Monday 9th August - Katherine to Litchfield National Park

It's too hot.  Did I already say that?  One good thing about the heat is that the desire to jump into cooling bodies of water has returned for the first time since the Gibb River Road, and we had a great refreshing swim at Edith Falls this afternoon.

BFGoodrich tyres would take a week to be ordered in from Darwin as they aren't stocked locally, so weíll be running on our worn tyres for a few more days.  Weíre down to one spare as we had to change the rear O/S in Tennant Creek, so I'll be happy when we get new ones.

Rather than rush and do Katherine Gorge now, we decided to leave it for our return after Darwin and Kakadu, but we did call in to see Edith Falls to the north which are also in Nitmiluk National Park.  I think we've been a bit spoilt by our time on the Gibb River Road with waterfalls and swimming holes as, whilst pretty, Edith Falls didnít really do it for us.

It might also have had something to do with the tour group at the top pool, so we waited and swam at the bottom pool which, despite being near the car park and camping area, was positively deserted.  It was so refreshing after the loop walk in the midday heat ("Mad dogs and Englishmen..."). SPOT

We've entered Litchfield National Park from the south entrance, taking the 41km 4WD track to the main attractions, and are the only people camping at Surprise Creek Falls, although the insect population seems to be out in force.  Oh the joys of warmer evenings (I know, thereís no pleasing some people).