Harbour cruise, Khan and Katherine

 April 7th

The harbour cruise was brilliant. Shame the weather wasn't better, no gorgeous sunset for us and in the distance dark clouds and rain followed the boat, we felt sure we were in for a soaking. Lightening flashed in the distance but luckily stayed far enough away for it not to be a problem. 

The meal was delicious and a surprise for my brother and me when an announcement was made about the 'twins' birthday. Not just that but our golden wedding anniversary was also announced.
Such a magical end to our Darwin experience, couldn't wait for the next day when our next adventure was about to happen.

 April 8th

What a good job we awoke early. A screw-up with the leaving time meant a big panic to get everything ready. We had been told the check-in at the hotel for the Ghan was at 7.25 am. It was in fact 7 am! Only because a fellow passenger who was also on the same hotel floor as us, happened to knock on Andy's door that we found all this out!  It became a mad dash to vacate the room and check out in time. Still, all came good in the end, the coach was boarded and we finally headed off for the train.

250 passengers boarded the train today. We were allocated carriage O cabin 3. Thought we had one of the first carriages next to the engine but no, it was the last carriage on the train and the train was almost three-quarters of a kilometre long. 

 

Anyway, we took our time in the 30-degree heat to walk the length and were among the last to board. 

 

The cabin surprised us all. We expected a tiny cabin with hardly any storage but were amazed at what there actually was. Once unpacked it was off to the lounge and dining room for the first drink of the day. Early I know but what the heck, we're on the Ghan after all!

The coffee was soon followed by bubbly!

 

The train left at 9 am, we arrived in Katherine at 1 pm  Our excursion was a boat trip along the gorge. OMG, it was hot!!! 35 degrees in the shade but with the sun beating down, almost unbearable. In the trees hung fruit bats, hundreds of them all making quite a racket. 

 This was a gem of a place, two gorges, two boat trips and a 500-metre walk between the two. The guide was so informative, apparently the gorge was formed well before any life appeared on earth this was evident because not a single fossil had been found in any of the rock layers.

Crocodile trap

 On our return more rain seen n the distance. Again we were lucky as it also missed us completely.

 Tomorrow we arrive at Alice Springs. First the night has to be got through. We have yet to find out if sleep is possible!

And wildlife at the gorge

Wedge tailed Sea Eagle