What an absolutely fabulous day!

Which actually started off with a true tourist cock-up. I went to the bus station to go to see the crocodiles and realised it was a bit quiet thereabouts. Hmm it's a public holiday. Inspects bus timetable "No buses run on public holidays" on route 5. But buses 4 and 10 to Casuarina were operating so, a quick change of plan, and I took the scenic route (no. 4). Casuarina is home to the biggest shopping mall in NT hence the buses still going there.

Of course, I window shopped for several hours minutes, bought minor provisions and decided that I would check out the Casuarina Coastal Reserve. Despite the advice that my bus ticket would get me 'there' (or nearer) as for $3 you can hop on and off as many buses as you like for three hours, I decided to walk. It was quite funny, as I seemed quite confident in what was the right direction from a very vague map. And I was right!

The beach was amazing. Fabulous fine sand, blue seas, hardly anyone about. Walking down some steps to the sand, I stopped to remove my thongs (do fit flops count as thongs?) and had a brief chat with this chap who was pausing to remove his vest. He said "Ah well, don't you worry about the box jellyfish. I've being swimming here for 6 years and I haven't been stung" which was quite encouraging for my intended paddle. Until he said "Fingers crossed".

Anyway, paddle I did. And I proceeded along the beach wondering where everyone was on this public holiday. At a suitable point I left the beach. In fact, the sand was bloody hot. Up along the
grass alongside the beach was a walk/cycle path all the way back to Darwin. I ate my lunch at a picnic table, in the shade and the world was perfect. I became quite emotional. Beautiful scenery, a simple lunch, music in my ears, no pressure, no deadlines (until 06 June :-) ), what a Perfect Day.

I decided that, with all the time I needed, I would walk back to Darwin. A sign said 14km at some point. Who knows. Who cares. When you're walking, you have time to observe; to take things in. To get distracted. There was a pier which I think was there for fishing purposes, although the end bit did have stairs down into (or up from) the water. There were young people at the end, enjoying themselves, so I pootled on down to see what they were up to. Two girls, perhaps 15 years old were on the wrong side of the railings and dived off . One forwards and the other with a back flip. They both smiled at me before they went. Was I supposed to be the 'adult' who said "Don't do that"? They were fine, of course.

The lizards got bigger, the houses changed from luxury to Northern Territory government places. The dragonflies kept flying. It was fascinating to see how things pan out in another place to the one I'm used to.

On reaching Darwin, I bought a new goon bag of Chardonnay, met up with mates and had a jolly good evening. It's now 01.20 and I'm the only person left outside. I have eaten all my meals - bar one - outside since arriving. Tomorrow, I'm off on a three day, two night trip to Kakadu. I'm anticipating no communciations technology being available, so will be leaving ipad in Rosie's custody. I'm taking the elderberry as it serves the purpose of being a clock and alarm.

I'll be right back on Thursday. I think he didn't say that either.