Hoards of Mozzies, Greeks and Crocodiles

Well that's two weeks in Humpty Doo and we are starting to get itchy feet again – just as well we are off to Bali for a few weeks on Friday – as I've probably said before “It's a hard life!”

We had a trip to Howard Springs which is half way between Humpty Doo and Darwin. Originally a recreation spot for WW2 troops to swim and cool off it is now a leisure complex for Darwinians to relax and have a BBQ although the water is not safe for swimming. On both of our visits there were very few visitors and I think I know why – the place is infested by mozzies the size of crows!! We did two walks, the first to the source of the springs with water flowing up through the ground and the second, longer walk following a creek for about 1.8k. It terms of mozzie swatting it could be described as a “target rich environment” - often being able to swat 3 or 4 with a single swipe. Apart from that one drawback it was a very attractive place.

Keeping a weather eye out for mozzies at the source of the springs

The main pool at Howard Springs - but no swimming

Darwin has a very large Greek population and last weekend the Esplanade saw the celebration of all things Greek – particularly food, music and dancing then even more food. This was the famous Glenti which featured some of the largest BBQ's we had ever seen. Sandra, Johann and I spent an hour or so watching, listening and eating - with octopus featuring high on the menu.

Traditional Greek dancing at the Glenti

Talking of menus (sick link I'm afraid) the recent talk of the town in this part of the Northern Territory has been the latest croc attack. A man, his wife, son and daughter-in-law were in a boat on a billabong in Kakadu National Park when a large saltwater croc took him from the boat. The two women drove for a couple of hours over rough ground to get help (presumably leaving the son behind to keep watch) but it was too late. Armed Park Rangers eventually arrived on the scene and shot a couple of 15+ foot crocs and found some of the man's remains inside them. Crocs are a protected species and their numbers have risen from a critical 3000 some years ago to an estimated 100,000-200,000. Visitors beware – keep away from water if you want to avoid a “death roll!”

Croc attack - headlines in local paper

 

Sandra and I have been entertaining ourselves by tearing round Gill's 5 acre block on Lawrie's quad bike – all good fun.

Sandra Quadbiking

Sandra Quadbiking - me Terrified, with much justification!

Calming down in spa after quadbiking

Sandra, Stretch and Johann are taking a day trip to the Tiwi Islands tomorrow whilst I attend to getting the car to the garage for repair. The it's off to Bali for where the next blog will be posted provided I can get internet access.