[p]pjr4728
[s]
pos: 12 25.853s 130 49.482e
sp: 0
h: 0m
w: 18kn NNW, CC 10%, SS 0.5m N
d: 26/09/18 16:30 GMT+0930
We are safely in Darwin after a 'quick' (15hr) trip across the Van Diemen Gulf (playing the tides)... The final 97nm in a 1,272nm journey from Cairns and 4,865nm (9,000km) all told from Nelson via the islands. (Av speed 5.24... not that I'm a stats geek or anything!).

Mili will be pleased to get off, as it must have been frustrating seeing land for the last few nights and not being able (or rather allowed!) off for a walk sans dinghy.

At Smith Point, Dad did in fact head to shore, via paddle board, and a world record return trip will sadly go unrecorded in the annals of athletic statistics.... I'd headed off hunting for tobacco, as the guide suggested a small store may be located there near a ranger station. Interesting museum too. Sadly no shop, but there were several large photos and newspaper articles, showing a mammoth saltie making short work of a large sea turtle on a beach. I casually enquired of the ranger whether the photos were taken nearby... "Oh yes, down on the beach by the point" (where I'd just landed). "In fact there's a couple of females of similar size (3-4m) there right now in the corner (where I'd left paddle board), being courted by a big male as its the season."

hmmmm.

Deciding to forgo search for potentially harmful products, or crocodiles, as well as my planned wetland walk, needless to say, the paddle board and I made a VERY rapid return to anchored yacht!

We are actually still anchored at Darwin tonight, as we are not allowed to enter a marina here until we have undergone some sort of (free) 'decontamination' process for potential marine pests tomorrow. Not sure why only Darwin has this requirement... given we have been cleared into Australian waters for over a month, it seems a bit late?! .. Of course we are confident our bottom is most hygienic, but happy to receive inspection and certification to that effect ;-) Mind you a shower for the crew will also still be most welcome!

[END]