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.

What a great night sleep I had. Since no other groups showed up at the campsite last night, we had our pick of tents. It was also fairly quiet. Somebody thought that 3 AM was a great time for a long phone call, in a campground. So that was strange. They seemed surprised that I asked them to knock it off.

On the way to Darwin we stopped for 2 quick hikes, and a swim later.

Finally after 1500 kilometers, we arrive at my hostel.

It’s a dirty backpacker hostel. Of course it is. That’s what I booked, that’s what I got. Apparently some lessons I have a hard time learning. Free laundry, anyway.

Tomorrow I’ll finish laundry and try to see something interesting here.

Up for another fabulous pre-dawn departure, this time I’m happy to move on. The meals make me sad. One day less to go.

Lots of driving today, didn’t really have anything special to look forward to until lunch.

The Daly Waters pub is neat. Just a beat up place with a surprisingly cool vibe for a tourist joint. There is a pool area where you can grill some food and swim for free. Of course you buy drinks so it all works out. It’s got all kinds of stuff hanging on the walls, like bras and undies, hats, dollar bills, etc.

The other cool place we saw was a hot springs where you could swim. So great. Felt amazing to swim in warm water in nature, trees and sunshine and happy people enjoying a national park.

Dinner was almost inedible. I managed one bite. This guy is a terrible cook. I can’t express how awful.

I’ll try, for posterity. Tonight he didn’t eat his OWN cooking.

Anyhoo it’s almost over. One more lunch and I can have a decent meal.

In other news, I’ve discovered that 2 of the people traveling on the bus are with me are on my next tour too. BOO!

Okay. Enough complaints. Australia is still good.