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We were very glad to see a lot of Aboriginal people doing
business for themselves, both in Alice and the Katherine
area. We didn't find that kind of activity in Sydney and
Yulara. But we sure found it quickly in Katherine.
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Mimi, where we bought the most didgeridoos of anywhere on
the trip! Prices were great, quality was great, and it is
part of the Ngurrdalingi Aboriginal Corporation, so the
money goes directly to the people.
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Inside the Mimi Gallery. All local crafts, all the time.
This was one of two such didgeridoo racks. I'd say there
were about 70 on display there, inlcuding a lot of the best
we'd seen so far on the continent. They work with local
artists, including the whole White Cockatoo mob that just
came through California.
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The didges we brought home from Mimi. If it was our last
stop, we would've bought a lot more, but we had a long way
to go.
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Nighttime on the Katherine River. On the advice of the
Katherine fire chief, whom we just happened to meet at the
airport, we took the boat tour known as the "Croc Spot."
Because....
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you go out and spot crocs! Well, usually one croc, because
they're territorial. This is a Johnston's Freshwater
Crocodile. No, it's not particularly dangerous. They only
eat what they can fit in their mouths. They don't bite limbs
off. It's the salties that are trouble. We'll get to them
later. One note: this trip was kind of silly. If any fire
chief ever recommends tourist activities to you, DON'T
LISTEN!
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The next day we went to Nitmiluk, or Katherine Gorge, for a
boatride/hike, all day long. 'Twas very pleasant.
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The famous tourist shot of the gorge, of the best long
straight part.
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Some of the local art along the side of the gorge.
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More graffitti.
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A last look behind the boat.
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Our last day in the area was at a great place called
Manyallaluk, which is another Aboriginally owned enterprise.
They give tours of their land, teaching you about bushfood
and medicine, spear throwing, fire starting, didge playing,
painting, weaving, etc. And if you have extra time and
money, which we didn't, you can spend the night and go out
seeing rock art the next day. Manyallaluk comes highly
recommended from us, though you may never hear about it from
a fire chief! Pictured with us are our guides, Manuel and
Richard, along with their dog, Ringo.
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