Kakadu Magic Again

Hello everyone. I haven't had very good internet coverage so have had to wait until we arrived back in Katherine to post our last magical experience in Kakadu.
Firstly a little explore we had whilst staying at Gagadju Lodge in Cooinda. We hit the dirt roads....nice and red and rough and rutted.....

We visited Jim Jim Billabong.....so pristine and beautiful.

Those crocs have the best back yards....

 We were a bit foolish and decided to walk to Mirral Lookout up the highway, a bit late in the day and even though we had lots of cool water, hats and sunscreen it was too hot.....it was also very, very steep...

We almost made it but it was just too hot and we gave in...we got a hint of the view through the trees 3/4 s of the way up. Spectacular! Thank goodness for cool swimming pools on our return at Gagadju Lodge......ahhhhhh!

Next time we will be more sensible and go very early in the morning!
Now for the MAGIC ! Yesterday we got up before dawn to join the sunrise cruise on Yellow Water Billabong. As we arrived a fine mist was visible across the waterway.....

The sunrise was just beautiful with the colours spilling out across the Billabong.

Our guide was a local indigenous fellow called Rueben. His family and ancestors are from this area and he showed us his country with such love, knowledge and pride.....it was a beautiful experience and one which will stay with me always.

His knowledge was extraordinary! He pointed out and named all manner of birdlife....got the boat up close for our photos....which thrilled me. Those pics are on my camera. I just loved these beautiful hot pink waterlily fields....

Reflections in the water.....gorgeous!

Huge Pandanus!

Loved this......White Egret in the dead tree while Magpie Geese fly above....hope you can see it ok.

Of course these snappy critters were in abundance too!

The water was clear and we could see fish swimming in the water. Huge Sea Eagles wheeled above us.....magnificent birds. Right in front of us one had a difference of opinion with a whistling kite.....very dramatic to see..
Lots of Plumed ducks and Whistling ducks.

This is definitely a magical place and I am so happy that I got to have this wonderful experience and to have its beauty and secrets revealed by one of its very own custodians.

Enlarge the photos if you can for a better look.
Well folks this is a hit and run post.....tomorrow we are having a couple of do overs.....several spots we saved for on the way home.
I hope you enjoyed Kakadu with us. If you ever have the chance GO!
Namaste.
Blessings to all.
Michelle xx