Day 139 - Tuesday 16 May - Mataranka Springs

Day 139

Tuesday

16 May 2017

Mataranka

I have a fuzzy head, too much wine might be the culprit, could also be the heat. No air con last night made for a sweaty evening and it stayed with us for quite awhile before a slightly cooler change came and I needed the blanket.

We eventually pulled open the eyes and crawled out of bed at 8.45am, oh it was slow.

I threw open all of the windows in the hope of cooling the inside of the van just a little. We had breakfast and then Paul set up his fishing rod, while I swanned about. When he was ready, we piled into the car and drove out to 12 Mile boat ramp on the Roper River, about 10min away. Paul decided it was a good spot to drop in his line, so we set up on the bank.

Some dogs made there way through the bush and high-tailed it when they saw us, we didn’t see owners so it was possible they were wild. I was disappointed that the walk to the falls was closed, but also relieved, as it is an 8km return hike and I don’t think my head was up to it.

Unfortunately the barramundi weren’t biting and all Paul did was give up a lure when it snagged. There were plenty of little arrow fish and some decent jumps and ripples around us, but nothing wanting to take the bait, so we packed up and went on our way, firstly checking the bush campground they have here, just in case we need it on our return.

We made our way to the other thermal spring in Mataranka “Bitter Springs”. This is not like the one at the homestead as it is a natural pool that snakes itself along for a few hundred meters, but it was just as beautiful. The crystal clear water looked so inviting, but unfortunately we didn’t have our bathers with us. We walked the 900m perimeter; checking out the water lilies, watching others enjoy the swim and an egret searching for a meal.

Once back at the car, we returned to the van for lunch and an early afternoon rest, as we read lying on the bed and trying not to expend too much energy in the heat.

I eventually decided it was time to take a dip, so on came the bathers and off we trekked through the palm forest and into the water, a welcome relief. There were plenty there doing the same, though I can imagine this place becomes quite packed during the high season.

We enjoyed our bob around, this time we swam around to the other stairwell before hopping out. It became quite deep in the middle and even Paul was submerged underwater as he tried to touch the bottom.

We wandered back to the van and readied the car for tomorrow’s move, putting it back on the trailer. The noisy peacock returned, this time I thought he was going to come in the van when I opened the door, it certainly wasn’t fazed by us in any way.

I enjoyed the stillness outside reading my book, it was quite steamy outside and Paul was feeling it. As was the case yesterday, it was much cooler outside and Paul soon joined me. We hung out reading and watching the wildlife. I read up on our next destination, Katherine and then at 4.40pm we made our way to Maluka's Bar for the happy hour and the free internet.
Fortunately it was fairly quick and I was able to load photos onto FB, but for some reason not on the blog, which was frustrating.
We stayed at the bar for an hour taking advantage of happy hour once again though I wasn't enjoying it quite as merrily as yesterday. At 6.30pm, Paul returned to the van to start dinner while I finished up the last bit of stuff on the net and then joined him.
We ate our meal before spending some time talking to our neighbours. At 8pm we decided to head to the springs for an evening dip. I was expecting others to be there, but we had the place to ourselves. It was actually quite unnerving as it was so black and our torch wasn't the most powerful. Frogs jumped about before us and noises could be heard with in the palm forest.
We eventually sat ourselves on the stone staircase, deep enough for me to be submerged, but I can't say I was overly relaxed, every movement and noise was making me jumpy and it wasn't long before I was looking to head back. The setting however, was very pretty.When the eyes adjusted you could make out the palm tree silhouettes above us and the carpet of sparkling starry diamonds that penetrated the gaps as well as the little bats flying above. It really was magical.
We made our way out of the water, still in one piece and wandered back to the van ready for bed.