Day 26 - The song of cicadas

Baruwei

 Today we packed up from a very humid Kakadu and started to head south to Katherine Gorge. The weather in Kakadu was actually quite oppressive and we worked up a real sweat packing up. Given that they haven't had much of a wet season and it is now May - this was somewhat of a surprise. Would hate to think what it is like in summer. We have noticed the humidity in the north after leaving the desert previously but it was really a bit like Bundaberg on a fairly warm summer day. This was really the first time it approached unbearable.

Edith Falls and waterhole

Edith Falls

On the way to Katherine Gorge we called in to Edith Falls which is part of Katherine (Nitmiluk) National Park The name Nitmiluk comes from the aboriginal dreamtime story of the gorge and is the sound of the cicadas.. The park only opened a couple of days ago and the swimming area is open during the day. It is closed from 7pm to 7am because the freshwater crocodiles in the waterhole feed at night. Obviously freshwater crocs are more educated than their estuarine cousins since they can read and know not to attack swimmers outside of the 12 hour period.
Passing through the town of Katherine on the way to the Gorge, we noticed a sign at the local sportsgound advertising a Bundaberg flood relief event. It is nice to see our Territorian cousins have not forgotten us.
 

Katherine Gorge from Baruwei lookout

Baruwei lookout overlooking Katherine Gorge

 Did a quick walk at Katherine Gorge up to Baruwei lookout overlooking the Gorge - a very spectacular view and tomorrow morning we are splashing out on a boat trip up the gorge to get a better look.
Then had a cool off in the swimming pool - the best way to enjoy the water at this time of the year. After the boat trip tomorrow we head to Daly Waters to catch up with the Haines crew again at the campdraft. We heard the Daly Waters Campdraft advertised on Darwin radio last weekend so it promises to be a huge event.
Take care
Love to all S and E xxx