The pontoon where most of the fleet are berthed has been quiet over the weekend, as many World Arc crews have taken the opportunity to head out into the Australian Outback and explore. Charles and Marie from Dreamcatcher, along with Pete and Jane from Trompeta, headed inland via Alice Springs to one of the countries most famous landmarks, Ayers Rock, meeting up with Mike, Karsen and Terry from Wind Dancer there.
Several others rented cars or camper vans, and made their way north offroad into the huge Kakadu National Park, which is mostly protected Aboriginal land. Jonathan and Heather from Matilda, David and Caroline from Peat Smoke, as well as the younger crews from Beatoo and At Last all ventured off, returning today with some fantastic stories of wallabies, rainforest camping and stunning sunsets.
Crews were invited to the Indonesian Consulate here in Darwin tonight, for a ‘Balinese Preview’. The president of the local Indonesian community talked to the fleet about Balinese culture and its history, whilst the youngest members of the World ARC fleet, Audrey and Katherin from Brizo, presented the Consul with a framed World ARC poster, signed by all the Skippers.
Back at the marina, hosts Tipperary Marina put on a tasty barbecue for everyone to thank World ARC for their visit. Crews relaxed and chatted away in the calm and warm evening as the night drew to a close.
Tomorrow morning, the World ARC team have organised for Australian Customs and Immigration to come to the marina to clear out all the crews and boats, who are setting off for Bali on Wednesday morning. The re-start is scheduled for midday local time. |