Jumping Crocs and a Fake Snake in Northern Australia

Another Oz Fest has come and gone.

Our second visit to Darwin (named in honor of Charles who never set foot there) was at least as enjoyable as our stay 15 years ago.

We dined and toured and dined some more with about 40 fellow members of FlyerTalk, some of whom we’ve known since our very first Oz Fest “Do” in 2007.

This was our 17th Do and our 19th trip to Australia.

One of the highlights was the Jumping Croc Cruise. Northern Australia has the largest concentration of crocodiles in the world, and our tour guide / boat captain lured a few out with chunks of lamb on a hook.

Crocodiles and their relatives are truly impressive killing machines who have survived since prehistoric times.

They can move quickly when they want to, and can even jump for a snack.

We passengers didn’t need reminders to keep our hands, arms and heads inside the boat.

There were birds in abundance, from tiny ones to hawks and herons with large wingspans.

Darwin is located close to the Equator, and the temperature during our stay averaged about 86 F or 30 C, a little too toasty for our comfort.

Darwin was attacked by the Japanese in early 1942, overseen by the commander of the Pearl Harbor raid. Some Australians are still grateful for U.S. support, while others have no idea it occurred. The same probably holds true for Americans.

The fake snake in the title refers to a model of a giant python placed high in a tree by mischievous Aussies at the local botanical garden. It’s fooled scores of tourists over the years, including those on our bus.

https://naturalhistoryproductions.com.au/our-projects/giant-python-darwin-botanic-gardens/

We departed Darwin yesterday and landed in SIN, Singapore’s Changi Airport, overnighting at the excellent IHG Crowne Plaza Hotel.

Singapore Airlines naturally has a major presence at SIN, and we’ve been enjoying a Terminal 2 Silver Kris Business Lounge, enjoying a breakfast of various Chinese dumplings, soup for Kathy, and a splash of Champagne.