this stage subject to large changes is as follows.

Fresh fish, here we come.

Cane Toad Busting

We’ve undertaken a few projects for conservation volunteers up here and now regularly get their emails re events when one caught Simon's attention – toad busting. With images of golf clubs and mass carnage (sorry greenies), he insited we sign up. Along we trundled with our torches and mozzie spray to do our part in minimizing the destruction caused by Cane Toads.

To his disappointment instead of whacking them we needed to pick them up, bag them and the count them at the end! Ugh! On the bright side, we did get 19 of the slimy suckers and came third place receiving a wine cooler for our trouble.

Here’s a picture of the little critters in the bag for your viewing pleasure.

It’s cooling down

While I hear reports of wind, rain and freezing weather from our friends down south and from NZ – thought we should let you know we share your pain… we used the duvet last night for the first time on what feels like… forever. Just so you’d believe me how freezing it is I photographed Simon and Sloop under the covers with the alarm clock showing a chilly 24 Dec C! Brrr Brrr!




Yes it is also 8am and they are very lazy!

Careening at Darwin

After watching the careening poles for a few days, and reading an idiots guide to careening on the web, we decided we were ready to give it a go. For those uninitiated, careening is beaching your boat, or tying it to poles on a high tide, then waiting for the tide to go out so you can clean the bottom.

Despite a good SE’ly blowing we managed to tie up without any hiccups, then sat back with an early morning coffee to watch the falling tide. We calculated we had to leave the poles on the following mornings high, or remain there for 2 weeks so without delay we started wading around the bottom of the boat in thigh high water scraping barnacles. Not the best feeling in croc territory!




We scraped, sanded and anti-fouled ourselves into a frenzy and were able to sit back with a cold beer at the end of the day and watch the tide roll in. All in all a great haul out for the princely sum of $11 to use the poles!

Farewell Unlimited Water & 240 Volts

With the final storm clouds rolling out and a hint of a southeasterly breeze, we decided it was time to drop the dock lines and head out to the bay. We rushed around for the last 2 weeks in the marina finishing off some last minute jobs requiring 240V power, before shedding the air-con and enjoying a last long shower. I now have a nice timber floor in the cockpit meaning I no longer need to stand on tippy toes while at the helm!

Shortly after leaving the marina I also finished up at Perkins Shipping, where I’ve been working for the last 5 months. Freedom again – what adventures will this year bring? It’s just business as usual for Si who managed to dodge the call to work again this year, insisting a full time maintenance man is much more useful.

Southern Visitors

It had been over a year since I’d seen my parents and I couldn’t wait for them to arrive. I’d managed to wangle a few days off work and had an action packed week planned for them. We started on the evening they arrived with a movie on the lawn at the Darwin waterfront.

We hit the road bright and early, planning to explore Kakadu from the north to the south. The first day we started with Ubirr, which included a river crossing in the 4WD. It was a first for me and all the talk about bow waves was getting me nervous. I turned to my mum, “are you nervous”? She flippantly replied, “about what?” Oh well, if no one is worried maybe my concerns about getting stranded or washed down a croc-infested river are unfounded…




With the crossing safely behind I us, I kept a keen eye on the rain clouds in the distance as we explored Ubirr rock art and the scenic views across the wetlands. The artwork was amazing although it was a change being behind barricades with interpretive signs after the Kimberly’s. At least still being the wet season we had the place to the views, the peace and quiet and ourselves was amazing.

The next morning we headed to Gunlom for a hike to some freshwater falls. It was a top walk and well worth the effort in the heat. Luckily we had mum and dad to test for crocs before we braved the water!

The heat was almost unbearable, but we pushed on explored every trail, hill, lookout and art site around Gunlom and Nourlangie. By the end of the day we were all exhausted! Can we keep up the pace tomorrow?

After some discussion we decided we were all still keen and wanted to embark on the long drive south to Yurmikmik, followed by a 10km hike before driving back to Darwin. I was hoping being so far out of the way this was going to be the highlight of our trip and I was not disappointed. The walk was beautiful and scenic and once we reached motorcar falls the waterfall was in full flow with a beautiful clear pool at the bottom to cool our weary bodies. Here’s a little clip of our day.





Exhausted we limped back to Darwin. Mum and dad spent a few days cruising around town while I returned to work in an effort to appear dedicated. The following Friday, with another day off work scheduled we headed south to explore Litchfield this time. After the seclusion and isolation of Yurmikmik we had been spoiled and now found Litchfield a bit too pre-prepared.


Unfortunately dad had got too far into the spirit of the falls and had a fall himself on some slippery rocks. While he recovered I towed mum under Florence in a pool toy. Last I heard before she disappeared under the pounding water was something that sounded like, “I’ve just washed my haaaiiiirrrr!!!!” Eventually she popped out the side looking a little like a drowned rat with a huge grin on her face.

All too soon it was time to say Farewell. It was clear the bush-walking bug had bitten them both so I was trying to convince mum to come with me on the big Jatbula hike I was planning later in the year. She left keen but non-committal – watch this space.

Litchfield

After the Katherine hike I was determined to do the iconic Jatbula trail – 5 days and 66km from Nitmiluk to Edith Falls. To this end I’d pestered Simon for weeks to buy me a hiking tent for my birthday. He tried to put me off, borrowing books like “Don’t Die in the Bush” from the local library but persistent as I am I finally got my tent and was now wearing him down to go camping and try it out.

With a date set, a late drop out (5mins before departure) from friends could not dampen our spirits. We headed out of Darwin on a steamy hot day with monsoonal looking clouds building on the horizon – please don’t rain!

With a camp site picked, it was time for me to set up the tent. Mmm, I’ve never done this before. Why does Simon think running around taking photos is constructive? When the damn thing was up we pumped up our pool toys and took the short walk to the falls for some cooling off.



We tumbled around under the falls on our toys all afternoon.


Before returning to camp for a cold beer and a BBQ. Luckily despite the clouds still building we managed to enjoy our BBQ and sit around the campfire before the rain hit. We fell asleep, on our 8mm bed roll in our tent nice and dry watching the awesome lightning show and feeling the earth shake with thunder awaking in the morning to blue sky.



We managed to get the falls and waterholes all to ourselves before anyone else arrived. Is it really Sunday already???

Amandas Visit

Amanda has arrived in Darwin and what better way to introduce her to some northern territory culture than an evening at the Mud Racing. Yes, you heard it right – mud racing. Cars charging around a track spraying the spectators with mud! The territory even put on a spectacular show of fireworks – well worth the effort given half the population was there.



After all the excitement of mud racing, we thought a little bush time might be order. Simon was bit off colour so the three of us, Amanda, Amanda and Stuart headed down to Katherine to go exploring. After getting settled in our little mobile home we began planning our Nitmiluk Adventure.

Gothenburg Workshop

With our time in the house nearly over, we’re racing to take advantage of the space a house affords and finish some last chores. First on the list was opening a salon for the day. Step this way Hitler for a more modern look – a mow hawk perhaps? Unfortunately Si did not have the assets for an exciting cut – the only option was a reverse mow hawk… he he he…



Next on the list was repairing Ken’s dinghy. Simon water blasted and fibre glassed away, still clinging to the hope that he won’t have to get a job this summer and instead will swan around fishing with Barra Ken in a few months time. Meanwhile I water blasted our carpets clean – the poor man’s option to steam cleaning.


Man, all this work is exhausting… best I retire back to the pool with another bowl of ice-cream. Ahh, the joys of a freezer!

It's been a while...

I’ve been getting a bit of a hurry up from my mate Arthur in Sydney to update the blog – Arthur – getting off the topic, is a champion coffee roaster. For those of you who know us well, know we love our coffee, grinding beans every morning and fighting over the last cup in the plunger! Well, we’ve found a top brew – great work Arthur! Check out his web site for some fantastic coffee – www.fullobeans.com.au

Our time in Darwin has become decidedly wet! Amanda’s coming to visit in a few weeks and I’m wondering how she’ll cope. It’s so wet mushrooms are sprouting up everywhere… among other things!

A Good Life

I remember only too clearly how I felt when I was in the weekly work grind, living in a busy city, running from here to there, feeling there was not much more to life than work, and taking no pleasure in the simple life. Cruising has given us the opportunity to take a step back, change priorities, slow down and enjoy life... smell the roses. Here I am relaxing on my day off eating ice-cream and cholcolate sauce in the pool... while enjoying a beer and reading a magazine!




Si being a bit more task oriented than I is making the most of living in a house, enjoying mowing the lawn and cleaning the pool, only to stand back and admire the result. Here is Simon mowing around the beautiful Boab tree out the front and chopping down some stray palm fronds.

Into the Wilderness

With a few days off work, we decided it was high time we explored some of Darwin's surrounds before the monsoon set in. We awoke early, packed a picnic and headed off down the Stuart Highway with no particular destination in mind.

Our first stop was Berry Springs were we found the swimming holes closed due to the wet. We weren't so easily deterred though and and with our bush walking thongs on, we set off for a stroll in the country. Fighting our way through cobwebs, wetlands filled with mosquito's and boggy ground, we finally straggled back to the car hot and sweaty.

Not to be deterred we turned the air-con up to full blast and headed back to the highway. Driving blindly (someone forgot the maps), we were relieved to find a tourist information sign. Arnhem Highway looks good - next stop Fogg Dam. Being the beginning of the wet we were lucky to see an ocean of lily pads and flowers, beautiful wetland scenery with plenty of bird varieties.

House Sitting

Our friends from Barra B were heading off on Xmas holidays to exotic locations and lucky for us needed someone to mind their house. We didn’t need any convincing and were there with bells on! The house had a swimming pool, big bath, great kitchen and air-con – what more could you ask for! We wasted no time in getting into the swing of it, mowing the lawn, BBQ’ing and swimming like old timers.

I was never to be short of company as they had a gorgeous Springer Spaniel who was always up for a walk, had a lovely gently nature and would join me for a swim in the pool in the heat of the day.



With Christmas only around the corner we are busy planning our long weekend, which will be shared with other Darwin orphans – of which there is no shortage!

Marina Life

A few days before starting work we headed up the creek for our first experience entering Darwin’s lock marina, our new home, Bayview. We again pushed the tides, heading up the creek a little earlier than most, just scraping into the lock. It was quite exciting as the lock filled up with water before gently releasing us into our calm, swell, wave free, 240 volt supplied, running water and hopefully safe home!

Once in the marina any mere breath of air we had hopefully called a breeze instantly disappeared and even the tight Kiwi piped up – let’s go and get an air-con… now. After throwing the trading post down in disgust for the 3rd week in a row (apparently people don’t want to sell their air-con in summer!) we headed to the Good Guys and bought the biggest unit we could find. Our fellow Kiwi mate on Tookawhile directed us to some old For Sale signs (coreflute material), which we used to build a cheap but effective box above our forward hatch. Si also managed to get the Good Guys to throw in a fan for us so now we were armed, dangerous and obnoxiously programmed to 16 Deg C!



The first night in the marina, surprise, surprise, Sloop disappeared. In the morning he reappeared with a black eye, cut and scratches. Not willing to risk infection with his swollen eye there was nothing for it but a visit to the vet. Humorously, the vet advised he must be a fighter – fighters apparently get face cuts, while runners get hind damage.

It was great to catch up with our friends from the East coast, Doug and Kirsten on Huwa Mahal (not Hole in my Hull as frequently confused) and Jeff and Cheryl from Tookawhile. Everyone on the marina is really nice and already it feels like home. We shared a marina xmas party with a Secret Santa sack comprising of useful and thoughtful gifts, all under $5 that only fellow yachties could think of!

Welcome Home - Darwin

The build up to the monsoon in Darwin was just as everyone predicted – steamy! Anchored in Frances Bay was unbearably hot; I’ve never been so hot in my entire life. Luckily the wave pool was just a short dingy ride away and still playing tourists we were making the most of it… in between job interviews that is.



Still keen to do some inland sight seeing I was scouring the car guides for a cheap 4WD. My only real criteria were price and of course air conditioning. Luckily we found one and took the risk on registering in Darwin – the risk paid off and we were now the proud owners of a bargain Holden Jackaroo. I know, I know, Simon’s driving a Holden. He justifies it to himself by calling it an Isuzu as that’s whats under the bonnet.

Back in town

We survived the wilderness of the Kimberlies and after 14 weeks out we return to town a few kilos lighter! We had an amazing adventure in one of the most scenic untouched areas we've ever travelled.

Now in steamy Darwin we are thinking about what adventures next year will bring. In the meantime hopefully our posts from our trip out which I'll update over the next few weeks will entertain.

Last leg to Darwin

After being stalked in the Adelaide River by a crocodile who seemed to have his sights firmly set on a small meal of the feline variety, we up anchored and headed for the final run to Darwin. Stores were getting low and neither of us could stomach the sad, limp and lonely apple left in the bottom of the fridge - the only thing left in the fridge! Darwin here we come.

We were keen to arrive before dusk and with the winds easing Simon decided we had better hoist the spinnaker. For those of you who read the blog, you'll recall many a drama we have had with this huge sail including keel hauling it last year (spot the repair in the photo). To minimize danger we tied the sail together like a long sausage with lengths of yarn ( yes I know this sounds like a yarn - more affluent boats use a similar method by way of a nice spinnaker sock). We pulled it up and while waiting with baited breath, the sail filled and we were off, Simon at the foredeck waffling on about how it was all part of his plan, right angles to the wind blah blah blah. Meanwhile my sights were firmly set on the buildings in the rapidly approaching skyline... a city...shops...people...and carefully crafted forms of entertainment you pay for.

Darwin

Well Darwin was a big surprise – what a nice town, friendly and helpful. We are now well and truly over city life though and dying to head back out. We’ve now been a week anchored in Fannie Bay outside the Sailing Club. Thank god there is a sailing club as when the tide is out too far to contemplate dragging the dinghy to the water, we just enjoy a cold beer and before we know it, the tide has come in and we’re floating again!



Simon was up to his usual tight arse kiwi tricks and had us carrying, lugging and traipsing all over town for the biggest bargains. We actually carried both 9kg gas bottles to the bus stop, 2ks to BCF and then back on the bus just to save $30. I’m not so sure it was worth it but he was most pleased with himself. We did get a few strange looks on the bus – I’m not sure if they would let you do that in Sydney?

We’ve really not had a chance to do much sight seeing spending the last 8 days running around town – stocking up, getting essential repair items, completing tax returns, sorting mail… all that stuff. For the next 3 months we’ll not see any shops and have no phone or internet service so what we forget to do we’ll just have to do without. We plan to leave tomorrow but it feels like there is still so much to do!