For Daryl Darwin has been a trip down memory lane. He worked on a contract up here 15 years ago, setting up a mango packing operation. He was keen to show us all his old haunts, like the Humpty Doo Hotel. His enthusiasm revealed how much he had enjoyed his time here. He was pleased to find the caretaker, Paul, was still on site. Paul also works for Paspaley Pearls, the largest pearling operation in the world and based in Darwin. He took us to the engineering workshop and gave us a great insight into the whole operation. With some pearl necklaces having pricetags in the millions, single pearls in the thousands, even with Paul’s 50% discount offer Daryl didn’t get excited about buying me one!!!
We have enjoyed our time here. Locals have been friendly and helpful. The sunrises and sunsets have been amazing. Mindel Beach Markets has been a favourite - balmy evening, a chiller with wine, gorgeous sunset, literally hundreds of food choices and good company – what more could one want!!! We were lucky enough to be here for Northern Territory Day and the fireworks display was the best I’ve ever seen.
We also have utilized the time to get all the last minute provisioning done for our journey ahead. I am well aware of how little western food will be available to us in the next 6 months. I’m sure the boat’s waterline has dropped a few inches. One thing is for sure – we won’t starve!!! Daryl’s just raced off to buy some canvas to make a rain cover for the front cabins and to get himself a waterproof parka. With sunshine here day after day we are inclined to forget that we are going into the wet season in Indonesia.
With 135 boats leaving on the rally it has been a busy time of renewed acquaintances and meeting many new cruisers. Information about Indonesia has been confusing and the only thing that is clear is that nothing is simple, so we need to chill out and see what evolves. Ashore you can feel the excitement in the air. The shoreline a sight with the most dinghies I’ve ever seen in one place.
