Day 1 started with a short-ish drive to Fogg Dam Conservation centre. Well, we drove down the road and back looking at the birds on either side in the wetlands while trying to see if any crocodiles were hanging about. It was a great introduction to the whole concept of real wetlands (not the place in Barnes!), where huge areas flood every year. Everywhere was green and luscious; there were lots of birds but no crocodiles. Beautiful. Most stunning, and large, were Jabiru - black and white storks.
Then to the exciting bit. Jumping crocodiles! You get on this boat and sail a little way down (or up, who knows) the Adelaide River. The crocodiles have learned that these particular boats mean food, and they swim over if they can be bothered. It's not as cheap and touristy as it might sound. The people take care not to over feed or always feed the same animals. The crocodiles are not forced to do anything. However, if they fancy a snack they can jump out of the water and have some meat. Pretty incredible to see. We were also incredibly lucky to see an eagle in a tree which swooped down to take some food. Amazing.
We went to Mamukala wetlands which was vast. Took in the Bowali Visitor Centre which was not half as good as the Warradjan Cultural centre we went to on the second day. Went to Ubirr to see aboriginal rock paintings - fantastic, followed by more at Nourlangie Rock. Towards the end of the day, we walked and climbed upto a lookout, possibly Mirrai (will see if Kathy can confirm). The view was stunning. The Kakadu escarpment in one direction, with the flood plains in the other. Breathtaking and peaceful. You had to stand and simply absorb the beauty of it all.
We camped at Jabiru, using only the inner lining of our tents for anti-mosquito purposes. Life was good.
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