Borderline

With all the lock downs and entry permit requirements, we’ve managed to make it across the border unscathed. Well, almost as we’ve had a few close calls with the local wildlife. In particular, a local brumby, but rather than a black beauty it was a brunette bandit. Thankfully, it picked up pace when it realised our paths were set for a direct collision. I’m still not sure who got the biggest fright, but know for certain I’ve never felt so violently ill and the expletives that came out of my mouth, I promise to never repeat again as they weren’t terribly pretty either!!

Putting the ordeal aside we are safe and that’s all that matters. So, to rekindle our spirits we head off to the Caranbirini conservation area. This spot has a semi-permanent waterhole with stunning water lilles and a large number of 25 metre spires that look like the tubes from a pipe organ.  It made for a perfect distraction. That’s only if the flies would have left me alone of course. To get to the reserve we travelled along the Carpenteria Highway for approx 46km in a southerly direction from Borroloola.  Geologists suggest that this site was once an inland ocean and the remnants of shell like material encrusted into the walls of the sandstone spires does support this theory.

Travelling along you’d think by now we would have become immune to the corrugations and bull dust. And to the untrained eye this stretch of road would appear to be harmless. However, it’s incredibly rough and even though Mic tries his hardest to find the most comfortable route it’s a constant battle to navigate the shadows, dips and oncoming vehicles/road trains. We often think how lucky we are to be in the 4WD truck with the super single tyres but love it when we strike a recently graded section.

Our next stop and final destination for the evening is Lorella Springs. This spot is a 4,000 square kilometre outback cattle station surrounded by the Limmen National Park. The water in the thermal spring is like taking a luke warm bath. A number of small fish seem to be thriving in these waters. They also, take a fancy to any open wounds so taking a dip here is equivalent to a hydrotherapy session at the aquatic centre with piranhas. If you have a swim, be prepared to get nipped ….. ouch!

After all the physical activity we’ve undertaken during the course of the day we are feeling a little peckish. Given there’s some freshly cut hardwood stacked adjacent to the bush BBQ, my apprentice chief starts to get creative with his camp oven and cooks up a storm making damper to go with our bush stew. For dessert we indulge in devouring some freshly baked scones with oodles of butter and jam. The only thing that’s missing is our Billy tea.

After staying overnight in the Limmen National Park to recharge our batteries and feeling the need to work off the extra kilos from last night’s dinner, we are keen to explore the Southern and Western Lost Cities. This time to gain a true appreciation of the grandeur and scale of these famous landmarks we take to the skies. It’s truly a remarkable sight and I’m not sure Mic’s analogy of a tiger loaf does it justice 🤭.

To cool off I’m keen to soak in the tea tree coloured waters of the Butterfly Falls. Mic won’t come in so I decide to go it alone. It’s fairly late in the afternoon and I’m feeling a little isolated. There aren’t too many butterflies here this time of year to keep me company except for the common crow variety but no doubt with the change of seasons this place could be teaming with the colourful creatures.

Making our way towards Katherine we stay overnight in the Elsey National Park. Where we can enjoy another invigorating swim at the thermal Bitter Springs, as well as take the opportunity to walk along the Roper River.

Finally, we are keen to be in Darwin for Mic’s B’day which, coincidentally aligns this year with NT day. We’ve been travelling at a pace that’s been a little hectic for my driver. Needless to say, although we are well equipped to handle most things backing into a sturdy gum is not our specialty. But with the gusto and inner strength of a panel beater, Mic hammers our box back into shape. Good as new!

This final photo is for our son Ryan, who thought he would set us on a journey to find and take a photo with the famous boxing crocodile of Humpty Do. Well, here it is Ryano.