Big Trip

Our last day with Sab today. Started with a rocky walk in to Jim Jim falls, which was probably te most challenging thing we'd done, especially in the heat. Passed our first guide, Mike, coming the other way with another group. Passed a wide creek with a croc trap (gulp!) though Sab said there's never been anything in it. Not sure whether that means that there aren't any crocs, or just that they're too smart... Rewarded with a beautiful sandy beach in a cove at the side of the valley with a lovely cool pool, morning tea and cake. We all had a good dip - Sarah stayed with the children, and I swam through some disconcertingly black water to get a look at the plunge pool, some 216m below the top of the falls. There wasn't a great deal of water coming over the falls, but enough to inspire a little awe at least. It's a great setting, at the head of a steep-sided sandstone valley, with the stone the (male) aboriginal colours: reds, yellows, black & whites. Back to the truck after another swim, where Sab estimated the temperature at 37-38 degrees. It doesn't feel as hot in the bush as in Darwin, because the heat's drier here, where Darwin is much more muggy.
Drove on to Maguk, where the walk in was much trickier - smaller rocks, more difficult footing, and the setting not quite so inspiring. Good falls, but not as nice a pool to sit by & have lunch. Max & Erin took a little convincing to get into the water, because it was pretty dark & not as clear as any of the other pools we've been to, but once convinced, they were back to bombing from the rocks.
Finally, a long drive back to Darwin with a quick stop for fuel & chips on the way, and the prospect of a day washing & packing again, catching up on blogging, and reflecting on what has been an amazing three days. It's certainly unlike anything we've ever done before, and will easily be one of the most memorable bits of the trip for some time to come. Just hope the photos are as good as the memories.
We leave for Port Douglas at 6am, which means a 4.45am pick up. Early to bed tonight, methinks.