Katherine 17th & 18th July 2014

 Kids swimming at Edith Falls

 One of the many Wallaroo's who came to visit our camp

 One of the many bat invaded trees on the edge of the Gorge

Katherine Gorge

 On the Gorge tour

 Blue Kookaburra

 Katherine Gorge

While driving to Katherine, we didn't only stop off at Adelaide River but we also called in to check out Edith Falls. This was one area we had looked at for camping, but decided because we wanted to do a Gorge tour and due to time we went onto Nitmiluk (which was fortunate because there were no camping spots left). This was a nice spot and we had some lunch and the kids got a brief swim (albeit short but according to Hannah it was VERY VERY FREEZING).
We actually stayed out at Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) for 2 nights. The one day that we were there it was jam packed, yet a very fulfilling day. At camp we had visits from many of the parks Wallaroos (one even having a Joey in its pouch), we learnt that you needed to put things away as we caught one trying to get into one of our tubs. We also saw a blue winged Kookaburra, that obviously not only looked different to the ones down home, but also sounded different. There were also bats, bats and more bats along the trees walking down to the Gorge. They stunk and there was a huge abundance of them.
We decided to take the kids on a boat cruise down two of the 13 Gorges. The 9am tour was booked out so we opted for the 8am. It meant an early start but the kids were up for it. Unfortunately due to the cold we saw no crocs, but the views and the sheerness of the Gorge walls was amazing (and all this with the sun still rising). Again we struck a great guide who had a great sense of humor (although it was slightly too early). We learnt alot about the Gorge and the system and how it had been formed over the many millions of years. The eroded sandstone turns back into sand and this is why the bottom of the river is sand based.
Jacob had shown an interest in canoeing down the Gorge (something he had seen in the many pamphlets I had) but was only keen if there were NO CROCS. With him talking about it, I decided it would be a great experience. We were told that there were only Freshwater crocs and that as long as we didn't disturb them we should be right. Louise decided she was keen too (so Strick had to get in a canoe). Much to Hannah's disappointment she was unable to join us (instead was spoilt by Nan with a special afternoon tea and a big swim in the parks pool). We did manage to get her in the canoe when we returned so she was very happy with that, with her touching both sides of the Gorge and seeing a baby croc.
Jacob, Louise, Strick and I canoed to the end of the first Gorge (with a head wind, so was hard and continuous paddling due to going backwards as soon as you stopped paddling). The kids and Strick had a swim and I just paddled as the wind was too cold for me (also knowing I still had to paddle back down the Gorge). The trip back was alot more relaxing with the current and the tail wind almost taking us all the way back to the start (there was just a few paddles to ensure we stayed on line). It meant I was able to get the camera out and take some photos. We were also able to do some crocodile spotting. This was a success with us seeing 2 different crocs on our return.
It was a great experience and the kids really enjoyed it.