browser icon
You are using an insecure version of your web browser. Please update your browser!
Using an outdated browser makes your computer unsafe. For a safer, faster, more enjoyable user experience, please update your browser today or try a newer browser.

Jolly Jumping Crocs!

Posted by on September 29, 2013

No trip to the Territory would be complete unless you see the jumping crocodiles on the Adelaide River.

20130929-071247.jpg

So I guess you can now say our Territory trip is complete!!

The day started with a trip down a corrugated dirt road, an alternative route recommended by the caravan park owner as a little more interesting if you have a 4wd.

20130929-071342.jpg

Really it was just a dirt road, although we did have to cross some very deep rivers… I always love a good river crossing, and up here you need to be aware of crocs as you are crossing… at least that would have been the case if we were here during the wet season… all we had were dry dusty and rocky river beds that looked like they hadn’t seen any water in years!! At least we found a couple of puddles where we could make the red muddy water spray up on each side of the car! WOuld have made for a great picture if we had had time to stop.

Unfortunately though, no time for stopping on this trek, we had a boat to catch. Made it to the river (with actual water in it) just in time for the 11am cruise.

The crocs were amazing! Didn’t take long as we left the dock before the slow moving shapes appeared in the water ahead. They really are amazing the way they move through the water so fast barely making a ripple. As the first one came alongside, some pork chops were dangled from the top deck as the crocs leapt out of the water for a feed. They made each croc jump 3 times before rewarding them with their food.

Each of the crocodiles had names, and the skipper named each one as they were fed, telling us all about the salt water crocodiles, and a little about each one. My favourite was Lefty, the second biggest croc in the river so named because he was missing a leg (you will never guess which one!). At 6.2m he was an impressive beast. As Lefty approached the boat, I managed to manoeuvre into the best viewing position right next to the lady feeding with my iPhone ready to catch it on video… unfortunately Lefty was not playing nice today, and refused to take the bait 🙁 would have been impressive to see him jump!

We moved on and I managed to get a few on video. Unfortunately from that point on all we saw were smaller males and the females which are much smaller, but still impressive. Watch for yourself.

Very impressive, and no way you want to go for a swim with any of them! Unfortunately, the king of the river Aggro, the largest croc in the region didn’t make a show today 🙁 He would have been impressive to see at 6.3m long! On the way back to the dock, we got to see a a Raptor feeding show. Small bits of meat were thrown from the side of the boat as the Kites swooped and snatched a meal from the water. They are a large and impressive bird.

All in all a great cruise and definitely worth seeing. After the cruise with our bellies rumbling, we headed to the Humpty Doo pub for a meal. Mark and I had the mixed grill which I didn’t realise until it arrived consisted of crocodile, buffalo, barramundi and ribs and chips! Was a huge meal, but I must have been hungry as I managed to get through the feast. It was delicious, although as we hit the road, boy was I feeling full! I think Mark got a photo of the feast which he can upload later.

We headed towards Darwin to visit Super Cheap Auto again, this time Mark needed another new CB Ariel as he had lost a second one on the dirt road this morning. This time a whole new more stable base was needed, then it was on to the Aviation Museum near the Darwin airport. One of the few places you can get up close to a B52 Bomber. Once again I found it very interesting with all the history of WWII as the Japanese bombed Darwin and the region.

20130929-074515.jpg

20130929-074617.jpg

20130929-074633.jpg

20130929-074656.jpg

20130929-074709.jpg

20130929-074735.jpg

While I loved learning about the local history, it wasn’t long before the kids got bored, and being so hot we stopped for an ice cream in the Museum shop before heading back to the caravan park.

Back at base after an icy cool drink, Mark and I changed into our bathers to wash all the red dust from our cars. The water certainly ran red and still being so hot, it wasn’t long before we were spraying more water on ourselves and the kids. I love up here that the water from the cold tap is like a lukewarm bath! You don’t really even need a hot water heater!!

After our water fun, Mark and I headed to the office to extend our stay one more night. While we are a long way from home with only 2 weeks to go, we really need the extra day to spend exploring Litchfield National Park and the many water falls and swimming holes it has to offer.

Tomorrow, we will once again pack up and hit the road, finally turning South, my least favourite part of the trip because that means we are heading towards home 🙁 and we are still having way too much fun to do that!!! Anyone got a spare couple of million dollars they can give us so we don’t have to go back to work?? Life on the road is simply way too much fun 😉

20130929-075724.jpg

20130929-075736.jpg

20130929-075751.jpg

20130929-075805.jpg

Oops, nearly forgot… the kids found a frog last night which Jess brought back to the camp to show us… Mattie said “I wasn’t sure if it was deadly, so I told Jess to pick it up!!!” Well Jess is still here this morning, so I guess it was ok. Wasn’t long though before we had to rescue the poor frog as the kids began to fight over it and they all got sent to bed for not listening to their parents. Also the poor frog was destined for the toilet as that is the only other place Clare has seen one!!!!

20130929-075848.jpg

20130929-075859.jpg

Don’t worry though, we made sure frog made it back to the garden safely… a little traumatised, but he will live to jump again!

3 Responses to Jolly Jumping Crocs!

Leave a Reply