Tumbling Waters

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Hi everyone - sorry for not updating this sooner but we have just spent the last 10 days down in a place called Tumbling Waters about 60km from Darwin and we've had no internet access. We've been staying in a villa on a caravan park which has been heaven after our disasterous stay in Darwin and have had a brill time. We have now had the opportunity to see the some of the real Northern Territory, red earth, bush fires, termite mounds the lot! So much so that our feet and shoes are now dyed red and our white washing has turned yellow from the bore water. Our campsite was in the middle of nowhere near a place called Berry Springs but there was a small store/bottleshop (offy)/post office about 2.5km away where we could get essentials. We had to hire a car for the duration or we would not have been able to get there so that has been a nice, albeit expensive, luxury; got it from CheapaRentacar, hence the nickname we gave it, Shed! We spent a couple of days at the Berry Springs Nature Park which was fabulous and had natural springs and pools we could swim and snorkle in (made sure there were no crocodiles!) complete with small waterfall with thermal spring - just like a natural spa really and to think I pay all that money to the likes of Champneys! I am sure there must be similar, albeit bracing places in UK. It gave us the opportunity to swim with Kiera underwater so that she could see the fish etc and get her toes bitten! She is really blossoming in confidence, filling out and her hair has gone curly on the ends which is quite bizarre - maybe because I'm not religiously washing, brushing etc all the time. We spent a lovely day at an isloated spot called the Mandorah Beach Hotel on the tip of Cox Peninsular which faces Darwin across the water; drove for about 70km, saw 6 cars and hundreds of massive magnetic termite mounds - so called because they build them facing North apparently. We've also seen loads of bush fires and discovered a lot of time is spent "back burning" to meet the fires and prevent damage to property. I would really love to see these places in the wet season as looking at photos etc they look wonderful with all the plants etc. Went on a Jumping Crocodile Cruise which was good to see them close up - wouldn't have liked to get in the water though. I started off in the Northern Territory convinced I would get bitten/stung/attacked by something at every turn, but like most things the reality is very different. Spent some days at the site, Territory Wildlife Park (more animals/creeply crawlies/birds etc) and managed to persuade Rik to do a bit of shopping one day followed by the cinema. We saw Cars which was ace if anyone with kids hasn't seen it yet.
At the site on a Wednesday and Saturday they have a deckchair cinema and it was an amazing experience to sit under the stars watching a film! The stars are completely Awesome (even though I hate that word!) and Kiera said that they look just like the Lion King ones! The couple who own the site Jenny and Darren Campbell are a wonderful couple who work very hard to keep their place immaculate; they have two children who Kiera was able to play with most evenings while we had a couple of beers and a chat, so that was nice for everyone. Its been lovely to relax and completly chill out for a while with no travelling around and good to have that before we fly to Cairns and get on the road proper! Anyway, will get this sent before my money runs out again and will report again soonest from Cairns. It will be a relief not to have to fly for 4 months then! Take care and "speak" to you soon.
Lots of Love Nicchi, Rik & Kiera xxxxxxx
Hope you are all enjoying your heatwave.

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Photos

Tumbling Waters
Rik & Kiera on the rocks at Tumbling Waters

Berry Springs
Nicchi enjoyed a hot natural spa!

Crocodiles at the Park!
Freshwater crocodiles that live on the caravan park, thankfully enclosed!

Mandorah Beach Hotel
Rik living the hard life - can't swim though, crocodiles and jellyfish - what a waste!!

Termite Mounds
The magnetic Termite Mounds

Comments

[Mike and Gail]

What heat wave?
Hey guys, Great to hear that you are kicking back. Unfortunately we are not having a heat wave. The South Island has had serious snow and some places no power for up to 2 weeks. Luckily the ski fields are the winners on the day and I hope to get up there soon. I hope the rest of you trip goes well. Are you going to catch the game tomorrow. If we win make sure you accentuate your Kiwi links!! We are counting the days till we see you. Love Gail and Mike