Hot, hot, hot!

We went on a long, hot walk today- through dry, dusty Top End scrubland, up a steep, rocky hill. It's hard to imagine that there are months on end when it pours here with torrential rain!  Esther lasted really well until just towards the end, but it was not easy for Arthur.  We take their rucksacks with water bottles everywhere we go, but when we stopped for a drink we realised they'd both finished most of their water in the car on the way... so we had to ration it!

The trek was worth it, though! The last bit was down a very steep uneven path, and coming around a bend we saw what we'd walked all this way to see: the Upper Pool at Edith Falls.  Just the sight of the water made everyone perk up! It's amazing to see these beautiful, lush places in the middle of such arid, thirsty land. 

A view over the falls from a lookout point. The pool we were heading for is below the top fall.

It's a great place to swim and cool down and the water is clear, fresh and drinkable.  We hadn't brought any bathers with us, but who needs them in this climate? We still had the other half of the walk to go to get back to the picnic ground and our wet clothes would dry on us as we walked and help to keep us cool! 

The way back seemed much quicker.  It was downhill most of the way, we were refreshed from our swim and the children were happy!  It helped, too, to know that lunch was awaiting us at the end of the trail!

Looking out over this view Arthur said "It's like we're inside a map or a painting."

You see these spindly trees with yellow flowers everywhere- I'll have to find out what they are!.

I Googled it nd found out it is kapok.
 http://www.expedition360.com/australia_lessons_environmental/2001/10/flora_of_the_tropical_karst_la.html

We've had a relaxing afternoon, but we'll have to start thinking about getting things packed for our drive to Darwin tomorrow.  I'll miss this place- I could easily have spent several weeks here!

PS. Sorry, Tim- no reptiles or road trains today, but I'll do my best!