Stalking with Crocodiles

Kakadu

Shabbat at Lichfield Safari Park

Rock Pools in Lichfield

Crocodile on Yellow Water

East Alligator River

Time for Lunch

We have spent the last week without any internet or mobile telephone contact,in the "Top End" of the Northern Territories travelling in a campavan to the 2 National Parks of Kakadu and Lichfield.

Twice our van has been hit by galloping Wallaroos (a bit smaller than Kangaroos) but fortunately there was no damage. Kakadu is a World Heritage Area is really very special.We were able to cruise on the South Alligator River and the Yellow Water Billabong where we saw maneating crocodiles ,fantastic colourful birds, water lilies and tropical forests as well as learning about Aboriginal life in this area. we visited several cave art centres and saw ancient & modern art. It is really upsetting to see how the Aboriginal culture and language has been almost destroyed unlike what has happened in New Zealand.Although now the indigenous are becoming politically stronger many cultural centres have recently been set up by them to record their history , while attempting to educate their youth in the old traditions.

In Lichfield National Park, where we later camped over shabbat,we saw Magnetic Termite Moulds, swam in rock pools amongst the fishes and climbed majestic water falls.

It has been an unbelievable experience. We have stayed at some incredible camp sites and seen how the local Australian Grey Nomads (over 60's) travel around this vast continent.One couple told us that they plan to travel around Australia for 7 years!

After rising at 3.20am this morning, we flew from Darwin to Cairns & are now in a small resort just North of Cairns & plan to visit the Barrier Reef to-morrow before moving onto Brisbane for Shabbat.

Finally in answer to a comment from last week -we saw plenty of signs of snakes but didn't meet any in the wild except dead ones or at the Alice Springs Desert Park

We wish you all well.