Freshwater Creek, Jar Island and the DC3

Back at Freshwater Creek the rainbow pitas were calling, and the brahminy kite, who had been sitting on a nest in the mangroves when we visited in July, had a chick, just a ball of fluff really, but very cute. 

Down in Vansittart Bay is Jar Island which also has lots of rock art. To reach the overhangs we had to cross a mangrove-lined creek which with Spring tides still had ankle deep water running. The water was clear so we waded across and scrambled up the rocks to the gallery. On our return the tide had dropped and we safely reached the beach again. 

every rock formation has a struggling fig tree

hold it or run away fast

Our neighbours from a trailer-sailer were coming into the beach, with a large croc following their dinghy. The croc came right up behind them to the water’s edge then stayed and watched us all. Mark found some rocks to throw and scare it away but the croc leapt as the rocks landed like it was jumping for food, then raised its tail hackles and looked very menacing. Eventually it moved out far enough for us to launch our dinghy and run away to our boat. 

Across the bay is the wreck of a WWII DC3 plane, a US Airforce Douglas C53 Skytrouper transport aircraft was emergency landed here in February 1942 after the crew got lost flying from Perth to Broome. The crew were recued 2 days later by Qantas crew. 

 [Toni’s first plane flight was on a DC3 from Sydney to Moruya, many years ago.] 

Walking back across the salt flat a lone jabiru [black-necked stork] was also enjoying a stroll.

lone jabiru