Site Title

Blog 0041 Darwin, Day 2.

Day 51 of 102. Half-way.

I do feel slightly fragile after last night! But one needed to make the most of our now few hours left in Darwin. Jo suggested a trip on the Big Bus Darwin. And for once, we almost completed the circuit, enabling quite a decent tour of a modern and still developing city. Darwin, population around 150,000 is attractive, and one could enjoy a two week vacation here, apart from the horrendously long flight and connecting flights or other transport.

There are several coastal pathways as well as the Esplanade.

Interesting multicoloured pebbles are to be found here.

View from the beach to where one can walk for several miles. Note that the trees are being blown by Force 7 winds.

The remains of this tree had drifted in just two or three days previously, making an interesting item to photograph.

The two seasons here are monsoon, which we are in now, and the dry season where night temperatures can drop to 13°C overnight. Jo’s agenda was shopping, mine, procuring some Aussie currency, replacing my written-off cargo shorts, and adding to my summer wardrobe in general. I think this was probably better than trying to cram in various museums in the short time available. I do feel that many port departures could be later, tide and other conditions permitting.

Beach and sea view, Darwin, 2nd March 2023.

18.34 hrs. My posh watch has adjusted one hour ahead of the official time in Darwin, and I suspect this anomaly may occur quite frequently as I travel through various time zones. This is something to do with the signals received from various satellites. It’s a good job that the satellite navigation on my car is more predictable.

I did get my Aussie Dollars, also a pair of blue cargo shorts, and t-shirts. Jo bought presents for her neighbour’s children…again! My only regret was not retracing my steps of 2019 along the Esplanade. However, the phenomenal skyscapes of four years ago did not materialise in 2023. But it still would have been a nice walk (without bags of shopping!)

Again, we are delayed leaving, this time due to mandatory navigational equipment, which is malfunctioning. Captain Hall went into a long explanation, which was soon way over my head.

A tug has been against the ship most of the day, presumably to prevent QM2 from breaking away from its moorings in the very strong winds that have followed some days of bad/wet weather in Darwin. The winds are F7 but warm, and for me, quite pleasant. Theoretically, it was possible to walk along the Esplanade given the late departure. Everybody is on board. I doubt we shall have a third day in Darwin!

It was very humid all day, but with very little rain. It is all too easy to allow one’s self to become dehydrated. Laden with goodies from various shops, we took the shuttle bus back to the ship; I had a much needed hour or so of shut-eye before going out on to the higher decks, and later, the Promenade Deck to take a few pictures. As with all overnight ports, I shall be sorry to leave.

Jo joined me for a pasta dinner in the Chef’s Galley, an alternative to the Kings Court Buffet. We then went to the 10.15 pm. show in the Royal Court Theatre. She then retired for the evening while I ventured up to the Promenade Deck to watch as QM2, having slipped her moorings, was leaving Darwin, finally. I took some final pictures, some of which are below.