Monday Darwin and We're Off to the Outback...

I've given Stoway a job :O) It's now Monday afternoon. We've had the new motor fully serviced, returned Fordy's Patrol to his mum's place, loaded up with water (75litres) Diesel (we have twin tanks plus two Jerry cans on the roof) all our baggage and some tea tree oil and tiger balm in the first aid box. We're heading off for Katherine or perhaps Mantaranka Thermal Springs tonight - we'll see how the journey pans out. Frank and Denise helped us find a couple of swag bags and a mossie net, all we need now is a Coolabar tree and a billabong minus crocs. They have also fitted us out with an Eski, a couple of chairs, the Jerry cans, bags and all sorts of helpful things, thank you both so much for your generosity. Tomorrow we hope to visit Katherine Gorge and the Aboriginal wall paintings before heading south again. At some point ( many million kms) we turn left on the Barkly Highway which will take us several squillion kms East. We'll stop along the way but the rough route ( if you're following on your Aussie Maps) will be Katherine, Tennants Creek (almost), then left heading across to Mount Isa, Townsville then all points south all the way down to Byron Bay area. The reason for this blurb is that I am not sure of interent access in the remoter regions; if you don't get an entry for a coule of days don't worry, keep checking in, because I'll be back just as soon as I can. The camera won't stop clicking en route! Greg and I are going to share the driving, though we won't be driving between Dusk and Dawn for safety reasons...animals and road trains for example. So think of us sleeping under the stars in our swags and we'll raise a glass or two to all of you every night. And huge thank yous to Ken, Frank, Denise, Stella and Fordy for all the help and kindnesses you have shown us since we arrived - we'll see you again in August. And to all of you back home, keep following us...it's brilliant to know we have you onboard in spirit... Lots of love and Hugs too, Marlene & Greg