We set off just after 8 am in the hope of making it to Edith Falls before the rest of the Grey Nomads in this part of the country. Like a majority of van parks up here you can't book ahead so it is pot luck on getting a site. We stopped at Adelaide River for mornos and a wander. Adelaide River is the home to the .303 Bar and Charlie the buffalo with the amazing horns that starred in Crocodile Dundee. Wendy bought another bright shirt, this one depicting veterans themes. So by the time we got to the Edith Falls turn off, it was about 11:30 am and the chances of getting a site were just about zero. The word is you must turn up well before 9 am and form an orderly queue, in the hope of being successful. As it is 20 odd km off the highway, neither of us are particularly fussed about driving in or queueing for a spot, so we kept on driving. There's always next time.
We had a bit of an adventure today in trying to find a van park when we arrived at Katherine. We drove to the one we wanted to stay at, and they were fully-booked, So, Wendy got on the phone and rang around. The next park was also full, the third one didn't answer the phone, and the fourth one had a site available, but the guy was in hospital so said to go find Leon at the park. So, using Wikicamps, Wendy chose a route and directed Greg. When we turned onto a dirt road, Greg asked if we were on the right track, so Wendy had another look. We should have turned back immediately as the bush became very close with dead, scratchy twigs, and the road would have made a good 4WD training road. So, after about 15 minutes of driving (not very far, mind you), we found a spot to turn around and headed back to a sealed road. Now we know why we upgraded the suspension on the van to off-road. We eventually found the van park, and took one look and decided we didn't want to risk a night or two there. Wendy rang the third park again, and they had a few vacancies, so off we scooted. Got there, checked in on a nice shady site (#109) with plenty of room just after 1:30 pm. It's a huge park but as the day progressed it filled up fast.
After lunch we took the bikes for a ride to the Katherine Hot Springs for a swim. They weren't that hot really but crystal clear and refreshing. After continuing our ride along the Riverlink path into town, we returned home via another path and road. 15 km was sufficient just to give the legs a stretch.
Had dinner and tuned the TV in readiness to watch the big game, State of Origin 1, and the only channel that was s4!t was channel 9. For some reason we can only get nine channels here in Katherine, none of which have anything worth watching. Anyway, go the Maroons!
They are predicting temperatures as low as 12 (feels like 7 - the locals will freeze to death) degC tomorrow morning, so we've resurrected the warm blankets from under the bed in anticipation. We have quickly become acclimatised to the warm weather.
Every place up here has a crocs!
Ha ha.
.303 Bar
Charlie (stuffed), from Crocodile Dundee
Adelaide River from the old road and bridge
Part of the Riverlink path, Katherine - a recycled train track crossing
A bit of info about the 1998 Katherine floods; Wendy was involved in the clean-up/restoration process
Pity they didn't mention the military's role in the clean-up; I suppose we are volunteers of sorts?
