MONDAY 30th AUGUST 2010
Litchfield National Park.................
All this land as We said before is owned by the Aboriginal tribes, Lictchfield nat. Pk. is a joint venture between the Aboriginals and the Government of of the Northern Territories.and It is much smaller than Kakadu and much more accessable for one day tours from the city of Darwin. so they have approx 300,000 visitors a year, most of these during the dry season. ( april / Oct.)
We had an early breckfast and off again in the blinking 4X4. This time we went to the " Florance Falls," which were magnificant. From there we travelled to Wangi Falls, once the 4X4 stopped , we all got into our togs and went swimming in really nice clear cool fresh water. The last swim we had was back in " Lizzard Island " and seems like an eternity ago. The bouyancy difference between fresh water and sea water was very noticable,, Skipper could hardly stay on the surface.
Later we stopped at a roadside cafe for lunch, It had some buffalow in an adjoining field, so we all scampered off to feed the beasts with part of our lunches, The animals were delighted with the additional vitimans they were recieving from these strange humans.
We stopped at some war memorial grave for the fallen soldiers during World War 2,, We did not realise how many bombs were dropped by the Japs on the Darwin area. but they certainly caused a lot of damage to Darwin. including demolishing most of the " Government House " that beautifull building we visited recently.
17.30hrs We arrived back to the marina, of course all those on the 4X4 had to get out and examine this world touring yacht from Ireland , After a short period, we said our goodbye's and off they went , all waving out the windows as they fled into the sunset.
18.30hrs Neil, Skipper, and Aileen walked the short distance to the Yacht Club for prize giving ceramony, the prizes for the leg from Thursday Island to Darwin were being handed out tonight. "Lady Lisa " came first in our class and we came 3rd. We were given excellent finger food , courtasy of the World ARC and in general had a great night.
We had a few visitors back to the boat for a few night caps before long. These included Srecko and his wife from " Ciao " ( Slovinia ) Dave and Sue from " Voyageur " and many more, Srecko is leaving the trip and returning home,, they , just the 2 of them on their boat won the "Pearl Regatta " in Tahiti. and generally are very competive on their boat.
We ahd a good night d eventually hit the scratchers around midnight.
ZZZZZZZZZZZZ zzzzzzzzzzzzzz ZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
Thats it for now,
Signed :- Stephen Hyde ( Skipper )