Paddy & Jen Adventures

We have really noticed the changing landscape and it is so beautiful to see so much green.  Having spent 5 months in drought conditions in SA we are really loving the difference.  The tropical conditions mean we are experiencing hotter day and night temperatures. 

The long stretches of road, with few towns between also seems to be changing the closer we make our way towards Darwin.  We checked out the town of Pine Creek mid-morning, then had another great stopover in a place called Adelaide River, where we visited the war cemetery.  This was such a special place, so well maintained and where we learnt so much more about the bombing of Darwin by the Japanese in 1942. (during WWII). So many lives lost but uniquely remembered in this special place.  Well worth a stop to show your respect to those who died protecting our beautiful country.  Shed a few tears just thinking how war really is so senseless. 

We detoured off the main highway for a 3 night stay at a bush campsite just outside the Litchfield National Park.  A fun little hipcamp called Litchfield Bush Sites, so close to everything there is to see.  No power, no internet, just us.  We set up camp in the heat then headed to Wangi Falls for a swim.  My croc fear has obviously decreased as we jumped straight in and swam out to the falls.  It felt like we were genuinely in heaven (either that or a scene from Jurassic Park!).   We ended the day by taking in the beauty of sunset, whilst sitting around the camp fire together. 

I think it is important to point out that life on the road is not always amazing like it may appear in our pictures, videos and as my blog may suggest. We live in a very small van and are in very close proximity to each other nearly 24/7.  Not every day is perfect, far from it.  We have our own little frustrations, we have lives outside of the van that have ups and downs and travelling together we always need to find time for our own space.  We have been on the road one whole year now and just like any relationship or any place you make home, we have had to adjust.  I also think van life highlights my misophonia worse – I can hear too clearly Paddy brushing his teeth, eating his cereal, munching on a snack!!!!  My issue not his, but definitely forgot to take that in to consideration when I agreed to travel indefinitely in a van with the love of my life!! Ah the serenity…

Lucky we have so many places outside the van to explore.  Litchfield NP has been a highlight for rock holes, waterfalls and walks.  The NP is 120km’s south of Darwin and well worth a visit.  The swimming areas were an absolute highlight for us – especially Florence Falls & Buley Rock holes.

Next stop for us is Darwin to catch up with family friends, explore the city and finally get some overdue dust repairs done to our little home on wheels.