I have come across to Katherine and stayed a few days in the heat. Heading across the top of WA and into the northern part of the NT, I have experienced about three weeks now with every day over 40oC.
They tell me you do become acclimatised to this heat, but as I find myself fantasising about icebergs quite a bit, I am guessing I still have a way to go…
There has been a bit of rain but just a couple of light showers. There is certainly an impressive build-up of threatening storm clouds most days and even some thunder and lightning (there is thunder rumbling in the distance as I write this), but in the end there has only been little rain.
About 30km from Katherine, the river has carved a deep gorge through sandstone plateaus and created the spectacular Nitmiluk Gorge. I decided to do a boat trip which guides you through the first three sections of the gorge and shows how spectacular this country is.
Rock bars separate parts of the river and at times you have to get off the boat and walk a short distance to get to the next part of the river. Joining another boat allows you to glide onwards through the gorge.
The walks gives a chance to view some of the spectacular artwork left on the rock surfaces.
The Jawoyn people have lived here for thousands of years and used some of the smooth rocks for their paintings, including this rather spectacular picture, high on the wall of the gorge.
While in Katherine, I saw my first Northern Rosella. These quiet birds are usually wary and hard to find but this one was dropping bits of tree on me as I sat underneath drinking a beer. Not a very discreet way of staying covert and it allowed me to get this nice shot.
