Darwin....the Wise Family's new home??

After a short drive from Litchfield, we made it to Darwin by 9.30am so we had a full day in the NT Capital.  We moved into the Howard Springs Big 4 (the only park we could get 3 powered sites) and headed into town.  We checked out the visitor centre and looked for Crocs at the beach (without success). 

We got back to the caravan park and let the kids jump on the jumping pillow while we set up the annexe (for the first time - could have probably left that in Melbourne) and waited for the McCallums and Elliotts to arrive.  Mel got organised for Charlotte's 6th birthday -   cooking a cake in a caravan when it is 30 degreee isn't recommended - thank god for air con.  They really crammed us in at this park....I hope I don't hear Peter snoring tonight!!!

As it was Sunday we had to go and visit the Mindal night markets.  These were fantastic!!!  We ate our way through the markets, sampling Calamari from this vendor, and curry puffs from that one.  We all had a great feed and Mel bought a couple of bracelets.  Then the kids enjoyed their first Sunset on the beach before having pofferjes for dessert.  Another late night for the kids....

The next day was Charlotte's 6th birthday...and she had a list of things she wanted to do.  We started off with a visit to Howard Springs.  We arrived with our noodles and towels ready for a swim, but were disappointed to see the pools were closed...and some major renovations underway.  We did however see some turtles and even a massive barramundi looking for a feed (and here I am without a fishing rod!!)

We went back and had some lunch and a birthday cake for the little girl and then we headed into the Darwin Wave pool where Charlotte met her new friend Jessica for a swim.  We all had a great time here with Charlotte using her new underwater camera for the first time.  Will was happy to splash in the shallows, but Charlotte (who is now 6 - and big and brave) wanted to attack the biggest waves at the back!!!

If we were more orgainsed we should have brought a change of clothes and had a meal in town, but we headed home for a quick change of clothes and then we went out in Palmerston as Charlotte had requested Fish and Chips for dinner - very spoilt!!

We settled in for a rest day the next day - we had planned to go do Crocodylus Park - but the kids were a bit feral.    We just swam in the pool and jumped on the jumping pillow and CJW got a much needed haircut.  I did a bit of roofrack and Pod shopping - and got a bargain!!!  ( I later found that the roof racks didn't fit and I will have some meeting me in Katherine)

The Wednesday unfortunately meant I had to do some work. I certainly didn't like to put the work pants back on, but I had a big day of sales calls ahead of me, and realised quickly how much work was going ahead in Darwin and surrounds.  Maybe Tri-Fixx need a branch up here!!  Mel was marooned at the Park and was ready for a break when I got back.   



Thursday was our last full day in Darwin and we made the most of it.  We visited Crocodylus Park where Will's eyes nearly popped out of his head as we say some massive Crocs!!  Charlotte got to feed a big crocodile with some chicken on a stick and then we got to hold a baby crocodile at the end of the tour.  It was very wriggle and fiesty!!   Mel had to do a few domestics like shopping and I unfortunately had to perform a training session with a fastener companies sales reps.

Back to the Mindal markets on our last night where we filled ourselves up with food and CJW bought herself a butterfly with some birthday money.  Unfortunately moving on from Darwin tomorrow.  We have really enjoyed our time here and the outdoor lifestyle.  Don't know what it would be like in the wet season, but if we could move our family and friends up here we would move here in a heart beat.

Litchfield National Park

Getting very used to this beautiful weather.  Still haven't had a drop of rain (touch wood) and today was 32 degrees again.  We must be becoming acclimatised to the heat as Mel was still wearing her jacket when it was 24 degrees at 10am this morning, but I have shelved the winter clothes and in shorts and singlets from here on in.

We moved on from Mataranka (with a tear in the eye) and stopped in Katherine to top up food and fuel at semi reasonable prices.  We then completed the 350kms (in total) up to Batchelor and Bayan Tree Caravan Park which was at the entrance to Litchfield National Park.  We dropped off the van, grabbed some lunch and then headed straight into the Park.  We went in at a good time (around 3pm) as we watched all the tour buses going in the opposite direction on the road.  We visited Florence Falls where the kids (and Mel) were disappointed by the water temperature (we are now comparing all swimming holes to Mataranka - not fair I know).  Will wouldn't go in and wanted to go back to the "warm springs", but Charlotte, Mel and I (at different times) braved the colder water (which was fine....once you were in) and had a lovely swim. 

We got back to the caravan park quite late so we were thankful to have a premade pasty (courtesy of Ma Ma) to share, and then we made our way to happy hour and free sausage sizzle in the beer garden under the big Banyan tree.....the supposed reason why we chose this park....I chose it because it was close to Litchfield and it was cheap!!  Had to hurry back to the caravan where I had tuned in a fuzzy picture of Geelong thrashing the Bombers...which made my day complete.

The next day we had a good look at Litchfield, starting with a close look at the Magnetic Termite Mounds - which the kids are fasinated by.  We then took a picnic down to Wangi Falls which was breathtaking.  Charlotte and I were the only two to brave the conditions today.  Will and I went for a walk around the top of the falls and encountered some bats and a pig!!  CJW and Mel also encountered the bats and got some good photos.  Wangi Falls was one of my favourite spots but then it got overrun by tour groups and we decided to move on.  We had a quick look at Bouley Hole but we decided we had had enough of sharing the waterholes with people and we came back to the park for some nibbles and a cleansing ale (or two....).

 

Off to Darwin tomorrow where we will catch up with the McCallums and Elliott's for Charlotte's Birthday.  Only two sleeps Dad (I know Charlotte....)

Mataranka and Bitter Springs

Only a short drive from Daly Waters today after a fantastic night in an old Outback pub.  We made our way to Mataranka where we decided power and water might be nice for a change.  We quickly settled in at our caravan and then headed off for a dip at the Mataranka Hot Springs - something we had been craving since we departed Melbourne almost 3 weeks ago.  We were only going to stay one night, but instantly we decided this was a placed we needed to dedicate some more time, so we booked in for 2.

We caught up win the McCallum's and the Elliott's for a dip in the beautiful 34 degree pool at Mataranka....and then returned for happy hour and a feed at their caravan park where were introduced to some of the local wildlife....which the kids could feed by hand. 

The next day, after we fed the barramundi in the caravan park (by hand) we purchased the kids foam noodles and headed down to Bitter Springs for another swim.  These springs were a lot deeper and had a current that moved you slowly down the scenic river to a ladder where you got out, walked up a rocky track, jumped in and did it all again.  We all agreed that this was a much more natural, less crowded and more enjoyable swim and none of us wanted to leave.

Alice Springs to Daly Waters

If you notice a change in our tone of posts, its because I am now making Andy write some as well. 

Our second full day in Alice was a nice restful one, after far too much excitement at the Alice Cup!!!!  After a run in the morning (at -1 degree) we got to indulge in a FREE pancake breakfast at the caravan park.  We went into town and visited the old Goal and the Pioneer Womens Museum, I am not sure if the below pics will work, but I got quite a giggle out of the conditions of women teacher's employment conditions, and some helpful culinary advise for any new wives..

Next morning we were off for our first night of free camping at Devils Marbles, I was mostly excited because I knew after this point it was really going to start to warm up!!!!!  We headed off before Mum and Peter, and hot footed it as we knew by 3.00 it would be full, we arrived by about 1.00, and strategically placed our chairs to save one spot, and kept hoping that they wouldn't be too far away as we couldn't save another spot.  The "oldies" crawled in at 3.30!!!  managed to get a spot for the Elliotts down in the corner, but after that everyone else had to turn out and go home.  The Stars were amazing, so bright!!!!!!  and the dingo's were very checky.  Great spot for our first free camp though.

After a bit of a chilly night without a heater to warm up in the morning, we got packed up to visit the infamous Daly Waters.  It was over 500km, and we had to stop in Tennant Creek to go to the POst Office and get some fuel, so it was a slow start to the day.  We reached Elliott for lunch and there were Peacocks and Peahens everywhere!!!  When we got out of the car the heat just hit, us and we all had to get changed into shorts and singlets- WHOO HOO, it was over 30degrees for the first time on our trip. 

We arrived at Daly waters, which I LOVED from the moment I got there, now this is the type of place that makes you feel Patriotic.  We were so hot and bothered when we had set up camp, that we all had a nice shower to freshen up then headed the 20 meters to the pub.  A couple of beers, and some activities for the kids so they could get a free ice-cream and we were all feeling pretty happy with our newest location.  We had a feed of barra and beef for dinner (which was delicious) and great entertainment as well.  It was amazing to be sitting out in the middle of the outback in our shorts and t-shirts at night, under the night sky enjoying some of the most amazing Australian culture I think I have ever experienced.  Priceless, I hope that it keeps been this good...................

Alice Springs

We decided to spend 4 nights in Alice Springs because there appears to be so much to do here.  We completed the 500kms from Kings Canyon to Alice by 2.30pm so we had a quiet afternoon in a fantastic caravan park (McDonnell Ranges Holiday Park).  The facilities are fantastic and we are all looking forward to the free pancakes supplied on Sunday morning.

The kids have been excited by every new caravan park as they got to play at a new playground (a prerequisite for any caravan park we stay at) and they weren't disappointed here as there was a massive jumping pillow to bounce on.

We were treated to a roast dinner ($11 each) at the Alice Springs Golf Course which was fantastic...although Charlotte had her heart set on Fish and Chips.  This was the last supper with Ma Ma and the first with Anne and Peter (and Lorraine and Graham and the McCallum's new friends Peter and Barb).  Peter was very proud of winning the NAGA (not a golfers arsehole) award in the golf competition as he got a free glove and free beer for the night!!

We farewelled Mama (much to the disappointment of the kids) and I took her to the airport after a whirlwind tour of the major sites in Alice Springs....and then continued onto the industrial estate to do a few sales calls for Tri-Fixx.

We stocked up the fridge again here in Alice which was much needed.  $340 later the Waeco and fridge were chockers and they wallet was significantly lighter.

We then did a quick trip out to the Desert Park and watched the bird show...which was a bit disappointing and had nothing on Healesville Santurary.  We had a quick look at the kanagaroos and the emu's (with eggs!!) and also the nocturnal area - where the animals were very difficult to spot.  William thought he was turning into a bird of prey!!

One of the highlights of the trip thus far was our day at the Camel Cup.  The kids had an absolute ball on the jumping castles, had their faces painted, had an ice cream and left with a little camel momento.  We thought the races camels were hysterical with some of the camels not doing what they were supposed to and turning around and running in the wrong direction.  A very unpredictable but very entertaining day which was enjoyed by all.

Kings Canyon

We moved on from Ayers Rock and onto Kings Canyon.  With Mama in the back seat with the kids, the DVD player got a rest and the car was filled with Eye Spy, Rhymes and sing alongs of "Puff the Magic Dragon" and "I'm being swallowed by a Boa Constrictor"....thanks Kim!!

Kings Canyon Resort was picturesque looking out towards the Canyon.  We were surprised to see the toilet blocks with gates at the entrances, but we quickly found that this was to keep the dingoes from drinking from the toilets.  I was very thankful to have my own BBQ as the dingoes did their best to clean the plates by licking them.  Will thought the "other kids are being very noisy" when he was woken in the middle of the night by a pack of dingoes howling all over the park.

After a lazy afternoon trying to recouperate from the Rock climb and the Valley of the Winds walk, we decided by the next morning it was time to tackle the Kings Canyon Rim Walk.  Another 6km difficult hike which had some spectacular views and an oasis in the middle called the Garden of Eden.

Once again Charlotte was a little trooper and completed the walk herself (with a little coaxing from Mama and her smarties and stories of snakes).  Will and I had to hot foot the last 2.5kms as we had a toilet emergency that he only wanted to do in a toilet - not too many toilets on the rim walk!!  The piggy back rider has been a great investment as I doubt we would have been able to complete any of the walks without it....I will be coming back to Melbourne buff!!

It was quite warm on the walk and we all needed some hydration so we got the kids a well deserved icy pole from the service station and almost fell over when were told that 4 standard lemonade Icy poles would cost Mama $14 ($3.50 each....usually less than a dollar in Melbourne!!!!)  We then went to the Dry Dingo Pub and had a NT Bitter to wet the whistle.

We didn't take too much rocking that night with Mama in bed by 7.30pm and we weren't too far behind.

Valley of the Winds

Day 2 at Ayres Rock, and we headed off to the Olga's to do the Valley of the Winds walk, which was 7.5km, we weren't sure if Charlotte's legs would hold up, but we thought we would give it a shot.  After I stopped to get my coffee (love been able to get a coffee again, certainly a luxury in the outback) we headed off.

What can I say - this is one of the most breath taking and amazing sights I think I have ever seen.  We got to the second look out, which is really the main one, and had our picnic lunch whilst soaking up the view of this AWESOME valley, the photos don't do it justice.  We thought we were about 1/2 way by this stage, but we quickly discovered we were only about 7.5km in of the 5km, oops.  Oh well we made it, although Andy and I had to basically run back with Will for a toileting emergency :-)

All the while poor Ma Ma had to keep thinking of snake stories to keep Charlotte occupied and walking as it was starting to get pretty hot now and we were rather tired. 

We all got back and had showers to recoperate, then Andy got some wood and we lit a fire for the evening.  A quick bevie or two always helps to revitalise you. 

We could have spent longer here at Uluru, soak in more of the cultural aspects, but we are off tomorrow, will be sad to farewell here.

Coober Pedy to Uluru

We farwelled Coober Pedy to head closer to the rock - so exciting!!!!  We got a bit further than we thought and made it to Erldunda, which is at the turn off to Uluru, so only 230km to travel to get to Uluru.  The kids are certainly getting much better at been in the car.  Not much at Erldunda, just a park, and a lot of cold wind :-)  But we pulled up to camp for the night.

It got down to -3degrees overnight, so made for a cold morning packing up, and the kids were so cold they couldn't feel their feet by the time they got in the car.  We got to Ayres Rock Resort by lunchtime, and it was spectacular weather, we all had to strip down to our summer gear.  After we set up we thought we would just head out to the rock to have a quick look, as we knew we would go back tomorrow after we pick Wendy up from the airport.  Well it was such an amazing feeling to see it, and watch it getting closer in the car, the kids were so excited as well, which just made it all the more fun to see it.  Charlotte was desperate to climb it when we got there, I tried to convince her otherwise - "look how steep it is, its such a long way, they don't really like you climbing it" - but nope she was determined.  Truth be told Andy and I did want to do it so we didn't really need any convincing.  We hadn't come prepared, because we had just come to have a look, so Andy zipped back to the caravan park to get different shoes, water and Will's piggy back rider.  Whilst I was waiting I got a little more nervous it really was steep and it was really high up, what if Charlotte slipped, or Andy with Will on his back?  But I was out voted and off we headed.  Charlotte was amazing, she climbed and climbed without stopping or complaining!!!  She certainly was not slowing us up in anyway!!  I should make mention of Andy's enormous effort climbing that mountain with the likes of Will on your back was a huge effort - most people couldn't believe we were doing it.  I know, we are just a family of athletes :-)  We got about 80% of the way, and it was getting a bit too much with Will so we headed back, it was a touch climb back down too.

The next day we picked Wendy up from the airport, wow the kids were so excited to see her.  After we let her settle in and we had some lunch, it was back to the Rock to show it to Wendy.  Again an unplanned climbing of the rock occurred, Andy and I had thought we might climb it separately so we could get all the way to the top, but after Wendy decided it was a little too steep, we had the opportunity to do it together - PLUS 1!!!  There was no way Charlotte was not going to come and get all the way to the top.  As soon as we started to climb or legs remembered the strain of the previous day, but Charlotte still wanted to keep going, and keep going she did - ALL the way.  It took us 2 hours up and back, she blew Andy and I away we were exhausted, so I can only imagine how a 5yo would feel.  Meanwhile Wendy and Will had done an explore around the rock, and seen some fascinating little caves and some beautiful sights. 

We had planned to watch the sunset on this day, so we headed to the viewing point where we had some beverages and cheese and biscuits, while we watched it set - very civil, and surreal.  I think we all devoured the beverages and nibbles, as we were so hungry after our climb :-)  Tomorrow will be another day and another adventure - The Olgas....

Renmark to Coober Pedy

Hi all.  Well I apologise for my lack of blogging, having too much fun I guess, and not enough downtime.  We headed off from Renmark to Port August, it was a long and tedious drive, we hit a small town called Cadel (ironic, given all we wanted to know was how the Tour was going, and not been able to watch any of it to date). As we came through Cadel we hit a river that needed to be crossed by a Ferry, we decided neither of us was all that sure about the idea of putting a couple of tonne on that small raft and decided to head back 30km to go through Morgan instead.  Well apparently the river runs through there as well, so on we hop, I was just hoping the wheels stayed dry, the kids thought it was great.  We headed on and stopped at a beautiful little town called Burra, just as the kids were starting to go a little crazy in the back seat, after a quick bite of lunch and some feeding of the ducks we were back in the car to get to our destination.  Not too far into the trip Will had one of his famous meltdowns, and opened the car door whilst we were travelling at 100km per hour, my blood pressure was rising by the minute, every 1km seemed like an eternity.  We eventually made it to Port August in one piece, but I was not looking forward to another 530km in the car tomorrow to Coober Pedy. 

We got out of the park by 8am, as I have found the kids are much better in the morning, and we went through McDonalds to give them breakfast on the way.  We got to Coober Pedy by about 3pm with all of our nerves in tact and relatively happy kids - AMAZING, maybe they are finally getting the hang of this travelling business??

Coober Pedy is a typical mining town, its very dry and frankly fairly ugly, but our caravan park was great, it had a huge playground right in the middle, so the kids could play whilst we kicked back at the van and had a beverage in the sunshine and relaxed - now its starting to feel like we are on holidays.

We took the kids to a Kangaroo Orphanage - which was great, they got to feed the kangaroos, and pat a really tiny joey, he had only just grown some hair.  Then it was off to tour the underground mines and houses,  Charlotte loved this, she was so fascinated with how the opals were formed and was determined that she was going to just dig one up herself to keep :-)  To be honest I just wanted to get the hell out of there I kept thinking about what if something happened and we all got stuck under the ground, just gives me the shivers thinking about it, but fascinating all the same.

On the road....

Well here we are finally on the road.  Things got off to a fairly rocky start, we were all under the weather with a touch of the flu, but we decided to make a start anyway.  Apparently Will didn't share our enthusiasm to start our adventure, and was feeling so sick that he was crying and begging us to stop and go home so he could go to bed.  Pulling on my heart strings, and feeling as under the weather as I did, I was almost inclined to grant his wishes, but the contigency plan was to pull up on the side of the road, pop out an end of the Expanda and let him snuggle down for a rest.  This all occurred on the scenic side of the Calder Highway just shy of Bendigo - stunning.  So whilst Will had a sleep, Andy and I listened to the joys of Charlotte singing along to the the Sing-Along CD of "ALL your favourite Proncess songs from the Disney Movies!" compliments of Lani (thanks for that - pay you back later).

Needless to say we did not quite make it to Mildura as planned, but had a lovely stay at Boort, caught up with Andy's Gran (Laughing Gran) and then pulled up in his Uncle John's yard for the night.

Day 2 has brought us to the lovely (yet not warm enough by my standards) Renmark.  We are staying at a great Caravan Park called Riverbend Caravan Park, which is right on the Murray. Today we have had a rest day, which we decided was needed, although again not planned.  The kids have had a ball playing at the park, nearly getting bitten by a very cute, but very angry miniture pony, fishing (without success) and cooking marshmellows by the campfire. I think we are starting to get the hang of this holiday caper, and are looking forward to heading further North where the weather is warmer and more sights are awaiting our arrival.