Katherine and Darwin

Awe-inspiring natural wonders are hidden throughout this region. Often the landscape seems flat and unremarkable to the untrained eye and we drive hours before we come upon a treasure.  We've cruised through the waters between the towering sandstone walls of Katherine Gorge. We've climbed to the elevated pools beneath Edith Falls and plunged into their cool waters; a welcome relief from the heat and humidity. We've massaged our shoulders beneath the powerful rush of water.  I imagine our wonder magnified as early explorers came upon such magnificence. 

Mowgli and Princess, for their parts decide their trip highlight so far is a seafood buffet for dinner in Darwin and a water slide park that same morning! There they choose endlessly between three different giant waterslides and a perfectly manicured fake beach lined with grass.  I, for my part, though not admitting to it being my ultimate highlight, had to agree it was a brilliant day. It was comfortable and cool on the grass beneath the shade sails,  the slides were great fun and I cooled off regularly in the refreshing pool.  

The Northern Territory is crawling with travelers like us with vans, motorhomes or rooftop tents. There are long early morning queues at popular camping spots; all hoping for a place to stay, even if it is a thin slice of dirt nestled in between two other vans.  We join an early morning cruise through Katherine Gorge; one of hundreds filing through the gorge.  The cruise company has a monopoly on this wonderful place.  And somehow it steals the wonder a little.  

Still we treasure each moment. The privilege to be here.  I, especially, feel a sense of gratefulness for the cruise boats and shade sails and giant caravan fridges and solar powered air-conditioned caravans that make it possible for me to be here.  It occurs to me: I can actually do this! 

View from my travelling window.  Darwin.