We know another update already - but we had to share our excitment - Day 15-17

Day 15 (31/5) - Mataranka
The kids spent all morning updating their journals (they weren't happy about writting for so long but we reminded them that the alternative was a full day of school work!). Chris tweaked things on the car (like refitting a loose number plate from the water pressure through creek crossings) and I caught up on washing.
We spent the afternoon swimming at the Mataranka thermal pools as well as the Bitter springs. The water is clear and warm (around 32 degrees - so just warm enough for me!!) and the kids loved it.
The night ended with another nice camp fire and a family game of pictionary.

Mataranka thermal pools

 Bitter springs thermal pools

Day 16 (1st June) - Mataranka to Katherine
Leaving the Elsey National Park we stopped in Mataranka to see the Barramundi fish feeding display where we learnt about the Barra's and their habbits (Ryan got to feed one), and to share a massive Mataranka pie.
Only 1 hour drive up the road to Katherine where we are staying at the Low Level caravan park. Mikayla got the surprise of her life finding a friendly Green Tree Frog in her toilet! Had a relaxing afternoon with a swim in the pool and drinks before tea.

Trying to catch the barra during feeding

Amazing terrmite mounds

Mikayla's green tree frog surprise (she had to take a pic)

  

Day 17 (2/6) - Katherine and Tindal
Chris went to visit the CHC base engineer (Scott) at the Tindal RAAF base.

More swimming for the kids this morning (after their journals) at the caravan park. We cant keep them out of the pool even though the locals think it is too cold! After lunch we all went to my kind of pool - another hot
springs! We had a ball sliding down rocks, swimming in the crystal clear water, and laughing at our photos using the waterproof camera.
Late in the afternoon we were very lucky to get the opportunity to catch a ride in the CHC helicopter at Tindal RAAF base while they completed a regular pilot check flight (many thanks CHC crew, we loved the opportunity, local commentary and views).

 The natural slippery dip at the hot springs

Waterproof camera craziness

The Sikorsky S76 Search and Rescue helicopter

Passengers ready to go flying in the chopper

Incredible views

Spectacular waterfall

Take care and stay warm

Love Trudy and Chris xx