We have been here in Nhulunbuy for four weeks now and expect to be here for another four. We are spending the time with family as we don’t see them very often. Before the Northern Territory, they lived in Victoria. Tommy was born in Melbourne. As I’ve mentioned before, Vanessa is a nurse at the hospital and Kyran works several casual jobs – at the mine and on the pilot boats – around Vanessa’s roster and Tommy’s kindergarten. With us staying in our caravan in their back yard, Kyran can accept more work and we can look after Tommy. Both Kyran and Vanessa work long hours and work hard. We are more than happy to look after Tommy and Skylar, the kelpie. There are so many stunning beaches just a short drive from home, its easy!

When one or both have a day off, they seem very happy to have a day out at scenic spots a bit further out. Yesterday, Vanessa was recovering from night shift but Kyran took us out to meet some of his friends at Giddy River, about 55kms from town. We packed the esky and headed off around 10am back along the Central Arnhem Road dirt track until the turnoff.

Giddy River is gorgeous, a little oasis in the dust and bush. I was hoping it would be a fresh water river and safe from crocodiles but the usual sign, warning of crocs was there for everyone to see.

We met up with Drew, Sam, Talei and Lincoln plus some of their family visiting from Carnarvon and Kununurra. We set up our picnic in one of the camping areas and wandered down to paddle in the clear, shallow water.

After the traditional camp fire and barbecue lunch, we took off to Scout Camp not far away. Once again, this was a beautiful little spot with camping areas and a toilet. We strolled down to the river where the kids and dogs, in particular, played in the clear shallow fresh water. This time it was fresh water so I felt it was safer.

Once again, we had a fabulous day. Everyone had lots of fun and these impromptu picnics and get together are a regular thing up here in Nhulunbuy. We got a message tonight that we are all catching up tomorrow evening for prawns and drinks over a camp fire for sunset! Something else to look forward to.