Mataranka, NT

Sad days indeed. We had to drag ourselves away from Darwin, could have just stayed and stayed. Doing nothing mostly, but winkling out all those little local secrets they don't feature in the glossy brochures. Went back to Berry Springs again yesterday, took our woggles/noodles and our goggles this time. There are a few fish floating about just around your feet: Spotted Scats, Striped grunter, Archer fish and mullet, plus wee little tiny ones in schools.

Left Darwin about 9 this morning, stopped at Adelaide River for a cup of tea and then pushed on through to Katherine. We are starting to feel like locals, it's the 7th time we've been through there. Had a nice lunch at the Coffee Club before venturing out to do battle with the buffeting headwinds again. It's only 90km from Katherine to Mataranka, so we dawdled a bit, didn't even give chase to the 4 carriage road train that pulled out in front of us.

Got the van parked and went straight to the Bitter Springs for a soak and float and swim. Ah! Lovely. Is an hour and a half too excessive? I think not. I don't know exactly how hot that water is but, its 30 something outside and when you get out you feel cold. Brrrr. Have to get back in again, and again.

No snaps, no opportunity today, but i wish i had a waterproof camera, i could take some fabulous snaps in and around the springs.

Snap the day, yesterday, that is:

Van park owner directing traffic, outback style. Territory Manor, Mataranka, NT