Misty morning. Up and away
as soon as possible. Jibaru for supplies, ice and fuel. Weird place
reminded me of Woomera. Then on to Merl camp site, where we once
again claim a camp site, drop our gear and head on down to the East
Alligator river to wait out the heat of the day. The plan is to head
for Ubirr in the late afternoon to visit the rock art and take in the
views when it is cooler.
We set up a temporary camp
in the shade next to the East Alligator river. Close to the famous
'Border Store' where we have access to cool drinks and ice cream.
Right next door to a noisy colony of flying foxes.
After lunch, a short
stroll upstream to Cahills crossing, where the road crosses the East
Alligator river to enter Arnhem Land. After watching some vehicles
cross over and cooling my feet in the river, someone points out that
just 20 metres upstream of where I'm standing there is a rather large
croc lazing on the river bank. At last – our first croc sighting.
Within seconds I've spotted another (slightly smaller) croc even
closer to where I was standing!
Back at our shady
riverside spot, we pass the time reading, swatting flies and trying
to identify the multitude of different birds that flit about the
place. Lots of honeyeaters – including the superb Blue-faced
honeyeater.
As the afternoon shadows
lengthen, we saddle up, and make the short ride to Ubirr.
Truly astonishing art
sites in an amazing setting. We are on the edge of the 'Stone
Country' that extends eastwards from here into Arnhem Land. Amazing
sandstone rock formations. The art is amazing, including a
spectacular depiction of what appears to be a Thylacine – high up
on a cliff.
We climb up past gallery
after gallery of art to a lookout that provides 360 degree views
across flood plains and stone country. Amazing contrasting colours.
The emerald green of the flood plains and the red sandstone rock.
By the time the sun is
setting we are joined by at least 50 others as we silently (for the
most part) sit and stand and are entranced by the unfolding light
show.
As the dusk gathers, we
ride back to our camp site, endure the mosquitoes and have a simple
meal before retiring for the night. The ice we purchased in Jabiru
earlier is a godsend as we enjoy a cool drink.
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