Darwin Day four - 

I am handing the reins over to Marty today. Papa went fishing for the day, as we had a relaxing girls day at home. Here are three photos that sum up our day together bubbaloo...

Park

Cooling off the cheeky pup

Couch cuddles

Over to Marty -

Today I went on the quest to catch the almighty salt water barramundi on the winding Finnis River. To start the day I was picked up at 4.45am by 2 crocodile Dundee lookalikes which had a total of 8 teeth and 1 ponytail between them. 

It was 2 hours of driving through the highways and scrub, watching the sun rise and seeing dingoes and wallabies scampering between the termite mounds.

We set off from Dundee Beach to reach the river. After getting towed into the water by a tractor we nearly ran over a dugong as we set out to sea at a robust 30 knots.  After copping a few litres of salt water from the waves, we reached the river.

We then cruised the river for hours, trawling our lures for barra, within the first hour, my ponytailed friend Steve-o has already landed a couple, measuring 60 – 70cm (under 50cm – you have to throw back), whilst I looked on in dismay. Not to worry though, there was always something Darwinian to keep me entertained, flocks of giant Brolgas (cranes) flying overhead, 2 inch long bright yellow wasps buzzing round my head, or just listening to my counterparts spinning yarns about sharks and 25ft stingrays they had encountered…then BANG!! A mighty barra took my lure, we battled…the mighty fish tired as he would jump a foot out of the water in an attempt to lose the hooks, and I reeled him in toward the boat. As we pulled him aboard I was able to gauge his size for the first time…we measured him… 40cm…sigh…legally bound to throw him back I gave him a cuddle and released him…size doesn’t matter when you catch your first barramundi (apparently) and there were cheers and handshakes all-round, and a warm beer was popped in celebration.

As the hours wore on I would battle other fish, many getting the better of my inexperience and weak wrists, eventually I would land a 60cm barra which was much more satisfying (and legal). 

After lunch my constant watch for crocodiles was finally rewarded, a 4m saltie appeared a few metres from the boat (6m long), as we watched, it watched us, our boat drifted on…BANG! The boat came to a sharp stop as we ran onto a rock platform cm’s below the surface of the water, I looked back toward the croc, he had disappeared underwater. The boat was now perched on a rock, swaying back and forth as the engine was unable to propel us forward or backward. We were metres from any land or trees, our driver Roscoe sweared bravely as he punched the motor throwing up plumes of muddy water as we attempted to get free.  I looked at the beer in my hand, wondering what type of character I would be in this real life horror movie, “I gotta get outta here, Im not going in that water, im not out of order, you’re out of order, I got a wife and kids man, ahhhhh!!”

After a few minutes of weight passenger shifting and stationary water donuts, we broke free of the rocks, I breathed a sigh of relief.

Over the next few hours, I battled and lost a few more barra as Steve-o continued to reel em in, we cruised the river soaking up the sun.  As the afternoon wore on we decided to call it a day, the final Barra count – Marty: 2  , Steve: 11, age and experience definitely won out on the day. Highlights of the rest of the day were; getting salt-water-boarded over 30mins as we went back out to sea to reach home, watching the other fisherman marveling over the barra as we cut the fillets (large German man licking lips: “Look at the flesh, beautiful animal”), watching creeks fill and the road flood due to <5mins of heavy rain, admiring the mushrooming clouds on the horizon as the sun set, and finally bringing home about 6 kgs of freshly caught barra fillets to feed Ash & Lola. Good times.

Your papa

Darwin Day three - 

Dear Lola,

As we are staying at a house with two small dogs, every morning is like Christmas for you. You greet the cheeky pups (as we call them) with such enthusiasm that you often land on your bottom from all the excitement.  This is a typical start to our day. Next is to look out the window at the weather. We have fast found out that if the forecast states thunderstorms, (which it has been for the last 3 days) that this is actually code for crystal blue skies, with a faint, distant cloud floating somewhere off on the distant horizon. No thunder or rain feature and  this therefore leaves our day open to all sorts of adventures.

This morning is Parap village markets, a favourite among locals who say they couldn’t survive a weekend without their Saturday morning laksa, satay prawns or fresh tropical smoothie!  We purchase some local art, a cold fruit smoothie & a bib for you to wear whilst consuming the smoothie. Note to self – next time remember the bib! It is humid & hot and we only stay for a little while. Oh we also buy a fan for a few bucks to cool you down. 

Cooling off at the markets

For the afternoon we have booked a jumping croc river cruise – as you do on a lazy, sunny Saturday afternoon. We are so excited to get there that we actually miss the turn on the highway , spend long minutes debating whether or not we have missed the turn, before making it there just in time to board our double decker boat. 

Our boat

As soon as we are seated Papa spots the first croc! The adrenaline skyrockets as all three of us keep our eyes peeled & marvel at these incredible animals in the wild.  The next hour is spent cruising down a muddy river, watching as crocs swim toward our boat, tension growing as they spot the goats head dangling over the edge of the boat. Then comes the jumping part. The crocs propel themselves out of the water, rewarded with a tasty treat. Our guides are passionate, ethically responsible & respect the crocs, each of the crocs we spot are named & loved. I must admit watching these powerful creatures jump out of the water is jaw-dropping stuff. Lola you are thoroughly entertained & watch in silence, with an outstretched arm pointing at the croc in case others on board have missed it. 

You are announced best baby to ever board the boat as you remain happy & smiley for the duration of the ride. We are told that other babies /children naturally scream or cry at the sight of the crocs. We aren’t sure whether it’s a good or bad thing that you welcome these animals with open arms and a clap – most probably the latter. This encounter confirms that you are your papa's daughter through & through... perhaps we have a little wildlife warrior in the making.  Steve Irwin would be proud!

At least you have learnt to run now...

 When we arrive home watermelon, water play & a tasty bbq round up yet another incredible day.

Your mama

Darwin Day Two -

With temps hovering in the mid 30's and blue skies galore, it seems that the only thing that is on our minds the most is water! Particularly the question of how one can immerse oneself in water for a prolonged period of time. With a water park wonderland only minutes down the road, we knew where we were headed this morning. This water play was cool in every sense. Lola, you braved the big kids and walked on in as water splashed, poured & wiped you off your feet. Neither the noise or craziness of this place deterred you Lola, as papa and you zoomed down the water slides to my amusement & laughter. And yes once again you made lots of friends and discovered that a hug isn't enough to seal these friendships, but a big kiss is! We caught up with our Darwin family, Ness, Rob & the kids Erin & Andy. You love Erin especially.

The sun drove us home as we re-fueled with a big bbq lunch & a nap.

Onto Howard Springs in the afternoon where on further exploration Papa found it to be nothing more than a haunted, abandoned lagoon guarded by a frilled neck lizard with an old sign declaring "prohibited swimming." We quickly turned away - a little disappointed (although papa was excited by his lizard encounter) & headed to the the safety of Night Cliff swimming pools. True to the name - we swam in a lovely pool perched on the cliffs of Night Cliff beach. From here we headed home to cook some dinner.

Now Lola, when the day ends with you eating a big bowl of spaghetti bolognese naked on the tiled floor, laughing between mouthfuls, we know it has been a good day. A brilliant day at that!

Your mama

Darwin Day One:


Dear Lola,

We left the house at 8am and weren't back home till 6:30pm. Yep, in true Jameson style we sure fitted a lot into day one in Darwin. Berry Springs was first on the cards, as recommended by our friendly Woolies cashier. After a GPS mishap, leading us off our secure highway onto a dusty dirt road without another car in sight and red dirt distorting our vision, we finally arrived. As the only inhabitants of this stunning waterhole we were a little hesitant to jump on in to the crystal blue waters that looked oh so inviting! Images of crocs lying  beneath the surface  filled our minds as the three of us stood in a row motionless, swimmer clad, with sweat slowly dripping down our faces. Our rescue and peace came as another family of five (baby included) waded into the water for a cool off. Only at this time did we dare to dip our toes in, and what we found was a little piece of heaven. We shared the water with slippery rocks (was that a croc head?) and huge fish that nibbled at our toes. Swim, swim, swim we did before we headed off feeling as if this experience alone was worth the trip to Darwin.

Keeping an eye out!

lunch break

But we weren't done exploring yet, as the heat of the day quickly drew us back into our air conditioned car, we headed for Darwin city. Walking along the waterfront with its fountains, manicured gardens, boutique cafes & shops was a welcome surprise as we stopped for a beer by the water. Lola, you snoozed away for over 2 hours in the pram (in 35 degree heat I might add) as we swam in the harbour and soaked up the sights.

Waterfront

refreshments

Home time yet? No not for us. Onto the Mindil beach sunset markets.
Here we strolled the stores, ate a croc kebab & yummy tasting platter (deep fried camembert - is. the. BEST.) As the sun started to set and you my love quite vocally requested your dummy - we knew it was time to call it a day.

croc kebab

Mmmm - felafel

clowning around

Dirty & satisfied we fell into the house, fell into the bath, onto the lounge and into our bed!

Your mama

Dear Lola,

We are on HOLIDAYS! This is what we say as you snuggle in our bed each morning for cuddles. At the sound of these four words you throw yourself back onto the pillows and flap your arms about. It amazes us how aware you are that we are away.

We landed in Darwin (Northern Territory) three days ago. And boy what a big three days of exploring we have done. I'll fill you in.

First we'll start with the flight here:
I must begin by saying you made some lovely Canadian friends at the airport terminal. You cuddled, played peek and boo then sadly waved them farewell as we boarded our plane to Darwin. Four hour flight, which was described by your papa like this - one hour spent sleeping, one hour spent eating sultanas, one hour spent wriggling, and one hour spent in the cabin with the air hostess. All in all you handled your longest flight to date like a frequent flyer.

snoozing on the plane

Your mama










Dear Lola, 

Happy 1st Birthday sunshine.  We had a perfect day surrounded by your nearest & dearest. You laughed, smiled, kissed, cuddled & clapped the day away. Oh and you also ate some delicious treats. Your great oma's penguin waffles were your most favourite. You were so very happy all day long. I'm pretty sure you went to sleep with a big smile on your face - I know I sure did. I made this video for you. We love you more than you know.

Your mama

note: video is best played small, as it is a little fuzzy wuzzy when blown to full screen :)

Letter I wrote to you September 2011

12 months

Dear Lola,

Happy 1^st birthday peachy.

We have sung and danced to this song more times than I could count. As always, this one’s for you precious…

“You are my sunshine, my only sunshine,

You make me happy when skies are grey.

You never know dear how much I love you,

So please don’t take my sunshine away.”

Because of you I’m a grateful, hopeful, flawed, adoring mama, with an endless supply of silly dances and songs, and smothering cuddles and infinite I Love You’s - Lord, how I love you sweet Lola.

Love always,

Your mama x

belle & boo