Today we travelled from Mataranka to Darwin, a distance of 406 kms. The scenery was once again different. Very hilly and not many straight sections on the road. We also experienced overtaking lanes for the first time. Just as well really, because the traffic was quite heavy with more than a few v slow caravan drivers.
Once we left Mataranka, we were really in the tropics. The temperature climbed into the 30's and the humidity was also very high. We were surprised with how well we travelled given the air conditioner was busted. It was only after we arrived in Darwin and had set up the caravan that the heat made itself felt. Bev became quite unwell for a while. However, after a few long drinks of water and a quick dip in the very cool caravan park pool she was as right as rain.
We had a couple of breaks on the trip in the interests of safe driving. One was at a place called Hayes Creek Wayside Inn. This place stayed in our mind because of its unique happy hour arrangements. We have become used to roadhouse happy hours actually lasting two hours. Well at Hayes Creek, they have two, two hour happy hours. One is at the usual time of 6 to 8 pm. The other was from 6.00 to 8.00 AM!! Only in the Territory.
Talking of only in the Territory, today is Territory Day and as I write it sounds as if a small war is taking place all around us. That's right, it is cracker night. The Northern Territory is the only jurisdiction in the Australian federation where the setting off of fireworks in unsupervised situations is still legal. When the obvious dangers to life and limb are pointed out to the powers that be, the concerned individuals are simply told to stop whingeing, this is the Territory.
We are very impressed with this caravan park which is just as well because it is costing us an arm and a leg. We are situated in the dress circle part of the park, which means we have a lushly grassed site with an ample concrete slab over which we have been able to extend our awning. It is going to provide a very comfortable and shady place tomorrow. We are also surrounded by tropical gardens with many shade trees. The pool area is very pleasing, with a bar and bistro at a handy distance from a beautifully laid out and furnished. I'll send you some photos tomorrow. In the meantime, here are a few pictures of Mataranka Thermal Pool and the replica of Elsey Station, the home and subject of Jeannie Gunn and the subject of her book, "We of the Never Never". If you look closely at the fourth picture, you see a freshwater crocodile. He was not all that far from the pool and the swimmers but safely on the other side of the river into which the water of the pool flows. Just for the record, "freshies" are not as big or as dangerous as "salties", or so the story goes.
We have to get up early in the morning and take the car to the local Hyundai dealer to get the air conditioner fixed. Once we drop it off, we will hopefully catch a local bus to take us into Darwin City for our first look-around.
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