Darwin

We’ve been in Darwin for a few days now. Trevor has spent a lot of tie on the phone to different caravan people. At this point we are going to wait until Monday, when our Coromal service man is getting in touch with a winch mob up here who might be able to fix our van.


So we’ll wait to see what Monday brings!


We’ve been staying with my school friend Dee and her family in Darwin. Their home is beautiful, and having the chance to shower and get really clean in our own new bathroom has been heavenly. Max and Harry are getting along well with 4 year old Riley who has reignited their interest in Lego. The three of them have been very busy creating!!


Trevor and I have been a bit stunned by this change in our plans – I think having the caravan break, followed by a wonderful but hurried drive across a long distance, followed then by the long drawn out negotiations as to what is happening with our van has drained us both. Trevor has, as always, been fantastically methodical when solving this problem. I am so lucky to have him! But even his usually unshakeable self has found this hard.
Yesterday we got out of the house and went exploring. First we went to the World War II oil tunnels that were made by lots of hard work with picks and shovels during 1942. We followed up with a wander around the new waterfront development. We went to the convention centre and found the wharf.

View across to the Darwin Wharf

Max and Harry at the Waterfront

Harry and Max hanging around outside Darwin Convention Centre

We talked to Max and Harry about Cyclone Tracey that had ravaged Darwin in December 1974. It meant a lot more old we found the old Town Hall ruins. The building was completed in the 1880s and survived so much, including the 1942 bombings of Darwin, but was destroyed by Cyclone Tracey. The ruins still show how solid the rock walls were, so the boys could get a more tangible idea of how strong the cyclone was.

Trevor and Harry at the Town Hall Ruins

Max showing how wide the stone walls are

We drove out to the Museum which was tucked away about 5km out of town. Max was fascinated by the ‘Cyclone Tracey’ exhibition, while Harry enjoyed some of the Aboriginal Art and then loved the ‘Kids’ Discovery Centre’ where he and I drew, examined bones, used a microscope, made “ancient buildings" with foam blocks and finally curled up with a book. It was a lovely way to finish our afternoon.


Last night we attended ‘Marrara on Show’ where Riley’s school (which is also where Dee used to teach before having Riley) had an open night. We met Riley’s lovely teacher, and Riley showed us the important parts of his classroom (including where he hangs his bag, his tray and the mat where he makes cardboard box constructions!). We also watched a year 8 drama performance and had a delicious dinner!


Today the boys have gone to a water park with Trevor while I stay home and wash and bake. This was my choice – I am enjoying some peace in Dee’s beautiful home that overlooks a lake and golf course…


We hope to see Trevor’s cousin Tamara this afternoon and on Sunday, head to the famous Darwin Markets.