Coroboree billabong

We all got up as mentioned at 4.30am and were on our way by 5.00am.  A quick stop for ice, coffee, and breakfast to go at the Palms was soon done and we were on our way once more eating our bacon and egg sandwiches as we went.

We arrived at the billabong just as the sky was beginning to color and soon after we had loaded our pontoon and were motoring along to see the sunrise.  It was a beautiful sight and one that we have not seen before here.  The light was great and Bill and Nolan were soon clicking away taking advantage of the moment.  Soon after we motored around to the other side of this very large expanse of water and from here I became the driver while Josie took care of making coffee - little camp stoves are so versatile - and the boys photographed to their hearts delight.

Watching the billabong come to life was just wonderful, the banks were well populated with Whistling Ducks, Rajah Shell Ducks, Egrets, darters and quite a few beautiful Jabirus feeding and just hanging out it seemed.  Looking skyward there were kites of all kinds soaring above us and some beautiful White Bellied Sea Eagles.  One pair just sitting on a branch watching us pass by.  Lots of other little birds too making the most of the many insects around at daybreak and grabbing breakfast on the run just as we had. 

And of course there were the crocodiles.  We saw about 8 of these incredible creatures during the morning and we can only imagine how many we're lurking nearby that we did not see.   The one I found sunning itself on the exposed root of a tree looked quite relaxed in the sun gave us all some great photo opportunities but I don't think I would have liked to be as close as the birds feeding nearby.

We had lunch on the water before heading back to the dock to give our pontoon back.  5 hours had passed so quickly and we had had a wonderful morning enjoying this spectacular part of the Top End.   Thanks so much to Nolan and Josie for organizing it.  So worth the very early morning and perhaps I'll sleep on the flight home.

Once home it was time to pack my little bag agin and get ready to head back to the cold.  I said goodbye to Josie, Nolan and Malibu and Bill took me to the airport where we had a coffee while we waited for the plane to board.  I was leaving him here to work for the week and he was not coming home until next Sunday.  Hope he enjoys the nice warm weather while I go back to work tomorrow.  I'm beginning to think there are definite advantages to retirement!  

The flight home was good and I did manage to doze a little on the way before hearing the Pilot announce we were arriving and welcoming us to Melbourne to a balmy 4 degrees.  It had been 27 when I left Darwin 4 hours ago.  Brrr!  I piled on the two jackets I had carried with me and went in search of the car.  Driving home over the Bolte Bridge the fog was thick on the sea side though clear over the city.  A quick dash from the car park to the apartment was done and soon after I was tucked up in bed in winter pajamas under a winter quilt.  A little different from the last three nights.

It had been a wonderful weekend in the sun and a big thank you to Nolan and Josie for having us and showing us some more wonderful places in Darwin.  We look forward to next time.  

It was a little hard to get up and head off to work on Monday morning especially as the temp was still only 4 deg as I walked to work but once there I settled in and have managed to survive life back in winter.  And knowing Bill was still in the sun made it that bit harder but I'm sure once he's home we will get used to it again soon.  

So until next time we'll stay rugged up and warm.......