Well we have been in Darwin over three weeks now – almost feels like we live here as this is the longest we have been in one place since leaving home. Firstly, it’s still bloody hot, secondly – work really sucks. Not so much work itself, but having to go to work – I really feel for all of you who are working day in and day out, at least for Peter and I it is just a temporary state of affair (for awhile). I am sure we will be doing plenty more work along the way (unfortunately we will need some money), but at least we have the travel to break it up.

A bit about Darwin and where we are staying:-

From what we have seen so far Darwin is a very progressive city with lots of great facilities, roads and new developments. If it was not so hot it might even be a great place to live! We have been out a few times with Sandy and Jorg (we meet them at Long Water Hole in Winton ), to a few of the local watering holes with Riitta (the lady who is house sitting the property where we are staying) and dinner a few times with Alice and Mat. We also went out on a fishing charter last weekend – no decent fish but some nice pics.

Dinner on Mindil Beach (not our kid!)

I am sure you have all heard of the famous Darwin “Beer can Regatta”. Well we can now say we know someone who has not only built a boat for it, but also taken out a prize in the Supper Boat class. Riitta and her friends built a boat a few years ago and took out first prize in the Supper class. It took over 30,000 beer cans and six months to complete. It is fully equipped with engines, a water cannon, a crow’s nest and bar. I reckon it’s pretty awesome. The ship is called the Grogmonster – what else could you call a boat made from beer cans. Check out the croc crow’s nest!

The Grogmonster

Peter fancies himself as the next Crocodile Dundee – I am not quite sure if he can pull it off – what do you think? The water buffalo is a young lady called Molly, and she is the biggest softie of a buffalo on the planet – needles to say she is a pet and is more likely to lick you to death than gore you – just as well for Peter.

We both had the day off work yesterday (Thursday 26 Sept) and spent the day traveling through Litchfield National Park. Great sites, good swimming holes and very accessible from where we are staying. I’m still not quite sure how the crocodiles know where the “designated swimming holes” are so they can keep out, but neither of us have been eaten yet. There is a highway through Litchfield, but Peter being Peter just had to take us off the beaten track – through the water, with the croc warning signs, to the middle of nowhere. I suppose that’s why you have a 4WD. Took lots of pics and I will put them in as Litchfield National Park.

We are hoping to get to Kakadu for three days next week. The locals call it  Kak-a-don.t  –  they all reckon Litchfield is better and closer, but hey, can’t come all this way and not see Kakadu. Should have something to post again in about a week’s time – hope everyone is still enjoying the post’s and pics because God knows there is going to be plenty more to come.

Still miss all our friends and family but having fun as well – just remember – any time, any place, any State, you are welcomed to visit us – we have a spare tent, queen airbed and single stretcher – packed somewhere, I am sure I can find them!!!!

Love the signs in NT