Wilkinson Wanderings: Darwin, to Kakadu 28-30 May

Darwin was a pleasant interlude from camping as we stayed with Marty and Sue Alsford,on the military base at Larrakeyah (although Marty was still at Batchelor). The process of being signed in on a daily basis was an interesting experience and we were lucky to see a little bit of what it's like to live and work in Darwin. it was great to renew acquaintances with the Alsfords.

Sunset at the Alsfords

Sue and David playing games with Ros and Mal's radios

As we had been to Darwin previously we didn't do a lot of sightseeing, howeverwe did re-visit Mindil Beach markets, doing a bit of shopping and watching theFire Show, a talented performer doing weird and wonderful things with fire. Friday night saw us having fish and chips at Cullen Bay, with a wonderful sunset over the bay.

The Fire Show

Dinner at Cullen Bay

Sunset at Cullen Bay

We also found time to buy a new Telstra wifi device, have a haircut and have the back door of the Prado fitted with a new handle. Although Toyota charges an arm and a leg for spare parts David's skill at negotiating a "beer economy" price for the fitting saved us a few dollars.

Thanks to Dale Alsford who works as a tour guide at Kakadu we got a few good tips on places to visit. One was Fogg Dam which is a conservation reserve with wonderful bird life, less than an hour's drive from Darwin. Our extra bonus was to see a croc being removed for transport to a crocodile farm. It was about 2 metres long, and anyone interested could touch it, as its mouth was well taped up - yet another good use for duct tape.

Fogg Dam wetlands

A masked lapwing with 4 chicks

Magpie geese are plentiful

Catching the croc

Croc secured

Let's just add a bit more weight in case it moves

We also found buffalo wallowing in a waterhole, viewed wetlands from Beatrice Hills and continued on to Mary River Wilderness Park at Point Stuart. This was an excellent park, but was Mosquito Central, not helped by a whole night of unseasonal rain.