Jack and the Jets

It was the holidays so the team played 2 down with some Under 8s helping out.  Jack was playing in the forward line and did not have a lot to do in the first half.  He was able to spend quality time with friends.

However the boys picked up the pace and the Jets only went down by 2 points against Norwood.  When the ball came hear him, Jack did well including this great chest mark and followup long kick.  The Coach was happy with him.

Justin in for Surgery

It is a difficult day.  Justin is back in hospital having more surgery today to de-bulk the brain tumor which has been causing him problems recently.

Football - James

It was the shortest day of the year, the sun was low and the light was harsh so the photo opportunities were limited.  The Jets did not have a great day and were well beaten despite a strong start.  James played well and kicked a great goal almost from the boundary.

Jack - Football

Jack had another good game on Sunday morning.  He played well and clearly enjoyed the whole experience. On top of that he won one of the Coach's Awards and he won the raffle! He's in the money now.

James Basketball

James and his team have played together a lot and it shows on the court.  The game was fast and skillful.  They were pushed by the opposition but it was a great game to watch.

Ebony's Final

Ebony played in a semi on Saturday and although they lost, the team could not be disappointed with the progress they have made this season.  It was a new team this year and initially had some difficulty getting their rhythm but have finished the season as a tight unit. 

Pat - Basketball

Back from the north to the cold of Melbourne. we headed off to see Pat play.  He is one of the better players on the team and seems to get a little better each week.

Heading Home

The boat almost felt like it was on rails as we crossed the Timor Sea.  The Skipper had only seen it this flat on one other occasion so there were no complaints.  At Darwin we piled into "tinnies" with our luggage and then to local accommodation.

Guess what we had for the evening meal? Yep - seafood!

Then it was off south from the warmth and humidity to the cool, crisp Melbourne winter evening. Quite a contrast.

Off to Darwin

We spent a little time on the King George River on our last evening in the Kimberley.

In the morning we sailed for the river mouth to be there when the tide was high enough to cross the sand bar.

After a final wander around on one of the beaches, we sailed for a full day to Darwin on amazingly calm seas.

King George River and Falls

One of the major highlights of a Kimberley tour is sailing up the magnificent King George River for an early morning arrival at the Falls.

Being later in the season the Falls were almost dry.

The boat was anchored for an overnight stay.

For those interested, there was a solid climb to the head of the falls.

and a swim in the river above.

Ancient Art

Befitting the ancient landscape, we called in at Vansittart Bay and in some open caves not far from the shoreline we were able to see examples of Bradshaw Art.  This work has been dated at between 20,000 and 40.000 years old. Completed before the last Ice Age on earth.  The locals call it "Gwion Gwion" or the art of the people before people.  As they have no connection with the art it is not particularly valued in their culture.

Fascinating Art

At Bigge Island. there are a number of shallow  caves close to the shoreline.

These caves contain some amazing and detailed art.

We could not find an explanation for this well endowed gentleman.

 but the depiction of the early Europeans with their sailing ships and pipes was quite clear.

The Magnificent Wilderness

P.P.King, one of the early explorers of the Kimberleys, mapped the coastline in a tiny cutter called the Mermaid.  In need of repair in 1820, he beached the vessel at Careening Bay on this rock beach for 3 months.

He carved the name into a (then much younger) Boab tree.  The inscription remains today.
HMC Mermaid 1820.

Then it was off up the Hunter River and Perosus Creek to see the mangroves, do a little fishing and pull in some Mud Crabs for dinner.

Happy Hour was spent on the creek so we could mingle with the locals.