TWENTYNINETH DAY – FRIDAY 6TH AUGUST
Got up and left at 8.50 am for Katherine – about an hour. Once in Katherine we had a look at the Top Didj & Art Gallery then went to the Cycad Gardens which was a garden in amongst rocks with lots of cycads and cacti and natives. We ended up having breakfast there in their little cafe. I had a cheese, ham and tomato toasted sandwich with a hot chocolate and Graeme had an egg and bacon toasted sandwich with cappuccino. They were very nice and we highly recommend them. We were then going to check out the School of the Air but unfortunately they were closed for the day – a pity because I was really interested in seeing them in action. We then went and looked at the Rare Rocks and the Springvale Homestead which is the oldest homestead in the NT. We then had a bit of extra time to spare so we went for a bike ride along the bike track along Katherine River. After the ride we had a swim in Katherine Springs – an artesian spring – there are heaps of springs in this area. Graeme had to wait till after 2 pm to buy some more beer – this is when the pubs open around here. Then off we travelled further south to Bitter Springs – yes another springs. We stayed in a caravan park in the non-powered section which means you can choose where to camp. We chose a lovely spot along the river surrounded by palm trees. We set up camp and then got on our bikes and peddled to the Bitter Springs just down the road a bit. This was a lovely place were the spring is a little winding river so you go in one end and can float or swim to the other end. You can get out at the end via a ladder or try to swim against the current back to the beginning. The water is so clear and a turquoise colour. There were palms all along the banks and a family of tortoise swimming in the water. We got out before it got too dark and drove our bikes back to the park with torches in hand – our bikes don’t have lights – we usually only ride in daylight hours. Got back to camp and Graeme started up the fire and cooked tea. We had a little trouble with the water pipe leading from under the kitchen sink but Graeme managed to fix it, for now.