Weekend at Katherine

After spending Saturday morning doing the domestic chores, we collected our tourist information brochures and headed out to explore what the region had to offer.  We started at a spot called Knott's Crossing (on the Katherine River) which was the original settlement for Katherine - the township has since moved twice since then.  The Captain's first statement when he saw the strong flow of water over the causeway was "I don't think we'll have much chance of putting Li'l Pussy into The Gorge" and, naturally, he was right!!
Our next port of call was to Nitmiluk - or Katherine Gorge National Park - just to suss the place out and the big signs were out - "No Swimming", "No Canoe Hire" and "No Private Water Craft".  The river level was still very high and flowing fast and the rangers had yet to relocate all of the extra visitors (saltwater crocodiles) that frequent the place after the Wet Season.  Oh well, not a big problem as we are planning to come back this way after we visit Darwin and also Broome.

This morning we went south for a short trip to the Cutta Cutta Caves.  Not on the scale of the Jenolan Caves but still very impressive!  Had a sore neck by the time we were finished as we were looking up all the time with lots of oohs and aahs at the stalactites (from the top) and stalagmites (from the bottom).

A Stalagmite which looks like "The Blob"

A "shawl" stalactite

To continue with our nature studies, we then went north to the Edith Falls - Leliyn - which is at the northern end of Nitmiluk.  Another beautiful spot with two main waterfalls with swimming areas near both of those falls.  There are also several walks around the area and a basic camping area.  Unfortunately, the bottom pool was closed to swimmers as there were also crocodiles that had been seen within the region.  The next best thing was for a gentle(?) walk to the Upper Pool for a swim - after all, crocodiles cannot climb mountains!

Edith Falls and the Lower Pool

Edith Falls from above!

Nice bushwalk/mountain climb and then we came across the upper falls - very special indeed.  Lots of people there but everyone seemed to have their own little section to swim in.  The water was cool, crystal clear and very refreshing.  We spent some time there cooling off and then headed back to 'home'.

The Upper Falls and Pool

Part of the Upper Pool

Heading Downstream

The Deckie Riding the Rapids