Cutta Cutta Caves

Just south of Katherine there is a turnoff to the Cutta Cutta Caves.  We thought that looked interesting, so we paid them a visit this morning.  The walking track to the cave entrance passes through bushland dotted with interesting limestone rock formations. Information boards along the way explain how this type of rock, called karst, has been shaped by chemical erosion as acidic water has dissolved the limestone.  It provides ample shelter for a variety of bush creatures including spiders, lizards and snakes. It also made running along the path hazardous, as Arthur found when he tripped over a piece and grazed his knee!

Red Flowereing Currajong

We were met at the cave entrance by a guide who explained how different parts of the cave were formed, what happens when the cave fills with water during the wet season and how the temperature and humidity affect the cave's ecosystem.  The last tour of the day is at three o'clock, because after that the snakes which hide on ledges inside the cave during the day gather at the mouth of the cave waiting for the bats to come out.  As the bats fly out in thousands, the snakes strike out and capture their evening meal at it passes.  We didn't see any snakes (onlysome sloughed skins), but we did see a solitary little ghost bat, one of five species that live in the cave.  Most of them sleep deep inside the cave, where tourists don't come with their flashes and noise.
Right at the back of the cave, out of sight for tourists, there is a rockpool which is home to two species of blind shrimp found nowhere else in the world- the only closely related species is found in Madagascar!

"Curtain" stalagtites

Ghost bat

Back at the caravan Esther and Arthur found Floyd and after having a snack they disappeared to do whatever it is kids do together (something involving a lot of dust and a lot of giggles!) while Philip and I were entertained by a flock of rainbow lorrikeets who came to play with the sprinkler.

This bird spun around and around with the sprinkler until he decided to walk anti-clockwise.  It was really funny to watch!

Lining up for a turn on top?

Just after dinner Arthur's fun was spoiled a bit when he was bitten by a horse who mistook his finger for a piece of the carrot!  It's a bit bruised, but he says he'll be fine!  (Poor kid, he's been in the wars a bit! At Alice Springs he was trying to hug a Hereford calf- in spite of being warned to keep back and it trod on his bare toes.  He's learning a thing or two from experience!)

Tomorrow we have to be up bright and early to meet the boat for a breakfast cruise of Katherine Gorge.