Continuing from last week I'm just saying - Don't mention the Eels game.  Wow what a total fizzer - we would have enjoyed a local game more.  I could vent more but loyalty won't let me :)

After settling into our site at the Freespirit "Resort" - we did the logical thing and asked them for work.  Sadly for me nothing as yet, but Rob has scored a job here.  2 Evenings and 3 Days per week - and free rent so that's a bonus.  It's a bit lonely for me lying by the pool whilst he's working but everyone tells me I'll get used to it lol.

After familarising ourselves with Darwin we have started a to-do list of things and places to see before we leave in October.  First thing on the list was Dunedee Beach which is located West of Darwin.  You have to go South to go West due to the Harbour, however it's only about 120km and we decided to do a Rec trip out there last friday.  We had been told that Crab Claw Island Resort was better than Dunedoo Beach C/Van Park as there are less midgee's, so we thought we'd explore both.
Crab Claw Island Resort is a little bit of false adversiting as it's not actually on the island - just looks out at it, however after a short 15km private dirt road we came across as little bit of paradise.   There is a small caravan park, numerous cabins on stilts and a restaurant/bar. 

Crab Claw Island Resort - Restuarant/Bar

Anyone for Beach volleyball

Beautiful outlook from the cabins

Did I mention the beach, complete with volleyball setup?  And they say the crocs will act as ball boys for you....  Well anyway the fishing here is meant to really great and we are looking forward to a weekend out here with Lou & Bruce when they arrive (Hey Guys don't forget the fishing rods).

With still plenty of the day left we then headed further west to Dunedee Beach.  Going on the signs along the road, which is bitumen all the way, it may not be fully accessible at High tide as there are lots of low lying areas - however we were there at Low tide so all good.  And wow what a beautiful spot. There are lots of homes and fishing shacks out here but most appear as though they are used as weekenders for Darwin residents.  As we were out there on a Friday we had the beach to ourselves.  Made up of rocky outcrops and beautiful coloured sands along with turquise water we could have stayed forever however yet again spoiled by the thought of those nasty crocs. 

Dunedee Beach looking South

Picture perfect

We enjoyed a walk in utter peace

From Dunedee beach itself we then went to check out Dundee Lodge and C/van park. 
Great spot and they NT Govt has just spent a fortune on upgrading the Boat ramp.  We had lunch out here and I'd have to say for a little place out of the way - our Burgers were amazing. 

Dunedee Beach War Memorial

Rob contemplating the serenity

The view from Dunedee Lodge

You know I cannot get enough of trees right?

Sorry couldn't get enough!

And these little guys were our only company

All in all - a great day out and although it's ticked off our bucket list - we have to go back!

Saturday saw us explore the Parap Village Markets.  Oh the food - so with so many different nationalities represented here it was hard to choose what to eat.  So we've added this to our weekly to do list and we will just try them all  !!
Mindil Beach Markets are the big name up here, however unless they've changed I think Parap Village Markets are much nicer and better HOWEVER we will sacrifice ourselves and revisit Mindil Beach and keep you posted. 

Rob and I scored a day off together where we decided that we didn't need to make a trip to Katherine for supplies so we would go and see some more sights.   Gunlom was now open and it was time to get out there.  Wow was it worth the trip.  We headed off about 8.30 in the morning and whilst the gravel road was a bit corrogated and rough - not too bad.  Along the way we saw a dingo at the side of the road - not scared of us at all and pretty mangy at that. 

Dingo near Gumlom

Gunlom Creek

Gunlom is a series of water holes on the top of a "hill" which lead to a waterfall and then large pool at the bottom.  This then feeds into a watercourse but it drying up quickly as the dry sets in.  So walking boots on (check), backpack with water, energy bars & bandaids (check), hats & sunglasses (check), camera (check) and off we head. The walk is about 1/2 hour each way depending on how young and energetic you are.  The views are just amazing and a good excuse to have a short break.

Looking over the edge

Series of pools at the top of Gunlom

Pathway to the top

Looking back at the carpark

Once you reach the top you just have to have a swim! (Yes Jenni we were thinking of you) The water is amazingly clear and cool and no Crocodiles in sight. 

Rob enjoying a swim

Bottom pool at Gumlom

Next stop was Cooinda for some lunch (ah yes something I didn't have to cook) and then we meandered home stopping to check some of the creeks, water holes and also a detor along the Old Jim Jim Road - which was still closed but apparently we missed the sign.  It was amazing to see how close to the road the water still was in places and it gave us an idea on how flooded the area must get in the wet as we were quite a distance from the East Alligator River itself. 

The busy season was sneaking up on us and I really didnt want to be the cook when it arrived, so after discussion with Tony & Christie they employed a Chef (yes I was replaced by a Chef) and her husband.   Rob & I finished up last Monday.  Unemployed again :(  

Funny story - Amanda Winter and Arnold who replaced us come from Tottenham/Parkes area and Amanda worked at the Narromine Hotel (about 10 years after I did).  Small world isn't it. 

Tony & Christie were kind enough to allow us to stay on a few days so we could get around the area a little bit more without having to work.   This allowed us a day trip to have a look at Burrundie, Mount Wells and Grove Hill pub.  The road looped around through these 3 sites and it was a really interesting look into yesteryear in the Top End.   The Grove Hill pub was pretty average and if your up this way - call in for a drink but do yourself a favour and don't eat there!

Dry creek bed

Burrundie/Woolwonga Massacre plaque

Some of the roadways a bit dodgy

Mt Wells Mine site

Mt Wells Mine site

Mt Wells mine site

Our next outing was to a place called Ferny Gully.  Not on the tourist trail and we were wondering if Joe (ranger) had set us up again but it turned out to be a beautiful spot and if we had our tent with us we would have stayed the night.  We were the only ones there and it was just such a pretty spot.  The photo's unfortunately don't show them but there were butterflies everywhere in their thousands.

Ferny Gully

Ferny Gully - the water was so clear

Spring fed it was a little cold

The butterflies were stunning and in their 1,000's

We had to do a walk to take in the view

Camping ground was great

a little bit of colour!

Wednesday night saw Greg &  Carol Sawtell from Kingscliff arrive and we enjoyed a lovely evening with them over the campfire before packing up on Thursday morning and heading for Darwin.
And here we are - back in civilisation enjoying internet and radio etc;  Wow you don't realise how much you miss it...
More next week !  Oh I forogt - go the EELS in tonights game which we are headed off to now.