14 North to Darwin 21 June

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This has been travel week, where the cruise control has been on duty almost all the time. On Wednesday 15th we had the usual Alice Springs start of -1.7deg. So - out of here. As we left Alice we called in to a repair guy who replaced the kitchen tap which had sprung a major leak inside somewhere. We also got a new foot for the van which we had broken the second night out! 413 km later – Devil’s Marbles - a free camp that we had passed through on our way south. Also re-crossed the Tropic of Capricorn at 23.442 deg south.
Next day it was +2deg in the morning and got up to 20 during the day. 359km to stay at Elliott. Elliott – Don’t! Dirty black and bitten.
Next day 352 km to Mataranka. We generally cruise at about 85km per hour, which drinks about 16 – 17 litres per 100km. There was a book written about this area called “We of the Never Never”, so it was very interesting to see the sites and the graves of the people in the book. They also have a spring called Bitter Springs on account of its high mineral content, but the water is 32 deg so great to float down the stream in. We rolled out the awning here for the first time since Banka Banka on 22 May, except for Kings Canyon in the rain at the beginning of June. It was still wet!
Sunday 19th. Arrived at Howard Springs Camping Ground (407km) which is very good, about 20km out of Darwin. What do you do in Darwin on a Sunday? Went to the Mindl Markets at sunset of course.
We’ve touristed around Darwin and arranged for the repair to the caravan where we damaged the awning in Longreach and have booked the car in for its 170,000km check. This campground is very nice with lots of mature trees and palms. Most of our neighbours are here for an extended period (months) and seem pretty settled. They come back year after year and get the same site each year.
Off to Kakadu this weekend

P n D
21 June 2011

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Photos

On the road
200 litre drums as letterboxes

Devils Marbles
Camp in the middle of these amazing rocks

At Devils Marbles
Marsupial in the afternoon sun

Elliott
Requirements if you stay at Elliott, plus locks on the door.

Mindl Beach
Sunset with the spectators

Comments

[Gary]

Elliott & Darwsin
It would appear that we have the same feelings about Elliott. But unless you drive all day, there isn't much choice. Loved Mataraka, too. Their flood high water mark is awe inspiring. And we had the pleasure of staying at Howard Springs. Will keep following your wonderful adventure