It's a Bug's Life

Perhaps we have neglected to mention in past blog entries our recent change from night owls to morning birds. Around 7:30 pm in the Northern Territory, there is a change from the daily annoying flies to the pesky, biting mosquitos (classically shortened to "mossies" here in Australia) and other "no-see-ums" (tiny bugs that fly into your face, arms, legs and up your nose that you can feel but you can't quite see). Because of this nightly ritual, we (namely Katie) retire quite early to the tent to read ourselves to sleep. 8 - 9 hours later we wake - refreshed and ready for the day at 5:30 AM! We often wake to a symphony of birds above us - which in night owl mode could be annoying, but in early bird mode it is a most excellent wake-up call.

We waterfall-hopped our way through Litchfield National Park (90 km south of Darwin) swimming at each Croc free zone as it is a hot one here. Had a "world famous" slice of mango cheesecake (YUM) at the local cafe and we are now on our way to Darwin for a 2 night stay before we fly out to Indonesia on Friday.

• **FACT CHECK*** More than 1/3 of all Australian bird species live in the Northern Territory National Parks, as do 60 mammal species, 117 reptile species, 1,700 plant species, and at least 10,000 insect species. It truly is a bug's life here!