Darwin 24-25 August 2013

Before I get started, I thought I should mention the weather in Litchfield NP. You know, just to show some solidarity with those we left behind in Melbourne. It actually rained there on Thursday night! We must have had 50 to 60 drops.

Now, Darwin.
After fitting two new tyres to the Patrol



and a quick visit to the Australian Aviation Heritage Centre, where they have one of only two B52's on display outside of the U.S.A. (It is massive.),



we set off to explore the big city. I think we are staying about six or seven sets of trafic lights out of town, so an easy cruise in, but you have to stay alert because when you get to the eigth set of lights you are coming out the other side already. Big it is not! Very nice though, and quite laid back. According to Joan's daughter Justy (who we met up with at the market (further down the page), a commonm saying here is "Not today, not tomorrow, not on Thursday, maybe next week."
It was Open Day at Parliament House, so we had a gander. Very nice, but usualy it is full of polititions. You can see the sea from the lawn though which was very nice after being so far from any salt water for so long.

The sea is that blue but just under the sky

Had a bit of a drive around to see the sights of Cullen Bay and Fannie Bay (which is appropraitely named as I was provided with a viewing of one by a local lass who was aparently trying to cool off a little by waving the hem of her skirt around as she stood at the intersection waiting to cross.......

Cullen Bay

Fannie Bay (you didn't expect a photo of the fanny did you?

Darwin CBD from Fannie Bay - told you it wasn't very big.

Sunday was a day of culture. We hit the Museum and Art Gallery of NT and the Military Museum, where we found ur next 4x4 and camper trailer

 

and then headed off to the famous Mindil Beach Sunset Market. Salamanca Market in Hobart doesn't have to worry too much about the competition is all I can say. The sunset over Mindil beach was very nice though. It is a bit strange to sit on such a perfect beach with hundreds of people as the sun sets on a day where the temperature reached 33 degrees, and no-one is game to go into the water for fear of crocs and box jelly fish.