May 2, Mataranka and Katherine

After breakfast we drove to Mataranka Hot Springs. We were going to wait and swim at the next springs. To get to the springs we had to walk through a resort and we thought it would be commercial, but the pool surrounded by palm trees looked so inviting we went back for our suits. When we got into the water a wallaby came by, it was just idyllic. Another swimmer joined us and he was a singer at the resort. The tourist season is just getting underway in the north and he just comes for the season. We met another couple there who also work for the resort. They 're full time motorhomers and spend the season doing maintenance and bookkeeping there.

Just on the other side of town was another access to the thermal springs. This was a stream with steps and ladders at a few points along it. The current was pretty strong, so we didn't stay long.

In Katherine we found out about the cruises through Katherine Gorge and we booked for a 9am cruise. We went to Nyinkka Nyuniu Cultural Centre. There was a display of art from one artist, beautiful pictures that told of the yams and bush potatoes and what they call women's business. There was one more thermal pool in town, but we just walked to it. Then we drove out to Katherine Gorge NP to get a campsite. It was pretty posh here. They had a pool and kiosk selling food and drinks. It was so hot we went for a swim and met some young men from Melbourne who were traveling for 4 months around part of the country. They had some good tips for Darwin and Kakadu.

Pictures - Mataranka Thermal Pool, Jeanne at Katherine Thermal Pool, Thermal Spring, Kites flying over Katherine, Bird at campground, Flying Foxes (giant bats) in trees at campground