We got picked up in a land cruiser equipped with a snorkel. We didn't actually employ it on our trip, but it allows you to drive through water up to the top of the windshield. Of course you do need to remember to shut the windows. :) This comes in handy because a lot of the roads in Kakadu have crossings and the water can be quite high. Given the crocodiles, I'm glad we didn't have to go much deeper than a foot.
Our trip started with a cruise on a billabong... basically a very large pond with tons of birds, crocodiles, lilly pads, fish, frogs, etc. We got to see a lot of amazing birds. Didn't realize that cockatoos are from here! And I ate the stem from a lotus flower. Yum. From there we went on to check out quite a few amazing places including aboriginal rock art sites (with art dated 25,000 years old!) and lots of waterfalls. Luckily I brought my trusty mask and snorkel and was able to take a look under the water. Shrimp and all kinds of fish. And of course my travel buddies. Its amazing how much fun you can have taking pictures with an underwater camera. 
Day two was quite the day. I was snorkeling around the water hole exploring and was making my way towards the waterfall where the rest of the group was hanging out. I was nearly there when I heard Joe calling out for help. He was starting to drown. YIKES! I've daydreamed about being in this kind of situation and have often wondered how I might react. I am proud to say that I sprang into action! I swam over and grabbed his hand to help him stay up. I was afraid he would try to pull me under but he didn't. Glad he went easy on me this being my first rescue an all. Then Heath our guide saw what was happening and dove in from his waterfall perch. Together we pulled the guy in. Very Baywatch. So the joke is that he was David Hasselhoff and I Pamela Anderson. We drew a picture of the water rescue in his comment book at the end of the trip for him to remember us by. He had big muscles and I very large breasts of course. Oh and my snorkel.
(Sorry ladies, he's got a girlfriend!)
The land out in Kakadu is beautiful. Its often uncomfortable (mosquitoes, hot, muggy, venomous animals galore) but the rewards are plenty. The first night I was deathly afraid of going out to pee by myself - most of the dangerous wildlife is nocturnal. My tent mate Jennifer happened to wake up at that moment and went with me. Phew! But the next night, I got my nerves up and went out by myself. I was rewarded with a sky full of stars, large frogs, and a carpet of insects that lit up at my feet. By day vast expanses of land. Amazing views. Waterfalls. I can see why people have lived here for thousands of years. Hope that the pictures can give you a little idea of what its like.
The trip continued without too much more drama and Joe continued swimming even right after his rescue. We climbed up to more waterfalls, swam and there were lots of laughs. Joe had a couple other brushes with fate and caught his hair on fire that night. And we played the "box game" where you have to bend over to pick the box up with your teeth. And after each round, you tear the edges off so you have to bend lower and lower. On the way back, we sang and rocked out in the car to horrible music such as "I'm a barbie girl". Dorky but so much fun. I love that about traveling - that you can meet someone and a couple days later feel so comfortable that you can let yourself go and enjoy the moments without thinking too much. Make sense?
Anyhow, I'm back in Darwin. Have really enjoyed it up here. They have an amazing mom & pop aquarium here where they have a coral reef that is completely self-sustaining. They just give it sunlight and moonlight through the skylights, and add rain water if the water evaporates from the open tank. And that's it! Its amazing. Also visited the night markets, had an amazing dinner out where I enjoyed oysters that were prepared with lemongrass. And I had curry for breakfast so beat that!
Next stop is Alice Springs! I fly Thursday morning. Then off to see the "Red Center". More sights, camping, swimming and of course getting dirty!
Posts
