Birthday celebrations and Robin Falls

Today is a special day as we welcome Tops to the 70’s club! The day was celebrated in the morning with the opening of cards and gifts - the lovely words the family wrote made Tops feel as if they were here in spirit. The few balloons left over from Evie’s birthday gave a little festive feel to the morning. 

We left Katherine once we had done our housework, fixed all the tyre problems and had a coffee at the Information Centre. The night before we were once again spoiled by a family camped near us when they delivered freshly cooked barramundi bites to us to enjoy as an entree. They were delicious and were coated with crushed salt and vinegar chips. We’re not sure why get spoilt - whether we are friendly and chat to people, or whether we look like everyone’s grandparents, or whether we look hungry! Either way, we are very appreciative of everyone’s kindness - even though, when we were thanking the family, the little girl remarked that they had to get rid of them anyway! 

Our first stop northwards was at Pine Creek which is an old gold mining town but now mostly known as the gateway to Kakadu. 

We had planned to visit Kakadu but decided not to as not much is open and passes and permits make it rather complicated.  We’ve all previously been there too. So instead we were told of this free camp site just south of Adelaide River and how delighted we were to stay there. We all think it’s the best camp site this trip so far, even though we had no facilities or phone service. We set up by a little running creek in a secluded spot, enjoyed our first campfire and trekked up to see the waterfalls which were very spectacular. We weren’t attacked by midgies,  there were no crocodile signs and the bird life was prolific so it was the perfect spot. 

We even enjoyed toasties cooked over the fire - we know some people who would be very envious of that.  

The weather has improved too as it’s not as hot and humid and nights cool down to enable comfortable sleeping.

We left this spot and drove a few kms to Adelaide River where we visited the Australian War Cemetery which was very sobering and quite sad to see so many young men interred there. The whole place is set in beautiful grounds which are well cared for. To watch the video amazed us how little we knew about the extent of Japan’s invasion with bombs. 

We are now set up in this lovely caravan park in Litchfield National Park. This will be our base to explore this lovely area. 

Tonight the birthday celebrations will continue as there’s a bar and restaurant here - with live music! So if it’s like Ravenshoe, Dennis may get up and sing along! I think there will be another blog before Sunday so I’ll be able to wish all mums a happy Mother’s Day again. We trust all is well for everyone at home and we send our love from this beautiful part of our big country. ❌❌❌❌ from the travellers.