After our fabulous weekend (3 days) in Kakadu we spent the following week swanning around Darwin with a visit to the Botanic Gardens, more sunset wine drinking and dinners.
Amazing Wet Season Skies over Cullen Bay – Darwin
The weather has been fairly kind to us with day time temperatures around 32 Deg C and 85% humidity. I say it has been kind to us as we have had a fair amount of cloud cover despite not a lot of rainfall, that has kept the heat and humidity manageable. However there is still that constant feeling of clamminess due to the fact that there is no evaporation of perspiration. You simply cannot dry yourself after a shower and your skin is constantly damp. Aaaah it brings back those memories of 15 years of living in Darwin. There have been two days however that were totally oppressive with night time temps remaining at around 30 Deg C all night. We resorted to A/C on those two nights. Most nights cool down to a comfortable 26 Deg. A 40 Deg day in Melbourne is a breeze compared to 33 Deg in the wet season in Darwin
Had we been here in October and November, the worst months during the build up to the wet, I am not sure we would have coped so easily. However with the wet season weather comes the wonderful spectacles of the storm with their accompanying thunder and lightning. Wet season skies can certainly be spectacular.
We were once again taken out for sunset drinks and dinner by Ron and Sonya, this time in the 67 Caddy in lieu of the 59 Caddy.
Sundowners in Style
The Motley Crew
Perfect Outlook for Sunset Drinks
Early in the week following our 3 days in Kakadu, I contacted a wonderful and long time friend who owns the “Rum Jungle Bungalows” in Batchelor. Batchelor is the gateway to Litchfield National Park and was once the mining town attached to Rum Jungle Uranium Mine. We inquired as to the possibility of accommodation on the Saturday evening. “Sorry Graham, but we are closed for the wet season”. “Bugger!”. Still trying to decide on our options, Sue rang back a little later and said, “Bring Some Wine and I’ll make dinner, I have set up two of the bungalows for your use, but sorry, there are no bells and whistles”. “Wow! – we couldn’t believe our luck.”
So Saturday morning we set off for Batchelor, first heading to Adelaide River War Cemetery, Adelaide River Pub for lunch and Robin Falls then back to Batchelor.
Adelaide River War Cemetery
Chris and Di at Robin Falls
Robin Falls
“Rum Jungle Bungalows” is a true tropical paradise. Visit Sue’s site here. I would highly recommend if you are visiting Litchfield NP in the dry season, it would be worth your while to stay a night or 2 at Sue’s paradise.
Our Bungalows
Open air, tropical kitchen and dining
Rum Jungle Bungalows
Sue prepared for us the best meal we have had since arriving in the Top End. It was simply sensational. Her culinary skills are amazing. A very enjoyable evening with some great wines.
The next morning, after a beautifully prepared breakfast we headed for Litchfield NP and a day of site seeing. After a very warm invitation from Sue, we decided that we would stay another night at Batchelor. Sue’s only proviso being that we returned to the Bungalows in time for a game of “Bush Skittes” before dinner. We insisted that it would be our shout to dinner at the local tavern.
So we arrived back at the Bungalows at about 3:30pm had a swim and a game of bush skittles. It is hard to imagine a more fun game – brilliant. Have to get ourselves a set.
It was the girls against the boys. Yours truly, Harold and Ross (Sue’s partner) against Chris Di and Sue. Damn the girls won in a tightly fought best of three match. (Sorry No Pics)
Litchfield was excellent, and while not able to visit all of the attractions due to the Wet Season their was enough to attract us back on the following day. Sunday night saw a lot of storm activity contributing to a significant increase in water flowing over Wangi Falls – spectacular.
Selection of Litchfield Photos
A short video of Wangi Falls after over night storms.
We headed back to Darwin late in the day on Monday and did not feel inclined to prepare our own dinne so headed to our favourite spot for an eviening meal and watch the sun go down at the Trailer Boat Club.
View from the Trailer Boat Club
Wow!!! Absolutely amazing photos and movie……… I feel like I there with you. The colours of the stormy sky are positively unbelievable. Truly glorious photography. Love to you all.
Bernae.
Thanks Bernae
Despite the the effect of the climate on you personally, the wet, really is the best season for the Top End
Much colder here in Aspen CO – maximum temperature today was 20 deg F ie. 12 degs of frost.
Batchelor is where I was treated by the local physician when I had a rheumatoid episode at one of the Litchfield plunge pools. He did a great job – full recovery by the next morning. There was less water going over the falls then.
I really would like to do a trip to the top end in the wet. The nearest I have achieved is two weeks in Alice on a flight test program – the first week, Alice was cut off by constant rain and the Todd was in flood. We couldn’t even get to the airport!
Keep photographing Graham and I will keep painting.
Cheers, Richard
Thanks Richard.
I think I have the really easy job sticking to taking photos. Mother nature does all the work and I simply push a button.
Graham – I’m camped at a little place called peacefully bay West of Albany – 18deg currently. Enjoying the break from the heat. I got your text about the outfit yesterday but when I pulled later there was no phone contact – just found out the phones work here right alongside the Sea Rescue place (obvious I guess). Really loving the car and trailer…
I get your comments on the build up – no desire to experience that again! Great photos – brings back memories.
Cheers Nicko – Good to see you on the road at last.