The East Alligator River between Kakadu and Arnhem Land

That evening we stayed another night in tented cabins at the eco-lodge in Kakadu. As it was our last night together we had a wonderful time watching a movie showing a very different Kakadu in the Wet Season and stories of the local Aboriginals, and shared reminiscences and stories.

This time we had to watch out for mosquitoes, from which we had been spared for most of our journey. 

Early the next morning we farewelled our hosts and set of back to the East Alligator River that forms a natural border between Kakadu and Arnhem Land. This time we went on a cruise along the river in two small ferries, which were captained by local Aboriginal men from Arnhem Land. This cruise was simply fabulous! 

Along the way we heard all about many of the bushes and trees growing along the river banks that are used for all kinds of purposes, including natural medicines and materials for making various things. Eventually we stopped at a sandy part of the river bank, very carefully hopping off our boats so the many crocodiles lurking in the water could not grab us! There our Aboriginal hosts told us more about the spears they make and how they throw them up at the overhang I showed in my previous post  for practice. They then proceeded to show their prowess by throwing the spears to the opposite river bank, which was some distance away. We loved their delightful sense of humour and all the knowledge they shared with us. They showed great wisdom and depth. 

All in all, it was a very picturesque, thoroughly enjoyable journey. 

After that we visited yet another rock art site before heading back to Darwin. That will be in the next post, as there are many interesting photos arising out of that. 

Our last morning, getting ready to go to the river. This was our little group with Chappy and our four-wheel-drive bus that served us so well.

The next few photos are taken along the river.

This large crocodile had a tracker attached to it,. These are deadly salt water crocodiles - this is a tidal river that opens to the sea,  as explained in a previous post.

Where we stood on the embankment to watch the spear-throwing. The spears were thrown so quickly I could not get a good photo. 

One of our boats.

Unfortunately this was the best photo I could get of our guide.