Early days in Darwin, and my research about Collet Barker and the remote early settlement at Raffles Bay has not really begun yet, apart from a brief chat with some librarians and some notes, and some explorations into how to get to Croker Island, putting me in the proximity to Raffles Bay. One possibility? Barges, which leave from Darwin to deliver goods to these remote islands. Brother Max and Sharyn leave for South Africa on Monday, and that’s when my job really begins. Here’s what I have been up to so far.
Hours after arriving at 2 am, and watching Gilchrist smash 149 runs towards winning the world cup, we were off to Kakadu. Brother Dean, Max and I went on the Yellow Waters boat cruise through Kakadu wet lands. 
My brother’s wife Sharyn mentors Aboriginal small business operators in Kakadu, so we were privileged to go on a walking bush tour with Violet, a traditional owner with a gentle pride in her knowledge of country and the use of the foods and the plants for traditional weaving.
Later that day we inspected some of the fantastic and comprehensive rock art sites in Kakadu, firstly at Nourlangie, and then at the Ubirr site not far from Cahill’s crossing, the fjord which marks the entry into Arnhem Land.
Just a few more good bye dinners and BBQs, and Max and Sharyn will be off on their African oddessy, and the search for Collet Barker will continue. Cheers for now.
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