We got up early to hike into jimjim falls. It was semi-easy rock scrambling, so the entire group made it. Sometimes people opt to stay in the car but usually regret it. We all swam too.

It’s amazing in Kakadu. The entrance fee is 40 bucks but worth it.

The road to the falls is passable only in winter and only by 4wd. It was fun but teeth rattling.

After lunch we just drove slowly back to Darwin.

I had dinner with a gal whose flight leaves at 2am. What airline does flights at 2am???

On my way to Sydney tomorrow.

This outback experience has been worth every cent and moment of my time. Would recommend.

What a day!

Nice long sleep in until 730, then a spectacular boat tour on the Alligator river. There weren’t any alligators.

But…but…there was lots of awesome birds, tons of crocs, wild pigs, snakes, fish, everything. The boat captain, Dennis, was hilarious. Typical aboriginal humor, very dry and subtle. Two hours of straight info and entertainment.

Then an hour at the Kakadu aboriginal cultural center. Pretty good, and they’d a video of all the nature highlights of the park. You could come here just for the bats.

Lunch, and then a drive to a hiking area for more cave paintings and the natural history of the area.

The guide is super enthusiastic about the cultural aspects of Kakadu. It makes the park come alive. Even in 90 degrees and humidity.

We ended our sightseeing at Ubirr, an area with lots of cave paintings and a wonderful view of sunset. No champagne, tho.

At dinner, the boss man came by with free booze! So much for sobriety lol.

He wanted some pics of campers. I was happy to sneak my Starfleet University tshirt into promotional photos hahaha. Anything for free beer!

Tomorrow is JimJim falls, swimming, and the long drive back to Darwin.

Good start to the day today, up nice and early and got a chance to say goodbye to a friendly face here.

The tour van is full again. I pulled the shitty seat. I tried not to complain in my head too much lol.

I’m glad I saved the best parks for last. At Litchfield we had two great stops, one for hiking, one for swimming. So nicely maintained. Because the population is lower here, the parks don’t seem so overrun.

After a nice lunch and drive, we arrive at Kakadu. This place is really magical. On the side of the road we saw rare birds, wild horses, wild water buffalo, wallabies, and somebody else saw a croc.

This tour guide is great. He’s obsessed with termites and crocodiles. I know a lot about termites now.

Also the food is a lot better.😁

It’s the middle of winter here and I’m in a tank top. Ahhhhhhh

Tomorrow we have a boat ride, a hike, a trip to the cultural center, a sunset viewing event with nibbles, and lots of croc facts.

Love to all!

Slept pretty good despite the kids having fun outside.

I walked to the marina and had a lovely coffee, looking at the birds and fish and stuff. It’s a super ritzy and developed area and lots of roving yuppies made for a non-challenging morning.

The Darwin bus system is a disgrace so I just walked everywhere.

In short order, I saw the backpacker street, the esplanade, the waterfront, the wharf, the wwII tunnels, the shopping mall, the heritage area, the government buildings, and the botanical garden.

So, I’d have to say that one day in Darwin is plenty of time, because it was only 2 PM when I gave up and got day drunk in front of the t.v.

This cost me 20 bucks and took me to dinnertime.

Finally I found somebody to have dinner with, and we had a nice evening walking around the downtown area.

I feel bad for the backpackers who plan too many days here.

Tomorrow it’s my third and final tour. Headed to Litchfield and Kakadu national parks for waterfalls, boat rides, and more dirt roads.

C U in 3 days.