Darwin.....destination reached.....

We joined Josie and Nolan for sunset drinks at Nightcliff and as always had a lovely time enjoying the beautiful sunset and wonderful company.  It was such a lovely evening we all decided that fish and chips was the way to go so it was quite late and cool when we said goodbye and returned to our campsite in Berrimah.  We also met the 'new girl' in their life and fell in love with the gorgeous Maggie. At just 9 weeks old she is only the size of a kitten but what she lacks in size she makes up for in cuteness overload.

While here in Darwin Bill was going to get out early each morning to visit some favourite spots to see what birds he could find.  He did this and was rewarded with some lovely shots of this little Rainbow Pitta.  I decided that I was having enough trouble with sandfly bites without hanging out near creeks and mangroves so I got to sleep in each day.

The next night we joined Josie and Nolan again for dinner at The Wharf.   A balmy evening, another beautiful sunset and a full moon made for a magic night in the tropics.  Of course good food and good company helped too.    

The next morning, once Bill was home, we made our way to Parap Markets.  We enjoyed wandering around checking out all the stalls.  We managed to restrain ourselves just buying a watermelon juice for  morning tea.  From here we visited Virginia, Toby and Beau who lived just around the corner.  We spent a few hours catching up and loved seeing how much these two little boys have grown up since we last saw them.   We talked so much that we forgot to take any photos so Virginia has very kindly let me use these ones taken on her birthday last week.

That afternoon we packed our little bag and drove to Josie and Nolan's place.  We were having a BBQ and staying overnight with them.  Once again a great night was had, a lovely dinner and lots and lots of fun with Maggie.  The next morning we drove to the Nightcliff markets where we got some breakfast from the many food stalls and then we drove over to the jetty to eat.  Much nicer than a bowl of cereal at the kitchen bench.

After we said goodbye to our wonderful hosts we stopped to have a look at the shopping centre at Casurina, it had air conditioning, we didn't, before heading home.  Later we drove back to Mindel Beach for the market and the sunset.  A must do whenever we visit Darwin.

The next morning Bill had to take the car in for some work on the air con so Virginia picked him up, came and collected me and took us back to their place so we could stay cool.  We had a wonderful few hours with her and Beau.  Poor Greg was very sick with 'Man Flu' after coming home from a work trip in Alice Springs.  Of course we all gave him grief only to discover the next day after his visit to the Dr that this flu was very real and very nasty.  So glad you are well now. 

After we picked the car up we returned to Nightcliff for sunset drinks with Josie and Nolan.  This really is a way of life up here and the foreshore is quite busy each night as people gather to enjoy the cooler temperatures and watch the sunsets.  Some sit and talk, others eat and drink, some walk, run, exercise or just enjoy the evening.  It really is a lovely way to wind down after a busy day.

The next day Bill and I went into Darwin City to have a look around.  Having been here many times before we were quite surprised to see it looking less than active.  There are many empty shops and hardly anyone in the Smith St Mall at all.  I think the fact that it is only paid parking in all the surrounding streets keeps people out and in the suburbs where parking is free.  It certainly can't be any good for the few shops that are left in there.

That evening we joined our dear friend Peter Miller at his home for dinner.  What a treat we had.  The delicious NT Barramundi with Cajun Black Pepper was cooked to perfection and Peter's famous Christmas Cake for desert finished off a wonderful evening on the deck.  Of course the Champagne didn't hurt either.  It was so lovely to see you again and thank you so much for a lovely evening.

Bill's morning outings continued and he found this rather inquisitive Imperial Pigeon at the Botanical Gardens one morning.  By the time he arrived home each morning I had the washing done and tidied up.  During the day we kept cool in the shops or MacDonalds where there was a double bonus.  Free wifi and air con plus good coffee.  

We joined Virginia, Greg, Toby and Beau for a BBQ at their place one night after Greg had recovered from his dreaded lurgy.  It was a wonderful night and another delicious meal.  Thank you so much and I will always remember our time here with you guys.  Next time we visit you will be much closer and much cooler.  Enjoy Tasmania!

The next day we drove around to see Buffalo Creek, Lee Point, East Arm all of where Bill had been taking photos each morning.  The crocodile signs at Buffalo Creek didn't thrill me but he assured me he is quite safe and stays well away from any danger.  Think I'll continue to stay home. 

That evening we returned to Mindel Beach for our last market and sunset here.  A different look from the other night but always lovely.  

We had been here in Darwin now for longer than we had originally intended so we thought we should have one more sunset drinks to say goodbye to Josie and Nolan.  We had our final dinner at the Sailing Boat Club and once again good food, wine and wonderful company made for a fun night out. So for now we say a fond farewell to you both again, thanks for sharing your wonderful sunsets with us and we look forward to next time.  Enjoy your holiday in Bali next month.

The next day we shopped and got ready for our departure but as we came home we could see lots of smoke.  There was a big bushfire in the grassland opposite where we were staying.  Lots of smoke and flames but burnt out very quickly and no danger to us at all.  Waking up the next morning was very smoky but the wind soon blew it away.  

We packed up and were soon ready to head off again, this time heading south and back home to Victoria.  Google maps tell us we have 3751km to drive.  Bill was still watching the temperature at home and is still convinced it is too cold to return while I am looking forward to a few weeks where I won't melt.  I have found Darwin a little too hot for me and have been very thankful for the fact that the real humidity has not started yet.  

And so we leave once more to take the more direct route straight down the middle of this big, big country.  

until next time......