Barkley Homestead-Darwin

I'm glad I didn't wait around for the boys last night. I went to bed about 11. I went to find the toilet block and pushed all around the camp grounds in the dark, only to find they were locked. Oh yes, that would be the key we got when we checked in. So I just went back to the bar, since that was where the key was. Finally made it to bed and slept until almost 8. The boys (luke Brock and the saddle bronc riders) all stayed up drinking, with the backpackers who worked there, until they got in trouble for making to much noise. The girls went to hide in the bathroom, and one of them slipped and hurt her leg. We tried to wake her up this morning to take her to hospital but she wouldn't get up. Turned out she broke it in two places and had to get airlifted out for surgery!
Today was mostly driving once we got on the road. We filled up before we left the homestead- diesel was 192.9 a liter! We stopped a couple of times for food and bathroom breaks and to switch drivers. I have never eaten so much takeaway food in my life! A couple of time I've just not eaten because I couldn't stomach anything there was on offer.
About 4, we stopped off at Mataranka Thermal Springs for a swim. It was 28 degrees when we arrived. The water is about 32 degrees, really clear and flows along in a creek. I taped up my feet with waterproof covers and left my socks on to protect my feet. The boys had to tow me across the water, due to the whole lack-of-swimming-ability thing, and I spent half an hour hanging onto a log, while they had underwater swimming competitions and carried logs up and down the creek to keep themselves entertained. Boys!
After the springs we hit the road again. We have passed a lot of ground that's been burnt since Isa, and just north of Mataranka we passed a fire. Most of the drive north of the springs was smokey actually. We eventually made it to Jonno's, where we are staying, Bees Creek, just south of Darwin. He has an awesome setup, with the arena beside his 'house'- a gooseneck (large horse trailer) under a shed roof, with a bathroom, kitchenette and spa built into the shed. Pretty much perfect for a cowboy I reckon! Don't think it's something I could do, but I'll enjoy it while I'm here!
Sorry y'all, my swag is calling!

Distance travelled: 1150km
Time driving: 10 hours
Total distance: 7000km

Madaranka hot springs

Mataranka Springs

Swimming in the springs