The Darwin Connection
Early days in Darwin, and my research about
Collet Barker and the remote early settlement at Raffles Bay has not really
begun yet, apart from a brief chat with some librarians and some notes, and some
explorations into how to get to Croker Island, putting me in the proximity to
Raffles Bay. One possibility? Barges, which leave from Darwin to deliver goods
to these remote islands. Brother Max and Sharyn leave for South Africa on
Monday, and that's when my job really begins. Here's what I have been up to so
far.
Hours after arriving at 2 am, and watching
Gilchrist smash 149 runs towards winning the world cup, we were off to Kakadu.
Brother Dean, Max and I went on the Yellow Waters boat cruise through Kakadu wet
lands.
My brother's wife Sharyn mentors
Aboriginal small business operators in Kakadu, so we were privileged to go on a
walking bush tour with Violet, a traditional owner with a gentle pride in her
knowledge of country and the use of the foods and the plants for traditional
weaving.Later that day we inspected
some of the fantastic and comprehensive rock art sites in Kakadu, firstly at
Nourlangie, and then at the Ubirr site not far from Cahill's crossing, the fjord
which marks the entry into Arnhem Land.
Just a few more good bye dinners and
BBQs, and Max and Sharyn will be off on their African oddessy, and the search
for Collet Barker will continue. Cheers for now.
Posted: Fri - May 4, 2007 at 11:14 AM
