Yay we're in Darwin

from Jeanette - Yay we made it to Darwin.  A bit of an experience getting here but at least we are here.  We had a bit of a sleep in yesterday and then decided to go and explore the area around Jabiru.  We went to an aboriginal site called Nourlangie where there was a lot of aboriginal art and a lookout we climbed.  We had a lovely time there and saw lots of different birds as well.  We then proceeded to Jim Jim Falls.  As we rounded the corner to the beginning of of the Falls we picked up two hitch hikers from Germany and proceeded for about 56 kms on dirt road and then another 8.5 kms of 4WD tracks to get to the Falls.  A very popular spot there were a lot of cars there.  It was a very hard treck into the falls but well worth it.  I couldn't believe I actually made it in but unfortunately just when I had nearly made it back to the car I tripped on a rock and fell on my backside and bruised my coxic bone.  Ouch very very sore.  Makes it hard to walk actually.  Most of the day was a good day.  We got up early and washed the car and left Jabiru about 9.00am and headed to Darwin.  We made it to Darwin at about 2.30pm.  Went shopping and went out for tea.  It is still very warm here.

RB Now -  The pics below are firstly a couple around Nourlangie, 

This pic is of a green ant nest, about the size of a football, they are everywhere up here, beautifully made by binding leaves together, amazing patterns in  them

A view from the look out in the area.  From here we decided to check out Jim Jim Falls, lots of peop;le spoke of it, but mentioned it was a long  way in.   Thats not the half of it.  about 50 kms of Australias worst corrugated roads for a start.  Then 8.5 km of 4wd track with everything from soft sand to gagged rocks to creek crossings, but good fun.  After you eventually get to the car park it is then a 1km hike to the falls.  Well 1km as the crow flies but about 3 with the uip and over rocks etc.  The pic below shows some of the better parts of the track in,  

This pic just before the fall, fall over that is, not water fall

 

However once you get there the falls are quite good, especially the setting with the massive cliffs around them and the pools at the bottom

However the story does not end there, we eventually got out of the Jim Jim falls and I decided to let the tyres down a bit for the trip out because of ther corragations,m noticed a tyre low on pressure, but continued on.  The drop in pressue made a great difference, however about 10 km before the main road I noticed the oil light come on, not good.  stopped to check and had oil dripping everywhere from under the car.  On investigation I noticed the oil filter had come loose from the corrugations and dumped lots of oil.  I had a litre in the car which at least stopped the light, I had oil pressure but still not enough to measure on the dip stick.  No motor rattles at least.  A ranger stopped, but had no oil and said the RACV (or what ever it is in NT)  refuses to come out on this road, so it was proceed or start up a new residential address.  Got back to Cooinda, about 30 kms but they dont sell deisel oil do they!!!  Eventually their maintenance mechanic gave me 2 lt oil but still ot enough so had to buy some cheap black and gold oil to at least show on the dip stick.  Eventually got back safe and sound to Jabiru for quick tea and in to bed, stuffed.                       This morning took of the tyre and fixed a puncture, washed half the Jim Jim falls road off the car and headed towards Darwin     Stopped at a place called Mamukala which has a great bird hide on a lagoon.      Glad we did as spotted 4 species of birds new to us within 15 mins.  Crimson finch, double barred finch, masked finch (pic below) and a red headed honeyeater.            

         

On the way out we came across the ginormous termite hills similar to dozens we saw on the way up from Katherine, butdidn't stop to get a pic.  This one is big but we have seen many much larger.              We were going to stay another night in the area before heading to Darwin  but decided we should get to Darwin and get the car serviced and checked out.  The van park was able to fit us in  for the night  on the same spot we had reserved for tomorrow night so that was good.  Phoned Kia for the car check, all good if I can come after the 15th, earliest spot available.  Anyway long story but have it booked in for 8 am in the morning to a service centre just around the corner from the Van park.    Time to sign off as rambling  looking forward to a few days around Darwin and catching up with Lee tomorrow and spending most of the next week together,     Stay tuned for the next saga!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!