Bridge Creek

Bridge Creek
We stayed at this camp for 2 nights on the way up to Darwin and 3 nights on the way back down. A very comfortable stop with toilets and water as well as tables set around the camp, we experienced an occasion which could have been scary if it had not been a very intersting time.
The authorities were back burning on the other side of the road, around the back of us had already been done previously.
While we watched over the first two days the fire darted and flowed back and forth along the roadside and back to the next hills with what we believed was a dam in between. Sometimes there was smoke and other times very high flames which lapped at the edge of the highway. Some of the campers wandered over to get a closer look at the fires. As they moved on the fire would be lapping at their heels and just as suddenly die down in that spot and reappear in another spot.
What I found really amazing was the amount of eagles and hawks flying around directly above where ever the fire was burning. As they divebombed to catch the escaping wildlife it was easy to see what they were after, reptiles, mice, snakes and other small animals who had been unable to escape the fires. The birds would sweep down and come back up with a meal in their beaks or claws. Sometimes they would drop their catch on the road, not sure if by accident or if because it was too hot to hold. This gave a chance for some of the others to nab the catch or a fight between 3 or 4 birds would ensue, all vying for the same meal.
We were able to have happy hour with other nomads travelling as we were and have some great chats. Also an interesting fact was the amount of times we would meet up with the same ones we had seen time and time again back further in our travels.
One was Mavis, a lovely lady close to her 80s who was travelling on her own in a small high top van. We first met her at Jericho when Jules invited her over to our camp at Happy Hour. After that we then saw her at Longreach and other places. When ever we saw a van after that we wondered if it was Mavis but sadly she must have out run us and moved on.
On the way back from Darwin we stopped in a little park area where there was a lovely babbling brook, as I thought of it, just gorgeous with water so clear running over stones, so rare to see.
Had a break there and took some photos which will be in with this blog.
Back at Bridge Creek we spent 3 nights, just Steve and I for a start as we were waiting for Colleen to catch up. She had been staying with daughter and family in Darwin for about a week, needed to say goodbye and get back on the road. Jules and Billeee had by then met up with an old friend of Jules who had invited them to stay a few days so we said goodbye in Darwin to them and hope to meet up with them somewhere on this next stretch when they catch up.
Colleen arrived st Bridge Creek on our 2nd day there and needing the rest we gave her another day before heading south again.
By this time the fires across the road had died down to just a bit of smoke, so we had to make our own entertainment  which we managed as new people came into camp which necessitated another chat with someone new.
Monday morning we were back on the road heading south to Katherine to refuel, restock and head west.

 

Eagle

Eagle

Dragonfly

 

Pink Panther Pub.

Pink Panther Pub.
This is different, having everything painted pink and also a free zoo. A bit under cared for and in need of some TLC this place could be a real visiting point. There is a caravan park there also and some unusual items to photograph. Worth a quick visit.

Edith Falls, Nitmiluk, Katherine Gorge

Edith Falls, Nitmiluk, Katherine Gorge.
A worthwhile overnight stay, $9.00 a night pensioners, $10 normally. We were given allocated parking spaces in designated spots with bollards and rocks surrounding our park.
Showers and toilets within walking distance and a kitchen with drinking water on tap there and throughout the park.
A short walk down to the waterfall and popular swimming hole. The falls were relatively small because of the dry season, but still very picturesque.
The drive in from the main road is approx 20ks winding road of good quality and sealed.
This spot is worth at least 2 or 3 nights stay. Very relaxing bush setting, very quiet. I stood on the waters edge with my feet in the water feeling the cool and watching the waterfall on the other side. Some were swimming out in the deep and having all the dry skin nibbled off their feet by the little fish.
Took photos of the surroundings, very tropical. There are wardens who will be put on duty if any crocs are spotted. Luckily none were while we were there.

Newcastle Creek Under the bridge

Newcastle Creek Underbridge
This would have to be one of the best finds of our trip for not being mentioned in any camp books or maps.
As the Newcastle Waters camps was full to overflowing we carried on and came across this place by accident. It turned out to be the old road down low below the actual new road and bridge. A reasonable drive in on old seal and we came to the waterhole under the new bridge. The seal by this time was a bit broken up in places and there was no way out to the road without turning back.
What a beautiful spot with birds galore, frogs and dragonflies by the hundreds. There was a bit of road Jules and I walked a bit further on till we came to water over the road making it impassable. We did find a dead pelican there, poor thing, and wondered how it came to an untimely demise.
A couple of frogs kept us company overnight with their song, trucks passing on the overhead bridge kept us entertained and dragonflies made their homed on our aerials for laying eggs.
The water which was really only a billabong as so dry around here, had a perfect mirror image for photographs as you will see in the photos.
There was also a tree there we have seen nowhere else in our travels. This very dark green leafed tree seemed to have been planted in plantations at one time, there being rows and rows of them down near the other waterhole.
After a beautiful night's sleep in the tranquillity of this spot, we were all able to turn around and go back the way we had come and continue our journey north to the next overnight camp.

Daly Waters Pub

Daly Waters Pub.
What a place, how do I describe it? More like a casual beach resort without the beach. Only a few ks off the main road and only $8.00 a night single unpowered ($14.00 powered) This is really worth a visit.
This old pub has everything. From hanging paraphernalia such as bras, knickers, hats, singlets, t-shirts, money, old tools, thong trees, every space is covered with collections people have donated.
For the camping area there are great ensuites, each one containing a toilet and shower, plenty of drinking water to fill up tanks and bottles. Concert at nights with what can only be described as an old singing cowboy.
A parking meter outside that could only be to tie your camel too. The only set of traffic lights in the outback that stay on red permanently. So many interesting items, you will see them all in the photos including some I haven't mentioned.
Across the road is an old wooden shop with some very unusual items including a helicopter on it's roof. A Macca's sign and many more. A book exchange of which I was able to dispose of a bundle of books and take only two in return.
Before we turned off into Daly Waters, we stopped at Hi-Way Inn for a toilet break, only to discover on the menu Lambs Fry and Bacon. The all time favourite of myself and Steve. The others waited patiently while we enjoyed this magnificent meal. Compliments to the chef.

Lambsfry and bacon