Lat: 11:11.8 S : Long: 132:03.3 E.

6^th September, 2013 – Port Essington, Northern Territory, australia.

After bowling along in winds up to 30 knots we reached Coral Bay, Port Essington, where, the pilot book informed us, there was a resort. There was absolutely no sign of it from on board but when Alan put out a radio call a cheery voice told us that there certainly was a resort – the Seven Spirit Eco Lodge, no less - and we were welcome ashore. Having been told there was a resident “saltie” in the bay we were all very careful to keep our hands in the dinghy as we later went ashore to be met by Bruce in his Landrover ready to take us the short distance to the Lodge for supper. There were only a couple of other tables in use and the ambience was very laid-back, with wallabies meandering through the grounds. We signed up for a guided tour the following day through the bush on the Peninsular near the resort – home to crocodiles (naturally), wild pigs, Bintang (wild Indonesian cattle) etc. Our guide, a very enthusiastic, young New Zealander who presented us with an enormous amount of fascinating information on tracking and identifying various animals, but no sight of any crocodiles. However, each time we made our dinghy trip to and from the resort we did see their ‘pet’ crocodile; at least we saw his eyes and the top of his head – quite enough, thank you!