The difference in the time zone change from WA to NT was abundantly obvious this morning. At 6.00 am yesterday at Lake Argyle, there was full day-light and people were up and about cooking breakfast, using the laundry, packing up their caravans to move on to their next destination, and so on. Today at Timber Creek, it was still quite dark at 7.30 am and there was barely any activity in the caravan park at all.
So were up a bit later than previously but still managed to shower, breakfast and pack up the fiver and get on the road at a reasonable hour.
Weather wise today was stinking hot and driving was not enjoyable at all! We even drove some of he way with the air-con turned on – something we generally try to avoid.
Driving wise, we had been warned about mad NT drivers and today we saw them all – overtaking on blind corners and crests of hills, going over double lines, etc. The road rules simply don’t seem to apply here at all. Talking of road kill, unlike the previous week or so, there was a lot more road kill on the road; mainly small kangaroos or perhaps wallabies. Fortunately no stinking dead cattle!
We have still not become blasé about the amazing scenery that we pass through every day – it really is amazing and I can assure everyone that our photos simply do not do Mother Nature justice.
More Amazing Scenery
More Amazing Scenery
First stop for diesel and coffee was at the Victoria River Roadhouse. The cost of diesel was 12 cents per litre cheaper than at Timber Creek, and the caravan park behind the roadhouse looked pretty good too. We would probably stay here next time rather than at Timber Creek.
Victoria River Roadhouse
I Seem to do this Much Too Often
Scenery from Victoria River Roadhouse
Lunch was at the Vince Connoly Crossing Rest Area, which was rapidly filling up with free-campers. This was about 1.00 pm. We almost (repeat almost) felt guilty about taking up a spot while having lunch and preventing someone else getting in and setting up for the night. It did look quite a good free camping spot and was obviously popular!
After lunch it was only about another hour before we reached Katherine, and it has changed quite a lot since we were last here over 15 years ago. At our friend Faye’s recommendation we had phoned ahead and booked a spot at the Shady Lane Tourist Park, and were very glad that we had booked as other vans were being turned away!
This is a very lush, tropical caravan park and we have a great drive through powered site close to the amenities block and the swimming pool.
Welcome to Katherine
Main Street of Katherine
Welcome to Shady Lane Tourist Park
After unhitching and setting up the awning, and turning on the air-con, we drove into town for a look around. We visited The Coffee Club and treated ourselves to some freshly brewed coffees and fattening treats. It was very cool inside so afternoon tea took quite a while! We then headed off to explore the town.
After returning to the fiver we made sure that all the windows were open to take advantage of the cool breeze that had sprung up. We then went for a wander around the park before I cooked tea, outside on the fiver’s slide out BBQ, which was accompanied by salad and a crisp white wine and eaten outside.
BBQing at Shady Lane Tourist Park
The mozzies eventually came out to join us so we retired inside to catch up on emails and this blog, and watch a bit of TV.
We’re heading South tomorrow – we’re not visiting Darwin on this trip – and we’re not sure if we will have phone or internet access.
Shorty's RV Adventures 