Tues, 17th May, 2022 Margaret Diggings Fossicking Area, Emerald Springs to Bush camp by George Creek, south of Adelaide River township, NT

Mist over the dam and the hill this morning. 

Packed up and headed slowly back out. Easier following the track now we have been over it once.

Back onto the Stuart Highway and headed north. Passed the turnoff to the Daly River Region and Dorat Road that we have normally taken. We haven’t been on this bit of the highway before. Stopped at Bridge Creek Rest Area for a cuppa.

A couple pulled up with their new van but didn’t join us as the lady explained she was in quarantine - Covid!

Checked out the info board but it was about plants and birds, not the naming of the creek.

As we drove out I noticed the mural on the water tank - a joey wearing its seat belt in its mother’s pouch.

Next creek had a sign 136km Bridge - now that’s the modern take on the old One Mile or Ten Mile Creek.

Pulled up at Adelaide River township to top up the water tanks. Lots of cars and caravans about all trying to get fuel and then back on the road heading both directions. It is amazing how busy it is when you sit still and watch the road.

We drove around to the parkland beside the river so I could upload my blog etc. Rang Ray & Carol then Kerry and Brian and caught up on their travels. Tried Daniel at work but he wasn’t answering so much be working hard. His birthday is tomorrow - wow 33, where have the years gone. We are heading back to George Creek (Robin Falls) this arvo and won’t have any phone reception there.

We drove back to the pub for lunch which was very nice. Lots of people having lunch but this time there was room in the bar for a look around - last time we were hiding from Covid and didn’t like being in crowds.

We didn’t realise the pub was famous for one of its ‘pets’ - Charlie the Buffalo. Made famous for his role in Crocodile Dundee. Steve did his best as Mick Dundee. Love the photo of the roo hugging Charlie.

I spotted a mud map on the counter about Snake Creek Bridge which David had mentioned after our last visit. The girl behind the counter didn’t know what it was about - when people asked about Snake Creek she just sent them up the highway to where it crossed the road there but she will have to follow the mud map now and find out what its about. We drove out but couldn’t work out where the road was to headed down to our camp by George Creek. Will check out the roads on our way out in a couple of days. 

Only two vans parked up in the first couple of camp spots so we continued to our old one but decided to try the one next to it hoping to get a bit more sun here for the solar panels. There is a lovely pool here too and of course the sound of the water bubbling over the rocks which is so peaceful.

I went in to retrieve a glass beer bottle and a 2 foot thin snake moved along the other edge and got out over the roots.

Had a cuppa by the water watching the fish. Steve spotted a long-necked turtle on the bottom side of the rock wall.

Went for a walk up to the car park then down to Dorat Road to check out the causeway. The water divides and comes out in three spots. The middle one was full of little fish and a couple of bigger ones. A goanna sauntered down the road heading for the water but disappeared into the grass when he saw us.

As we headed back a huge black dog came out of the two caravans, barking and snarling. The owner came out saying he was ok but I wasn’t convinced. Far enough they like them for security but if they are there it should be on a lead so it doesn’t come out to the road and scare people. He even told us about an Irish lass yesterday that got a big fright - I can imagine.

Drinks and our books by the water. The snake swum along the edge of the bank looking for something to eat. Later on a smaller one came up. Only a few mozzies which was good so we stayed outside till the sun disappeared.

A few cars drove in and then out - why we don’t understand. No one stopped and camped. The two vans have their generators running continuously even late into the night which ruins the night sounds.