Time is Flying By!

My days continue to be filled with interesting experiences and at times confronting.  I shift from times of feeling accomplished to feeling out of my depth to moments of despair over the enormity of the health and community dilemmas in this part of Australia.  I continue to fly to Malikapiti on the Tiwi Islands two days a week and visit one day per week to Goulburn and Croker Islands.  There is the odd change to my schedule.  I turned up at the airport one day a few weeks ago to find that I was on the manifest for Palumpa near Port Keats, on the western side of the Top End.  Each community is different.  The clinics are busy so time to wander about is limited but I relish the chance to get out of the clinic, walk in the heat, observe, and see the art centres (at Malikapiti and Goulburn). 

Goulburn Island

Last week on Goulburn Island we arrived to the slaying of a crocodile found at the inlet that morning. After being shot, to my dismay, it was attached to the back of a Ute (pick-up truck) and dragged through the main road of town. I was told the skin was not good enough to be kept but an enviable member of the community is the proud owner of the skull.   The children know they should not play near the water but this "salty" was found only meters from one of the town houses. 

The freshwater enters the ocean just beyond the trees, the spot where the croc was taken. Only a 2 minute walk from the clinic!

Elizabeth's Visit

One of my dearest oldest friends came all the way down under for a visit! What a treat! We had a great time exploring the Top End.

Some highlights were the Territory Wildlife Park, Swimming in the waterholes (pictured is Wangi Falls) at Litchfield National Park (We knew the water had been checked for "salties" but we didn't realise until after that we were sharing our swim with the freshwater crocs.  Eeeek!) We were told they'll only injure you not kill you!

 

Spectacular magnetic Termite Mounds, how bazaar! They look like giant tombstones. And below, a Cathedral Termite Mound.

The Darwin outdoor markets are a wonderful mix of great fresh food and lots of colourful flowing clothing, ornaments and jewelery.  We both loved the fresh paw paw salad. Delicious!  Made from a mix of a thinly sliced gourd-like fruit, with a peanut and paw paw sauce. 

Next blog... John and the kids have begun their long journey to Darwin, some 4000 kilometers, roughly similar to crossing the USA.