---

DARWIN

Mon 19th July, I took Pam into the Darwin Hospital casualty section to find what is the problem with her knee. After spending 5 hours there in total we were none the wiser as even the x-rays didn’t show any
visible damage. The doctor thinks it may be a piece of bone or cartilage floating around. They suggested that it would be better to have it looked at in Melbourne as it would take too long to process here in Darwin.

Tues 20th July, I took the car in to Hidden Valley Ford for it’s 45,000 service. All OK except that they reported that the rear suspension bushes have worn and cracked, needing replacement. It is a big job as the LPG tank has to be removed and then replaced after the repair. Also the parts have to be flown in and the job can’t be done until next Tuesday and Wednesday. So we had to book in for another 2 nights.
The days are OK with temperatures 32-35 during the day, but 25-28 each night. Hard to sleep comfortably.

Wed 21st July, We drove in to Darwin to have a look around, the city centre, Stokes Wharf etc.
Did some banking and then drove out to the War Musuem where it is recorded just how close it was that the Japanese came to invading Australia. It’s frightening really.
I played bowls under lights at the Darwin Bowling Club. Very enjoyable.

Thur, 22nd July, In the morning I went to the Darwin Air Museum where they have an enormous B 52 American bomber in a hanger surrounded by many other types of aircraft. Most enjoyable. In the afternoon we relaxed in and around the pool at the caravan park then drove in to Darwin to the Mindil Night Market where we had a great time. There were so many food stalls and items to look at.
Good entertainment all night. We met several people and chatted to them whilst we ate our meals.
We also met up with Gavin and Colleen from New Zealand who we met in the Bungles.

Frid 23rd , Sat 24th & Sunday 25th July. As we are unable to do much walking due to Pam’s knee not improving, we spent our time reading, sleeping, swimming at the caravan park. Just relaxing.

Mon 26th July, Headed out to Berry Springs where we walked down to the Springs and had a swim in the warm water under the falls. We then went on to the Territory Wildlife Park where we went around on the train to see the exhibits. It is a very well set out park with many different aspects of the Top End covered.
Eg, Monsoon Forest, Billabong, Avairy, Nocturnal House, Aquarium, Lagoon, and Flight Deck. (where they have trained birds flying around and feeding). A very good day indeed.

Tues 27th & Wed 28th. We again spent our time, reading, sleeping, & swimming at the caravan park. Just relaxing, as much as one can with the fighter jets taking off and landing all week in their annual war exercises with New Zealand, Singapore and Malaysia. I picked the car up in the afternoon and re loaded everything back in to the car for our departure tomorrow. Due to the pain that Pam is in with her knee we have decided to miss going to Lawn Hill and Cairns this time and head south towards Rockhampton.

---