SATURDAY 23 JULY 11 KATHERINE N.T.

Hi to all, we are now at Katherine where the daily temp is 30-32deg (so hard to take!1) We are staying at Springvale Homestead, a nice park but with very basic amenities, it is next to the Katherine River. This is what we have been doing these last couple of days. TUESDAY..... We headed off from Mataranka with a short drive to Katherine just over 100km. We arrived and set up then headed off into the Katherine Info Centre which we must say is one of the best we have been to, so much information, not just on Katherine but all areas we will be visiting in the next couple of months, plus the staff were very helpfull & friendly. We then did some shopping & returned back to site. Rans, Caz & Di went to the Hot Springs, a great disappointment, it was dirty, not even warm and a big let down from Mataranka Springs, the girls didn't even go in, we returned to our park and went for a swim in the spring fed pool. WEDNESDAY.... Rans got up early & went for a walk along riverbank, it's a bit eerie keeping a watchful eye out for crocs. They have caught some saltwater ones recently and they advise you to don't go swimming other than the Hot Springs....therefore no river swimming ( we have seen a lot of "locals" in the rapids ) John, Sandy Di & Caz went to the Cutta Cutta Caves, which they really enjoyed, whilst Rans & Tezza went looking for a fishing spot.

 They found one up river near a place called Low Level Crossing. They threw a line in each and got one good bite and a couple of nibbles but whilst there, they saw a croc (freshwater they think) about 5' in length sunbaking on a log, then slipping into the water, it makes you stay on your toes getting ready to run (imagine Tezza running!!!). Later in the arvo Rans Caz & Di went to  Jurassic Cycad Gardens, which was good to see with different plants, palms, flowers, boab trees, cactus, succulents.

It was well set out but it does need a bit more up keep and watering which I suppose is hard out here. We then went to a Sausage Sizzle fundraiser in the c/van pk, for the Royal Flying Doc service, they played songs , music & poems with some raffles, its good to help this service & hopefully we won't require them ever on this trip. THURSDAY..... Up early, Di not feeling to good coming down with that man flu thing!!! so the Bewells & Ransleys head out to Katherine Gorge Nitmiluk National Park. We arrived there and went on a walk up to the lookout looking over the 1st gorge, a great view, we then continued on the walk which took approx 1hr 30min. When we got back to the carpark Di & Terry had just arrived. We had some morn tea then went on a small walk along the rivers edge, we then had some lunch in the park but we had to be carefull as nearly every tree had hundreds if not thousands of bats in them, so you had to make sure you didn't get pooed on,

we then went on a 3 gorge cruise which takes approx 4hrs, you cruise the first gorge then walk to the next one past beautiful rock pools, billabongs, ponds & then get on the next boat and so forth to the next gorge, we got to see our first freshwater crocs here, they were not real big but was still happy to see them from a boat ! They hide so well in their natural surroundings, you can be looking straight at them & not realize they are there.Once you are in the 3rd gorge you alight at the end and climb up to the Lillyponds, which is a big pond with a waterfall, the boys went in for a swim ( no cocs in it !!) they said it was not too cold, it was fantastic, Di & Terry stayed at the boat, the walk would be too hard for Terry to do.

 The gorges are wonderful, so pretty it is just AMAZING, the 2nd gorge is the one they use in all the promotions etc and its no wonder why, it was just spectacular to see, also one of the rock face walls was used in the movie Jeda. We aslo got to see ancient aboriginal artwork on the rock walls. The crusie was even more enjoyable as the 2 guides/drivers of the boat Rocky & Chris ( both aborigines) were fantastic, they were knowledgable, as well as very funny, both really lovely boys, one of them reminded us of our brother in law Ken. A trip that is worth every cent & more.

FRIDAY..... Up earlish and the Bewells & Ransleys drove out to Edith Falls, Di still not well & Terrys back is also playing up. On arrival we went for a walk around the park the first section goes for 1.2km but is straight up but when you finish you come to upper pond, a beautiful waterfall pond with a small beach and 2 smaller ponds, Rans & John went for a swim which was really nice.

 We then continued on the trek to a great viewing lookout, looking back at the upper & middle waterfalls, we then returned to the picnic area had some lunch, then Rans & John again went for a swim in the Plunge Pond of Edith Falls, a huge area with a waterall, John swam all the way over to the falls and back, whilst Rans lazed close around the shoreline.

 We then drove back into town where Rans had to get a part for his fridge/freezer which was playing up. We then returned to out site, Tezza decided to go for a fish just down by the river which runs beside the park, whilst Rans & Tezza where there, they saw a 7-8' fresh croc across the river sunbaking as well as a couple more swimming through the water. Terry had not even seen them until Rans pointed them out.  We then went back for tea with us having Pizzas for tea, something diff & G.Free. We watched a bit of the footy, a beautiful warm night again, (sorry to you's all in NSW with all your wet, cold weather!!) SATURDAY..... A easy day today as we head off again tomorrow into Litchfield Nat Park. Washing & shopping needed to be done,so we headed into town, & we went to the smallest markets that we have ever been to it was over in about 10min....maybe a good thing for Rans's  & John's wallets. We got to have a nice lazy arvo, catching up on some reading, swimming at the park pool & finishing this BLOG !! So will close here again, hope the rain has stopped, and you are all well, take care, miss you all, with love Carol & Stephen XXXXX

MONDAY 18 JULY 11 MATARANKA 31deg...

Hi to all we are currently at Mataranka, staying at the Territory Manor C/Van Park. A lovely shady & clean spot for all our vans. Enjoying the warmer (around 30 degrees)  weather immensley. This is what we have been up to since our last blog. FRIDAY 15/7.......We left Tennant Creek early (7.45am) a bit cool, we intended to do only a small drive today but the place, Rennar Springs, where we were going to stop was too small for our 3 vans so we continued on to Daly Waters, stopping at the Pub C/Van Park.

It was a trip of 400km but not too tiring, we got there early enough though to get a good position as it is packed by 4pm. We had a couple of drinks prior to going to the pub for dinner. The pub itself is great with heaps of memrobillia & people leave things hanging up around the rafters and poles, things such as undies, bras, g strings, badges, hats, footy jumpers, thongs and old wares as well. We had beef and barra meal with salad for tea at the Pub which tasted really good ( & we didn't have to do any washing up!!) There was also entertainment with a bloke singing a number of 50/60's songs. We all left about 7.30pm but Carol & Rans went back and they had a country comedian on (named Chilli) who was really funny, sang some songs & resited some ozzie poems etc. It was a great nite. SATURDAY..... Up and headed off to Mataranka, only about an hours drive, where we set up at Park, we then drove down to the Bitter Springs, a great thermal pool which flows downstream allowing you to float, it was sooo good. The water was lovely & warm, flowing amoungst palm trees & parts of the springs were covered with reeds & beautiful flowering waterlillies, with dragonflies and birdlife flying around. You floated down a few hundred meters then get out, walk back and do it again.  We then drove over to the Mataranka Homestead where the thermal pools there are OK but a bit commericalized, they are cement rendered, so it was more like sitting in a pool & it was very busy there. We then came back for arvo nibbles & drinks as it was Tezzas 69th b'day. A nice tea & Apple Pie.

 SUNDAY.... Rans went for an early morning dip in springs, then we had a big breakie for tezza.We then had our Queensland friends call in on us & after a chat with them we went back down to  Bitter springs, this time we took snorkel & goggles !! so Caz got to use goggles, oh what a laugh, as you know shes not real good putting her head under water but after a few attempts she mastered it, was great to see the fish, underwater plants etc, we then went to  nearby Homestead and did a  3km return walk to Stevies Hole ( thats its real name !) where there are small rapids to swim through into a big billabong area, it was great especially when Di & Caz had a go. Carol was not really keen on doing it but somehow got talked into it !! As you enter off the bank the flow immediately drags you along ( no time for 2nd thoughts !) then your bum his a rock & it sort of lifts your head well above water level ( this is good ) but then next second you are pulled down under the water (not so good !!) thats when my first bit gulp of water went down my throat !! then before you know it your head is above water again ( thank god) but it happens again...under I went again & another mouthful of water ( by now my lungs are 2/3rds full) ...up I came again & I could hear Stephen, John & Di all yelling something at me but before I could register it ...yep ! under I went again !!! ..so now that my lungs were completely full I came up again to finally hear what they were saying...SHUT YOUR MOUTH !! I thought they were going to be the last words I ever heard !! next thing they reached out & grabbed me before I went floating into the billabong, so after a lot of spluttering & gasping for air and nearly drinking  all of the Roper River, they convinced me to do it again to take a photo of me !! (this time with mouth shut !) but we all know Carol thats a bit hard !!........

We didn't see any crocs but they say there are freshwater ones there but they don't attack you !!....OH YEAH... We then went and looked at the replica home of "we of the never never" story. When we got back the girls were speaking to a lady from East Gosford of all places who said she saw a croc just down from where we were swimming.....Oh Great.!!!   MONDAY..... Up at daybreak for a beautiful sunrise and swim at the Springs, Caz has now mastered the snorkel ( looks sooo professional ) & has the best time watching  the hundreds of fishes swimming around her & saw 2 tortoises as well. It was so serene, just like looking into a fish tank....we then go back for breakie then went out to '12 mileyard' campground and catch up with Geoff & Anna ( the Queenslanders) who along with Caz, John & Rans decide to go on a 8.2km ret trip to Mataranka Falls. The Roper river was great to see and the falls were OK but the walk was hard, especially through sand and it became very hot, it took 2hr ret trip & we were all stuffed by then end of it. meanwhile Di & Tezza went fishing for barra ( for tea ) but only lost the lures snagging them on rocks/logs!! (we got out the chops just in case !!).

Sandy didn't come as she now has Johns man flu. We then return to park where Rans & John head straight for the pool for a swim and cool down. The rest of today is spent resting, packing up, computer/photo stuff. we got to speak to both of our boys who sound great, which made us feel good. We are heading off to Katherine tomorrow so speak to you all soon, luv rans & mrs ransxxxxxxxx

THURSDAY 14 JULY 11 TENNANT CREEK

We have arrived in Tennant Creek and set up camp at the Outback Caravan Park for 2 nights. John has come down with man flu... so he needs to rest up a bit. We left Alice MONDAY morning, we all enjoyed Alice Springs immensley and would have no hesitation of returning. It was only a short drive today, approx 120km stopping at Taylors Creek Rest area, we were set up before lunch, which was a good thing, as a number of vans, campers etc came in to set up in the afternoon. We had a spill of Diesel, when filling up, with it pouring over our adaptly named Johnnie Diesel !!! who thought the rescue of cold, freezing water over his body was much worse than the diesel!! We think this may have been the cause of the man flu???

TUESDAY.... Up early to witness a fantastic sunrise!!!! then headed off,  stopping at Wycliffe Well, (the UFO capital of Australia !!) it has a nice Big 4 van park & a roadhouse plus a bit of Alien memorbillia & that's all.( still they get people to stop and look!! ) Continued onto Devils Marbles, arriving at 10.30am. We set up and then went for a walk through and over the marbles, it was great to  feel like a big kid again playing around the rocks, just a bit slower and scarier now. Saw a dingo walking through the camp area. Went back to site and a number of vans have arrived at site, by the end of the day, over 50 vans etc came into camp area with approx another 20 turning around and leaving cause there was no room, it was packed.

Once again we took heaps of photos !! in the  daylight, sunset & sunrise. It became very windy during  the nite.

WEDNESDAY.... Another short drive with John not feeling to well and Sandra driving (well done Sandy), we got to Tennant Creek, set up, had some lunch. Carol was able to talk to Adam after his operation to have 2 screws removed from his leg, he is doing OK. We all then went for a drive out to theThe Pebbles, which are groups of much smaller rocks than the Devils Marbles, had a walk around the pebbles, than drove to the Old Telegraph Station which was very interesting, than onto Lake Mary Ann, where there is a beautiful picnic area set up beside a lake with heaps of water in it. Rans spoke to David Peachey who was out there with a group of aboriginal kids kayaking on the lake. Then back to site, it was about 25 degrees, so we had a BBQ tea sitting  outside for a great nite with us in t shirts & shorts ( while everyone back home was freezing !!) But I bragged too soon, the wind picked up during the night and woke up

THURSDAY....to a bit of rain, wind  & a lot lot cooler morning ( I got punished for rubbing it into everone I spoke to the night before !) but it will be a good opportunity today to catch up on blogging, photos, computer stuff etc. So once again hi to all, there is a rumour going around Northern Territory that Cathy Murphy is on Facebook !! can it really be true ???? We are heading towards Katherine (where the temp is about 32 degrees !) so will have ph service again there in about a week, so all take care lots of hugs & kisses to all, stay safe, miss you all, love Carol & Rans oxoxoxoxoxoxo

SUNDAY 10TH July 11 Alice Springs

We are still at Alice Springs. There has been so much to do here, we just love the place. WEDNESDAY.... we went out to East MacDonnell ranges and did a nice trek thru Trephina Gorge, it again was so picturesque We walked around the rim and then down to cross the creek, so off with the shoes...a bit cold but nice. There were a couple of other nice scenic sights along the way, we had lunch out there then made our way back to town.

THURSDAY... we met up with our new friends we met at Curtin Springs (the bloody queensland ones !!) and had a golf day with them. The course was a lot better than Coober Pedy, Rans even got a par on the 5th!! It was a lot of fun then we all went back to a great pub called Bojangles at Alice for lunch. There is so much memoribllia you can spend over an hr just looking around, also people can see you on line which Adam & Justine did. A great day had by all.

FRIDAY.... we headed to The Alice Springs Show, well its a very smaller version of the Royal Easter Show but a lot bigger than Gilgandra Show !! The girls went for a ferriswheel ride, then somehow Di talked Carol into going on a cha cha ride......I dont usually go on rides so I was a bit scared so I just  screamed the whole time !!! all Di could do was laugh.... we watched the Grand Parade ( not so grand!!) and also went thru the pavillions, and saw some of the ugliest chooks I have ever seen !! we all actually had a great day. Its Territory Day today so Fireworks can be bought today (I think it must be the last place in Oz were people can buy them) & since we got home at 4pm fireworks have been going off, its now 9pm and they have not let up......so I think we are in for a noisy night....they must of sold so many ..... but we have had a good view of them & it didn't cost us a cent !! They went till about 2am with some loud bangs which made us jump.There were 55 fires around town but no report of injuries.
SATURDAY....We did a few things around the van today, cleaned car, started to pack up, the people that moved in behind us orginally came from Umina, living next door to Dave Brown, also a policeman rans knows & a family Caz knows, small world. SUNDAY.... Packed up and thankfully the people across from Rans pulled out first, as it would have been a very tight & hard squeeze to get out !!! We drove out to the West MacDonnell Ranges, only an hr drive ,and stopped up on a ridge and set up camp. A good spot, no toilets, but wonderful views, gathered some firewood to have a fire. We needed to use Rans's bow saw, OH BOY it cuts everything else except the wood!!! Beside the campfire that night we all layed back in our recliner chairs & watched the many many stars & sputniks, saw heaps. MONDAY... Good sleep,  Tez & Di went for a drive to see some of the sights we saw the other day,eg Glen Helen etc whilst we had a lazy day at the site, we needed to clean the dust of the solars on the roof of the van so I pulled the poptop down, not realising rans had his hand on the outside rim....ouch !! squashed his little finger !!! poor thing ..think I broke it !!! He has a very black & blue & very sore pinkie !! Another great fire again that nite.The wind picked up during the nite, rans had to go out 3 times to fix awning, not such a good nites sleep and wee bit cold.

 TUESDAY... Rans gets up to find a dingo out near the back of the vans, John & girls go for a drive further west to Goss Pound & Redbank Gorge whilst Tez & Rans hung around the site to get the  fire ready for Camp Oven Lamb Shanks baked dinner, which turns out perfect, a nice meal, bloody beautiful...AMAZING. Caz & Rans stayed up late around the fire, nice nite. WEDNESDAY....Packed up and head back into town , stopped at John Flynns grave (founder of Royal Flying Drs) Headed to find C/van Pk, Rans goes wrong way up a one way street.... buts its OK Tezza follows.!!!!. Pull up at park there are 6 other vans in front of us, a long wait, then when we get there one of our sites has been double booked, but we work it out, we only have 10amp power so it trips a few times, all parks in Alice are booked out for Camel Cup on Sat. We set up TV at Johns to watch State of Origin, OH BOY maybe we should have stayed at fee camp area.!!! but its good to see the game live, Rans enjoyed it, Carol not so happy !!and if I find the lowlife bloody queenslander that sent me that message on my phone (who was too gutless to put their name to it !) especially when I replied sooooo nicely!!!! We have a few rain drops overnite, about 50 I think!!! didn't break the drought !!

THURSDAY...... Up early do some washing then head off south to Rainbow Valley approx 70km sth then 22 kms on dirt ,very corrugated road. It was a great place but would have been so much better if there was water in the claypans. Got back in he arvo to do some photos, computer stuff, etc. Its supposed to a bit cooler the next 3-4 mornings. FRIDAY... Wake up, its is a rather cold (bloody freezing actually -1.1degrees). We all went our own way today, to do what ever we wanted to do, Rans & I went to the Botanical Gardens & had a lovely walk around, had to do a bit of grocery & grog stocking up then a nice picnic lunch out at The Old Telegraph Station, its was a lovely day.

SATURDAY.....A big day in Alice Springs...The Camel Cup !!! we got to the racecourse about 10.30, Rans was all excited to have a day at the races with a few bets and a couple of beers...... well we found out just after we got inside that theres NO BETTING ALLOWED !!! he was shattered !! So we made our own fun & bet between ourselves.... kept him happy ! It was a great, fun day for everone there, well done to the Alice Springs organisers.

SUNDAY..... We have woken up to a bloody freezing day, overcast so far, and they are not expecting it  to get any warmer.  We have today shopped with grog, food, petrol etc, to head off tomorrow towards Devils Marbles, we have loved Alice & would like  to come back one day as there is still plenty to see & do, but we must moove on. Once again , Hi to all, hope you are all well & its not too cold for you (I cant wait for the Darwin warm weather), A big Happy Birthday to Cheryl-Beryl on the 16th, & Declan on the 23rd, Will talk to you all soon, Miss you heaps, Love you heaps with love Rans & Carol xxxxx