15/8/2006 – Darwin (still)
As you can see we are still in Darwin. We are leaving the marina today and will put the boat on the sand for a while so that Terry can clean the props etc. Then we will anchor in Fannie Bay again until we depart, which we were hoping would be Wednesday but is more likely to be the weekend now. The water maker saga has been continuing, unfortunately. The new motor they supplied turns out to be faulty, but (hopefully) Spectra will replace it under warranty. We have to wait here until a new motor gets arrives from Brisbane. Aside from that, we are all ready to go. Darwin is a nice place but we feel we’ve been here too long. It’s time to move the party to Indonesia.
Although Dog didn’t get out much in Darwin (nearly everywhere we went was National Park) he enjoyed his stay. He even has a mate to play with now, courtesy of Kim, Jill and their friend Richard (see pics). Woof joined us on my birthday and has been helping Dog guard the boat. They make a great team. However, unlike Dog, Woof is fairly camera shy.
Thanks to our friends Julie and Ross (Darwin residents) we have been able to get around Darwin very easily. Julie insisted that we borrow her car (the Microwave) and give it a good run, which we did. So Julie and Ross have been getting by with one car since we got here 3 weeks ago. Thanks guys. It was much appreciated. Your blood is worth bottling. Your friendly manner and generosity reinforces my earlier statement about NT people. You are great ambassadors for your town and State. Thanks heaps.
Darwin is in full festive season at the moment. We went to the Darwin Sailing Club’s ‘Sandbar BBQ’ last Sunday, which was one big party on the beach. For those that don’t know, there is a sandbar at the entrance to Cullen Bay which is fully exposed like an island during big low tides (they have up to 5 metre tides). We took the dingy through the lock to join in the festivities. There were 3 legged races, thong throwing competitions (i.e. underwear type thongs), tug-o-war (where the rope snapped unexpectedly), buried treasure and heaps, heaps more. Kim and Terry stood on the sidelines yelling their encouragement in between mouthfuls of beer Kim was talking left handed Braille by the end of the day, lol. Sorry you missed it Peter. By the way, did your luggage arrive back in Brisbane yet?
Well, that’s about it for now, will write more from Indonesia somewhere. Until then, take care and stay happy. Life is too short to be too serious all the time Jan and Terry.
PS-Thought you might like to see a few more photos from Darwin. We are about to leave so this will be the last lot from here. Enjoy!
