It didn’t start well today. We left Cooinda Lodge early, heading for Katherine. We were looking forward to the hot box at the Mary River Rest Stop but on arrival, it appeared to have been abandoned quite awhile ago. No sausage rolls or pies for these travellers.

At about 9:30am, we hit a wallaby. The silly thing jumped out, giving Wayne, who was travelling at 110km/hour, no chance to avoid it. The wallaby bounded away and the car was only slightly damaged – a dent and a damaged sensor on the bumper bar. It now goes off each time we are stopped.

Fortunately, Wayne and Mark had made the wise decision to pay an extra $50 a day to reduce the excess from $6000 to $0. The girl at Budget first asked if we were all OK and then if the car was drivable. A yes to both!

As we couldn’t get into our accommodation until after 2pm, we detoured to Edith Falls. What a great choice.

We started by swimming at the closer falls (well, everyone bar me – too cold for this little frog!)

We then walked up to the top falls. Getting up to the falls was a bit of a hike and sliding in and out of the water required some manoeuvring but it was so worth it.

Swimming to and under the waterfall was incredible – refreshing and invigorating. This has become the top highlight of the trip thus far.

We arrived at our apartments and couldn’t contact anyone to get in. At great risk to life and limb, Mark had to end up scaling the 6-foot fence, balancing along it, jumping in, and eventually locating an envelope with our keys in it. Don’t know how we were supposed to get it with a locked gate and no service,

It is a bizarre place. There are 28 apartments and we are the only ones here. Covid signs, such as all occupants having to wear masks inside, are still on each door.

We headed to the Information Centre for a reconnaissance of the area. First guy that Mark approached said he was too busy. The young girl we ended up with, gave monosyllabic answers, mainly, ‘No!’

No – there isn’t a bus to the cruise night.

No – you can’t change your cruise night.

No – there are no spots left for canoeing in the gorge.

When we asked for a spot to eat lunch, she had to look it up. The only place, according to her research, was the Coffee Club and it was open until 5. As it was nearly 3pm and we were quite peckish, we didn’t question her advice. We got there, sat and ordered, to be told that we’d have to have take-away as they were closing early due to lack of staff. On a positive note, all the staff were very friendly and they let us sit there and eat our food from the take away containers.

We then went to buy some groceries at the nearby Woolworths. When we went into the Bottle-o, Donna had to stay outside as she was not carrying any ID. A policeman greeted us and the rest of us had to show identification. We were asked where we were staying and for how long. Meanwhile, Donna was hiding behind a post but stood out as she was clutching two noodles freshly purchased for our next swim. You can’t hide, Donna.

Home we went and settled in for the evening. Watched the international rugby league games and shared a cheese platter before once again, retiring early.