MONDAY 16 AUGUST 2021
The Antinov was the last plane on the tarmac this morning awaiting the arrival of pilot, Nick to fly her back to Darwin. Those of us still in residence gathered to farewell her on her way.
ANTINOV 
THE COOMALIE GANG 
NICK PREPARING FOR TAKEOFF
Soon after we waved Nick and the mighty old bird off, we heard the news that Darwin and Katherine were to be locked down from midday today for three days, following a couple of cases of COVID. Elaine and Alan bid a hasty departure, aiming to reach Jabiru before the lockdown commenced. Nicky and Barry elected to extend their stay here as did Dave and Helen. The only complication for Norm and me is that we will not be able to drive up to Darwin to collect Linus, should she be repaired soon.
Elaine reported in as we were gathering for fivesies to fill us in on their adventurous journey to Jabiru. When they paused in Humpty Doo to stock up with supplies, there was a police check point. It took Elaine 30 minutes to convince the poor policeman that he should allow them to proceed to their proposed destination. I think it was when she mentioned the full toilet cassette and lack of water on board that he cracked and allowed them through,
This evening we gathered over at party central for a pizza night. Rick cranked up the wood fired oven, Denise started a pizza production line and the dogs stayed nearby ready to clean up any thing that landed on the ground.
Chinner and Rosie ready to party 
Pizza oven fired up 
Rick, Norm and Richard
ON THE ROAD 