Tues, 12th April, 2022 Bush camp by upper reaches of Leaders Creek, NT (exploring Dudley and East point - WW2 info)

Up early to head into Darwin for our Covid PCR test and pick up the Common Rail that we need to replace in Smokey. We are hoping that will fix the problem as the next fix is more expensive. 

The PCR test was no problem. As we haven’t been in contact with people we should be all good. Just need to stay that way till we board the boat on Friday morning. 

Drove around to East Point Reserve. The sea is calm again. Hope it will be like that for the cruise. The road runs the edge of the water along with green grass and big trees like an esplanade. There is a lake on the other side too.

Stopped at Dudley Point first and had a cuppa while we read the info provided.

Looking around towards East Point area.

You can just see the jetty at Mandorah across the water.

Continued around to East Point where there is an equestrian centre beside the Military Museum. Lots of curlews, ibis and plovers about. Walked to the ‘East Point Beach’. Nightcliff, another suburb is further around with a big jetty.

We followed the walking track around checking out the old buildings and trying to read the info boards (haven’t been updated since erected in 2006 I think). Very interesting. They have a problem with erosion too.

Spotted some ‘Agile Wallablies’ I presume since there is info about them everywhere.

Back to the big gun turret etc. Amazing to read that the guns ended up as scrap for a Japanese company.

The main board as you enter say ‘you are here’ at Dudley Point - now that’s very confusing for visitors as this is East Point. I noticed the anti-sub boom net anchors were actually at Dudley Point not here at East Point. We didn’t walk any further along the track there so missed seeing them.

We were fascinated watching three guys going up to the top of the tower by the crane. Would be a fabulous view from up there.

Around to the front of the big turret where a big spotlight is slowly rusting away.

Headed back out then stopped at an op shop to pick up a couple of suitcases for the trip. Might be easier than the big duffle bag we have. Also got some sea-sickness tablets for Steve but hope he doesn’t have to use them. The sea has been so calm around here lately so fingers crossed we have ‘fair sailing’.

We found a little park off the highway to have lunch and let the engine cool a bit. Steve then got to work replacing the Common Rail. He had replaced one part of it a year ago so we are hoping this will fix the problem. I worked on my blog in the camper and waited till I heard him start the engine again - good sign. He is a happy chappy as he had no problems swapping the part over. I could take his photo now with the old part. The little bit is what he replaced last time.

Yahoo, we have power again. Steve can put his foot down and we take off.

Headed back to our creekside camp. Clouds are building up. Another group of locals are enjoying a cool off.

We had our cuppa by the creek. After they left we put on our togs for a dip. The force of the water coming through the culvert is enough to swim against as it is deeper on that side. We heard a heap of lorikeets in the trees then a whistling kite sat at the top of a dead tree and made his distinctive call. We thought more cars were coming but it was thunder.

About 6pm the rain started. A bit more thunder rumbled as the storm passed over us.

PS - won't be posted any more blogs till the end of the month as we head off on our cruise around the Kimberley coast - then I will have lots to post up!