The drive along the ‘track’ was challenging. The recent heavy rains had caused washouts and pot poles everywhere. With Kyran in front of us, we weren’t too concerned; we knew he would have eveverything he needed to get us out of trouble. The drive to the turnoff to Blue Mud Bay was around 200kms then 60kms in on a gravel and corrugated track. It took us about five hours but that was towing our vans and stopping occasionally to give the children a break. But it was worth every kilometre.

Blue Mud Bay is a partly enclosed bay on the western side of the Gulf of Carpentaria. It lies close to Baniyala homeland. The Baniyala Garrangali Aboriginal Corporation operates the camping area where we were staying. There appeared to be five camping sites offering direct access to the beach, fresh water and a fireplace. There was also a ‘drop toilet’ and showers. We were very impressed given the remoteness of the place.

It didn’t take us long to set up camp and head off to explore the area. There was only John and myself, Kyran, Vanessa and the children on the first night with friends expected to arrive the following day.

We had four nights booked and we planned to relax, fish, explore and cook over the campfire.

Vanessa and Tommy made cheese, bacon and chive damper in the camp oven for lunch then I made pulled pork for dinner. After sunset John and Tommy toasted marshmallows over the fire. While all this was happening, Joey just chilled out.

We took a drive into Baniyala, hoping the shop might sell ice cream. We were out of luck although they were well stocked with food – just no ice cream nor soft drinks.

The next day, Sam, Drew, Talei and Lincoln arrived, plus Troy, CJ and other people we knew and some we were yet to meet. The Stevens brought their quad bike, and Talei and Lincoln took turns riding Tommy around. Talei spent lots of time with Joey too.

Vanessa had brought a couple of paddling pools for the kids as it was very hot. The big kids loved them almost as much as the little kids!

The days were hot and we went off exploring on the bush tracks and beaches. We did more fishing and still caught nothing!

And there was always cricket! Or making bridges!

But the most stunning part of the day was sunset!

What a fabulous few days and a magnificent and memorable way to end our time in East Arnhem. Thank you Kyran, Vanessa, Tommy, Joey, the Stevens, the Griffiths, the Gales, Sue Fraser and everyone else who contributed to making our six months in Nhulunbuy so wonderful.