Katherine
Trip Start
Dec 23, 2007
1
24
47
Trip End
May 30, 2008
Katherine,
Australia
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Katherine is where the red of the outback meets the green of the Top End. It was only a one night stop over for me and as I arrived late afternoon, I relaxed at the motel, dined in the restaurant and left the exploring until the following day. Had a visit from a praying mantis in the motel room. I took this picture while he was on the mirror in the bathroom. I thought it was cool!
On my way to Darwin I stopped off at Edith Falls. It is located on the western boundary of the Nitmiluk National Park. The falls cascade over ancient rock formations, creating a series of waterfalls. Last time I was in the Territory I visited Edith Falls and it was just as I remembered. I recalled swimming in the pool last time. Perhaps I was more game, maybe stupid, but the sign clearly says that although you can swim in the pool, fresh water crocs populate the area and it is assumed that occasionally salt water crocs could have moved in unnoticed. There were people swimming happily but I decided to give it a miss this time!
Instead, I headed off toward Darwin. The speed limit in the Territory is 130 kilometres per hour. It seems like you are flying compared to Victoria's 100 kilometres per hour limit! I safely settled on about 120 km/ph. I was in no rush, plus stray stock including cattle and wild horses were on the side of the road and I narrowly missed a kangaroo as well. Better to be safe than sorry. When I arrived in Darwin it was a hot 33 degrees with high humidity and overcast skies; a typical afternoon in the Top End.
