Week 9 : 20 Apr to 26 Apr 2012 -- Darwin

At the start of Friday we had no plans for the day other than to watch the Test between Australia and New Zealand that night, however that all changed when we got a phone call from Julie, one of the people we’d met firstly at Mataranka and then again at Katherine.

The two couples, Tony, Julie, Rhonda and Warren were booking a dinner cruise on Friday night and asked if we’d like to join them… an offer we readily accepted.

Cape Adieu in glorious sunshine

The weather report for the day wasn’t promising and as Vic and I had a swim in the afternoon, some light rain began to fall. By 5pm we were on board the Cape Adieu, a 22 metre motor sailing ketch, and ready to set off from Stoke’s Hill Wharf. It was at about the same time that the heavens opened up. As we’d begun to enjoy our first drinks, the showers moved across the city and became torrential as we motored out into the harbour.  

The Van Akkers from Canberra & the Blue Mountains

Warren in his green plastic finery

The Skipper, watching the rain showers on the radar, moved around behind them before tucking in close to the cliffs and out of the wind. The sunset we’d all been hoping to enjoy was a non event, due to the cloud cover. After making short work of the pre dinner selection of dips, we enjoyed a great fresh seafood buffet, before steak and fresh threadfin salmon off the bar-b-q.

Seafood buffet on board Cape Adieu

Sweets and coffee rounded the night off before we returned to the dock at 8 o’clock. The night had been a real hoot with a lot of laughs. If you are ever in Darwin, Vic and I would thoroughly recommend a cruise on the Cape Adieu. The Skipper and his crew are a lot of fun and keen to make sure you enjoy your night. If you are lucky enough to spend it with a group of fellow travellers like the ones we did, then, it’s a bonus.

At the end of the night you can still tell how wet we got by Vic's top

Vic and I got back to the van in time to see the Kangaroos trounce the Kiwis 20-12.

We’d noticed a black spot appearing on our photos since Tennant Creek that had been getting worse and were told it was mould, which would be an expensive repair. It got to the point where the camera couldn’t focus on anything so off we went to replace it. Dick Smith did a deal we were both happy with and that was how we spent the rest of the weekend… playing with the new toy. Hopefully you’ll notice a vast improvement in the photos from here on! 

Darwin Cenataph

Monday and Tuesday were Vic’s first couple of days working in the city and passed quickly. Wednesday was ANZAC Day, and while we spent it lazily, we were sure to thank those who had gallantly fought and gave their lives, leaving us with the ability to enjoy this free life. Lest We Forget.   

After dropping Vic at work Thursday I went to Doctor’s Gully, which is the site of the Catalina Flying Boat Base during WWII. At low tide there are many visible reminders of what would have been a busy spot during the war years. Mooring points, rusting tanks and buoys, solid timber beams, (which would have been part of a slipway) and rusting engine parts all make this an interesting place to visit.

Doctor's Gully - remnants of Catalina mooring 

rusting away on the foreshore

This was the first day of the Mindil Beach Markets for the season and with much anticipation, Vic and I made our way there as soon as she had finished work. We weren’t disappointed! The markets are held in the parkland fronting Mindil Beach and as you stroll around, the sea breeze gently blows through the trees carrying the combined aromas from the many food stalls. The smells are fantastic! It is said that there are over 1200 menu items from 5 continents available here. The markets support over 200 small businesses, provide employment for more than 1000 locals and contribute significantly to the NT economy.

Mindil Beach markets

We gave this one a miss....just don't know what you might get!

Vic and I chose a fresh prawn cocktail ( for 2 ) and Pad Thai, grabbed our chairs and a couple of cold drinks ( you can byo here ) then claimed a spot on the sand dunes where we watched the sun slowly set over the sea. As dusk drew closer, more and more market visitors settled on the beach and by nightfall, thousands of people sat watching the spectacle. 

From 2 people to .....

this...in a very short timeframe....1000's of people just enjoying the view and each others' company.

Most of us stayed for the fireworks, scheduled to start at 8.30, to celebrate the opening of the markets for another season. Mixed sounds of musical instruments and the distinctive didgeridoo filled the air, creating a surreal tropical atmosphere. As the fireworks exploded over the water, our new camera got a real workout. It was a fantastic end to the day.

So it was an interesting week, mixed with the excitement  of things we’d been looking forward to, the surprise of discovering things we hadn’t expected to, and the realization that  no matter where you are or what situation you find yourself in, some things just don’t change.

just magic

one of our favourite sunset photos

“til next week… happy travels!