It has been almost a week since we’ve been able to catch an episode of The Shield, and Bec has been having withdrawal symptoms for the last couple of days. So we stayed up until late last night, I think finally switching the idiot box off at around 2:00AM, having sat through 3 episodes. By the time we were done, it felt like I had sand paper lining my eyelids, such was my weariness.

Of course, we only sat up so late, because we knew we could have a sleep in this morning, not having anything organized until early this afternoon. Although, even though I was awake by 10:00AM, my body wasn’t functioning, as my brain tried to play catch up. I was still exhausted, so we spent the morning doing as little as possible. In fact, having to get up to get a bite to eat for breakfast, was probably the sole reason we even extricated ourselves from under the covers, and it wasn’t too long after our cereal bowls were empty and stacked in the sink that we returned to the comfort of the bed to watch a bit more tele.

It was 1:00PM by the time we started to stir again, getting ready to go out, then taking the dogs for a walk. By the time we returned to the van with the dogs, Bethany was suffering from her decision to have a run in the heat of the day. Her tongue was lolling about, and she was panting noisily as we sprayed her with water and aimed the fan at her to cool her down.

Liz and Greg arrived right on time, with no confusion today, at 2:00PM, for the drive out to where the Arnhem Highway crosses the Adelaide River. It is from here that our scheduled jumping crocodile cruise is due to depart. I had my fingers crossed that we would see some crocs today, as we’ve done a crocodile spotting cruise with Liz and Greg previously, on which the crocs were more than elusive. I don’t want to be getting a reputation for organizing dodgy crocodile cruises on which the main attraction remains hidden and out of sight.

The Gang get ready to go crocodile spotting.

I need not have worried today. Embarking upon the Adelaide River Queen II, a two level barge with an open air top deck, we snaffled some seats right at the bow on the upper deck, and no sooner had we left the jetty, than the ominous black shapes of living logs were making their way towards the boat. There were dozens of crocodiles stealthily slinking through the opaque brown water. The large population of local crocodiles are well versed with the timetable of the boat. They know all too well that coming over to the boat and putting on a performance will most likely lead to getting a feed. Thus we were only minutes into our hour long cruise when the deck hand dangled a chunk of fresh pork out over the side of the boat, on a long bamboo pole, looking like an angler waving about an oversized fishing rod.

True to their name, the crocodiles jump vertically out of the water, savagely snapping at the meat that is dangling just out of their reach, until such time that it is deemed they have put on a suitably exciting show for the passengers. This jumping routine is said to be a natural instinct, however as hard as I looked along the shores, I saw no chunks of meat hanging naturally from the riverside brush. A half a dozen or so crocs managed to muscle in on the show, each getting their just reward of a chunk of meat for dinner, while the boat leaned ominously from one side to the other, depending on what side the action was on, and therefore what side the entire complement of passengers was eagerly hanging out over the gunwales, excitedly trying to get that one spectacular photo of a croc spearing upwards out of the murky brown to grab its prize.

Open wide.

…and away.

Up, up…

Being that all of these creatures are well and truly wild and not some farm bred, display specimens, I noted that they all had battle scars of some sort. A missing nose here, or a lost limb there, they have all managed to adapt and survive. That said, one of the larger males has gone unseen for several weeks now, and the story goes that it might have been his time. By that, I think they meant that he had been killed, rather than finding somewhere cosier to shack up and live out his days.

With all of the fun and excitement of the show, our hour was up before we knew it, and we were soon disembarking, back along the low lying jetty, all the more wary of the number of man eating crocs that could be lurking about beneath us.

Just down the road from the cruise centre, we came to the windows on the wetland interpretive centre and lookout. I had read reviews that suggested that there was not too much to be seen here. Being that we were driving straight on past, we thought it prudent to check it out for ourselves though. The complex housed an interactive display explaining the surrounding area that would be great for children, and a viewing deck that took in the 180^o views. A wafting cloud of ashen smoke from a nearby back burning operation hampered the views today however, but it was still worth the effort.

The self proclaimed world famous Humpty Doo Hotel was our next stop, for a hot meal and a cold beer. I had made sure that I rang through to book a table for us, but when we walked in, it seemed a booking might not have been required after all. We were the only people there, and once the waitress finally emerged from a back room, she admitted that she was thankful for something to do. The menu wasn’t overly inspiring, but we all managed to find a dish to order and the meals that made there way out to the table were better than the menu would have had us believe. I was envious of the sky high burger that Liz ordered, but hadn’t been able to help myself, ordering the mixed grill which featured crocodile, barramundi, buffalo and pork. Lets just say that it was something different and while I won’t be rushing back for more crocodile, the jury is still out on the buffalo meat. It was in the form of a patty, so wasn’t as tough as boot leather like I had been advised, and had an indescribably strong flavour that I’m still not too sure about.

By the time we had finished eating and were ready to be on our way again, the bistro had filled to capacity, and I was glad that I had booked after all. For an out of the way little country pub, it really trades on its tourism status, as the bulk of the diners looked like travellers.

We were back at the van by 7:00PM, and ready for a good nights sleep. We’ve got an early morning and a big day planned for tomorrow. Check in tomorrow night to read all about it.

Until next time, stay safe, have fun and don’t forget to write.