2012 - Jatbula Trail - Day 1 - Nitmiluk to Biddlecombe Cascades

Friday morning we were up early to catch the 9am ferry across the Katherine River to the start of the Jatbula Trail. We paid our trail fee to the ranger as well as the ferry fee. We aypart of the d were on the boat with 5 other people - none were Swedish pack packers. Two other walkers had headed off on an earlier ferry service. There were to be 12 of us all up moving from camp to camp. A solo walker, three couples and our lot. The first day was a short day of 8km with our first stop at the Northern Rock Pool which was a large pool at the bottom of a big waterfall, well out of the way of crocs - the pool provided some respite from the heat of the day that quickly built up. We were last to leave the pool and then continued for the remaining 4 or so ks to Biddlecombe Cascades. 

We arrived at our first days camp site at about 12 and this was to be the pattern for the rest of the walk. The distances were such that you could avoid walking during the hottest part of the day.

Biddlecombe Cascades were wonderful, we explored upstream and down stream. I was really amazed by the volume of water flowing down this river, and infact all of the rivers. I'm not sure where all the water comes from, all I can think of is that it is the water from the "wet" as it continues to seep through the ground. The water was warm and sweet tasting. We did not boil of filter the water as it was so clean and fresh. 

A quick lunch and then down to the pools to spend the rest of the day lounging in the water holes and swimming.

Dinner was Cous Cous and chilli tuna - rather tasty.

We slept under the stars as we did for the rest of the trip - one of the reasons our packs were so light is that we were not carrying tents. The night sky in the bush is truly breath taking - everyone should have the opportunity to experience this.