Palmerston, house sitting

Nightcliff Jetty, sunset

After two weeks at Gary and Jeans we gathered our belongings needed for the house sit and headed into Palmerston suburb of Woodforrde to look after Billy (dog) and Ketuk (cat) while their owners holidayed in Bali.  This was a little closer to Darwin and made it easier for the doctor appointments as both of us needed skin cancers removed.  The timing of the house sit also coordinated with the V8 Supercars in Darwin and a visit from Ursula and Michael from South Australia.

Enjoying a cool off, but Billy still wants to play ball!

Billy was very focused on the ball

Ursula and Michael from Pt Pirie SA visited Darwin for 5 days and was great to catch up with them for a few days.  Managed to get tickets for the AFL Crows v Melbourne game (very exciting finish), visited Mindil Market, dinner at the Trailer Boat Club. Unfortunately their visit was marred by a gunman on a shooting spree - something so foreign to the Darwin lifestyle.

TIO Stadium, Adelaide Crows defeated Melbourne!

Mindil Beach, always a good crowd for the sunset.

Drinks at the Trailer Boat Club.

Supercar truck convoy through Darwin CBD

Hidden Valley Raceway

Hidden Valley, V8 Supercars

After race concert

Nightcliff Jetty, sunset

Karen and Con invited us for dinner at their apartment overlooking Cullen Bay where we enjoyed wonderful food, drinks, hospitality and a fantastic view of the harbour. Sincere thanks to you guys for a great evening.

View of Cullen Bay marina from Con & Karen's balcony

Really loved our housesit and thoroughly enjoyed looking after Billie, who loved playing ball, and Ketuk. Both animals were well behaved and we certainly missed them when we packed up and headed back to Darwin River.  Sandie & Pete arrived on an early flight and looked very tired when they came home so we had a bit of a chat before leaving them to catch up on some sleep.  Had breakfast at Coolalinga Cafe, stocked up on food then drove back our home and settled into van life again.

Caught up with Peter and Cathy from Adelaide at Tumbling Waters Holiday Park where they were staying and enjoyed plenty of talking and laughs. Great to celebrate Territory Day on 1st of July when the Territory celebrates its independence from SA with fireworks.  We joined celebrations at Berry Springs where they put on a brilliant firework display. Brought back great memories of our 4 years living in Darwin with Territory Day being a highlight.  Thought this year we would celebrate in a "controlled" area as against driving around the streets in a "less controlled" environment!!

Drove out to Crab Claw and caught up with Jenny and Frank from Coffin Bay SA who generously supplied us with Crabs and Coffin Bay Whiting!  They did not realise Helen does not like crabs so I was in heaven with my supply!

Sunset at the Ski Club, Darwin.

Had dinner at the Ski Club with some people I worked with in John Holland - not too many people left in Darwin now.  Great to enjoy the balmy evening overlooking the sea with great company.