Our New Adventure - Part 2

 Day 6

Sailing amongst the crocs.

We had an early start in Hunter's River. It is an extremely remote region mainly visited by sports fishermen, wilderness cruises and scientists, apart from the indigenous people who live in the area. There are several channels to the Hunter River, the lower reaches of most being heavily fringed with mangrove swamps hosting large populations of Saltwater crocs.

Our zodiac cruise along the river encountered a number of croc sightings. Up close and personnel with a couple just chilling out on the rocks thinking how yummy we look 

There were also sightings of bird life to distract us from the hungry critters

Back onboard, into the jacuzzi with the mandatory cocktail to ease the back pain from the zodiac. That was followed by a fitting of the snorkelling gear for the next day's adventure.

Dinner had a Thai theme which was followed by a game of 'liar, liar' (the team had to guess who was lying from the 4 on stage). Clearly we could tell a liar from a mile away as we took out the prize. A Seabourn cap. 😜. 

To bed after a very successful day.

Day 7

Today we anchored at Ashmore Reef. The Marine Park is a sanctuary for seabirds, shorebirds, marine turtles, dugongs and many other marine species. Each year over 100,000 seabirds breed here on 3 tiny islands. 

 Once again we were greeted with a warm day and sunshine, There was a slight breeze and swell. Snorkelling the reef was on the agenda. So around 1 pm we jumped into the zodiac for a short trip to the Reef. A slight challenge with the swell and choppy surface but still a great adventure. Mainly for Julie as my back pain returned so I went back to the zodiac after about 10 mins.

No cameras so I have included a couple of photographs from our Seabourn photographer on what was below the waves.

Back onboard just after 2 pm and into the jacuzzi to relieve the back pain (a glass of Guinness also helped 😊).  Then off to trivia (came 3rd 👆) and dinner.

The food onboard is very good, however Julie does need to remind them that she likes her meals HOT.

Wandering around the ship and there is never a crowd. Not sure what they all are doing. Resting a lot I expect - after all there are a lot of senior citizens onboard and being of that age I don't think there is a lot of 'loving' going on. 😊

Day 8

Once again, a warm and calm day. We were in Vansittart Bay which is a small remote bay of about 30 square kilometres and features beaches and a WW2 aircraft wreck.

The morning was a quick zodiac trip ashore to see the WW2 wrecked aircraft that crashed landed just after the bombing of Darwin.

On the beach and the scrub were a multitude of wild life scurrying around.

The afternoon was another wet landing followed by a rock climb on a very warm day to see some rock art. We elected not to go and decided to sit around the pool to prepare for our caviar and vodka sail away.

Evening meal had an Indian theme. Very nice.  Julie stayed to listen to music, but I chose an early night.

Day 9

We arrived at King George River early morning. Once again, sunshine, warmth and calm seas.

The River plunges over an ancient sandstone cliff into tidal waters creating an outstanding spectacle of the Falls which is Western Australia's highest twin waterfalls. 

Unfortunately we arrived in the dry season so the Falls had minimal water although the place is still magnificent. 

The zodiac trip up to the Falls and back was roughly 2.5 hrs. Our trip was late afternoon so the morning was spent around the pool soaking up the sunshine. Then into the zodiac.

The scenery was outstanding with the changing colours of the cliffs and the height 

And along the way there was always the mandatory croc lying around - waiting. 😋

We came across one monster. The biggest sighting so far. Our zodiac driver thought we would enjoy getting close up and personnel 😱

Onward towards the Falls

Arriving at the Falls

The water flow was not great but it gave us the opportunity to get much closer

And discovered creatures hiding in the crevices

And flying around

Before heading back we were treated to a glass of champagne and a song from the Cruise Director (fantastic voice and terrific acoustics in the Falls)

And one more croc before boarding

This expedition has been the highlight of the trip so far!!!!

Back onboard for a rest and more cocktails followed by a bit of backgammon after dinner (Julie won). My mood was a bit dark at this point as Sydney was being beaten by Collingwood 😖. So up to the lounge to drown my sorrows.

And then all changed. I was informed that Sydney actually won in the dying minutes of the game 😁. I sat down next to a Collingwood supporter.

I was very happy.

That night I slept very well.

Day 10

A day at sea before arriving in Darwin that evening. I awoke and watched a replay of the Swans game to set me on a happy road for the day at sea. Our trivia team gathered for the final round and came away victorious. 

Lunch, more sunshine and jacuzzi with the mandatory refreshments.

Another sunset with caviar on the pool deck.

Dinner that night and farewell to friends we have met who will be disembarking in Darwin. Nightcap in the lounge and then to bed.

Day 11

A day in Darwin. I got off the ship early to feel land under my feet. A hot day is predicted so wandered through the town to pick up a few essentials.

The new guests arrived and boarded. We had to go through the process of going ashore and then turn around to go through immigration and re-boarded.

Back on board and an evening dinner on the pool deck with an Aussie theme. Meat pies followed by lamb all the while listening to Johnny Farnham ion the background.

A bit of dancing on the pool deck as we sailed towards Indonesia (no more crocs)

So ended our first leg of the journey.

Stay tuned.