16/09/09

WWII airstrip

Hot and sunny yet again. I was expecting a short ride toady. I set off from Mataranka around 9am and headed for Katherine Gorge. After arriving at the gorge I had a look at where the action was at. The camp site looked unwelcoming and the canoe hire was expensive, so I decided to move on. A quick look at the map and I made the decision to ride up to Batchelor. Batchelor looked a bit like Katherine on the map, waterfalls, lagoons and boat hire.

On the way up I diverted to a place called Edith. I had to call in at this place as my grandma was called Edith. I stopped, had my tin of sardines and got back on the road. Every now and again I would come to a WWII site of interest, maybe an airstrip, camp, mill, hospital etc.

I eventually ended up at the place called Batchelor. A scruffy camp site with a pool was chosen and I pitched my tent. I got talking to Al Hildred and his wife, who were from just outside Brisbane. Al was taking his wife on a tour of Australia, she only has 6 months to live, lung cancer, non smoker. Al had seen my bike and wanted to know more about my trip. He even invited me to stay at his place if/when Ii/we return back to Oz. lights out at 9.45.

WWII mill