Never smile at a crocodile

is a favourite childrens song from Kindy & Pre-school. Never once while singing it to the kids did I ever think that I would be watching in a mix of fascination & fright at crocodiles jumping out of the water beside a boat that I was in. What was I doing, I guess you are wondering.

Last week Bill & I returned to Darwin for a 4 day break in the sunshine. We were there to help celebrate the 25th anniversary of THA. They are Hills agents in NT. We had a great time soaking up the sun and catching up with friends again. After walking to work on Wednesday morning in 7 degrees, it was a pleasant change to walk out of the airport that night to about 25.

Thursday morning was bright & sunny as we left the hotel for a wander around Darwin, lunch at Cullen Bay and then back to Mindil Beach in the evening for a lovely sunset and the great markets. We decided to visit some of the places we had missed out on last time so set the alarm for an early start (5.45am) to see sunrise at Fogg Dam. A slight problem with the alarm saw us sleep in for half an hour but we still got out there fairly early - we saw the sunrise on the way. Lots of birds and a beautiful place, it was so worth the early start.

From there we decided to drive on to the Adelaide River as we had seen signs advertising a Jumping Croc cruise and even though we had no intention of doing it, we thought there might be good photo's to be had at the river. Once there we saw that it was a very different tour to all the ones we had seen advertised and decided to join the few people there already. Once on the boat we pottered along the river and all the way along crocodiles came out to meet the boat and as Morgan - the guide/driver - held out a little buffalo meat on a stick they all jumped to get it. We saw about 8 crocs who 'performed' for us ranging in size from a huge old man hanging out at the side of the boat when we got on, to a little fellow about an half hour down the river. As well as the crocs we saw Kites & Sea Eagles who followed the boat and were quite happy to fly down and pick up bits of meat from a floating board put on the river. The crocodiles really do look like prehistoric creatures and they do look like they are smiling at you at times. Still, I think I will take the advice of the song and leave well enough alone.

Friday night was the official funtcion for the 25th and we all gathered at the Trailer Boat Club for a great night of fun, food and liquid refreshments. A late night was had by all. Watching the sun set over the Arafura Sea from the terrace was just beautiful. The next morning a 10am pick-up by mini bus and we were driven about 2 hours out of Darwin to Mary River where we spent the day pottering around the Corrorbee Billabong on a party/houseboat. A beautiful wetland area with lots of birds, plants & many crocodiles. A bar-b-que lunch on board, lots of liquid refreshments, blue skies & sunshine made for a perfect days relaxation. It was a very raucous bus trip back to Darwin after a great day out. Night time saw us all go our seperate ways and Bill & I headed off to the Wharf for fish & chips and then after all the fresh air & sunshine we were only fit for an early night. Is old age catching up? It was a big weekend!!

After checking out of the hotel on Sunday morning we made the most of the sunshine and the view, having a lesiurely breakfast at Fanny Bay. After that it was time to head for airport for the long haul home - via Brisbane. We met most of our fellow guests there as well - it seemed most flights out that day had to go the same way. Night time in Melbourne was a whole lot cooler than the night before but it was good to be home again. Nothing quite like your own bed is there.

A friends wedding on Saturday and Mother's Day lunch at home on Sunday made for a very different weekend this week. Both days were great. So with a week to go before our next adventure it's back to work for the both of us

Until next time.............