Corey and Rick together in Oz!
Team Channel Islands is back together again in Darwin. After their antics in Central and South America, they are looking forward to a whole new country full of pubs (to get thrown out of) :=)Corey made it to Darwin Saturday afternoon and his bike was delivered Sunday morning. After partying hard for two days (actually, it was lights out and in bed by 9:00 PM both nights. Coreys fault. Jet Lag) :=) it was time to hit the road.
We left Monday and headed to Kakadu National Park. Examples of Aborigine Rock Art are found at a site called Ubirr within the Park. The road out to Ubirr was another GREAT motorcycle road, again with excellent scenery. The ride was worth it even with the 90 degree temperature and the 90% HUMIDITY!!
I had read that it was some of the best examples but I had NO idea how extensive they were. We climbed to the top of an overlook and could immediately see why people would choose this place to live.
I took MANY pictures of the art and signs. I wont try to tell you all about it here as it would take a long time and a lot of typing. Please look over the additional pictures of the art and informational signs. As I said, it was most impressive.
Next up was a 6:25 AM cruise on the Alligator River (misnamed because a guy didnt know the difference between Alligators and Crocs (I dont either. I DO know they BOTH want you for lunch). We were told that if you were ever going to see Crocs and such in the wild, then you couldnt miss on this river, early in the morning. It wasnt hard to get up at 5:30 (remember, average bedtime for us has been 8:30 PM) :=) for the tour and we were NOT disappointed. The scenery was spectacular,
and the crocs were cooperative (for pictures, not for lunch).
Many, many birds species including a couple that were very rare (tiny kingfisher),
and very seldom seen according to the tour operator. In sighting them he actually used the term magical. There were several birders on the boat that swooned! :=)
After the wildlife tour, it was on the Katherine (again, for me since this is where I turned north to Darwin to meet Corey). Then on west to Kununara which is the decision point for another 350 mile dirt road or not). We have asked anyone and everyone about the road and the consensus is it is OK. We then ask, can you define OK, and the answer is ALWAYS NO. I am having a new tire installed and then we are going out to see what OK means on the Gibb River Road. Hopefully you will hear from us again when/if we reach Derby and Broome!. More later (I hope)!
Many more pictures here if interested!
http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/4659871_pddif//384969657_3FaCF