SOUTH GOULBORN ISLAND visit to Warrui community- delayed due to network coverage

Approaching South Goulbourn in the glistering sun-amazing!!!!!!!!!!

Spectacular ochre coloured cliffs.

13 th June After a spectacular sunrise send off from King River and catching an early morning fish we sailed in 25 knots of wind to South Goulbourn Islands 11 degrees 40.34 and 133degrees 21.01.  With an invitation from Ralph one of the elders of the Aboriginal owned land and home to Warrui community we approached the island in the glistening sun - breathtaking view!

We were welcomed by horses feeding on the hills - most unexpected.Apparently these horses are wild and are the direct ancestors of World War I.They fend for themselves and are eaten occasionally when the locals have a feast like a funeral etc.The other welcoming party were our friends we met in King River.It was truly lovely to be expected and welcomed. They have extended us incredible hospitality for which we are very thankful.We were picked up from the beach and transported in a police car(the type with bars) to the Warrui community of some 300 people with school medical centre supermarket art gallery( which was closed and apparently well worth a visit) and a police station.

Warrui is a "dry" community meaning there is no alcohol allowed on the island at all.There are severe fines for anyone who breaks this rules.The Aboriginal people in the community were all very friendly and pleasant.The womenn children and dogs were shopping in the local supermarket where we were welcomed to shop as well.We did not expect to see a supermarket in this remote area.The way this supermarket was set out was a bit different.There were prompters on all products which were "not healthy" to say - "This food will make you fat" The price would also reflect this.One small chocolate was $5.90 and 1kg of prime beef around $12-.

Our transport...with a smile from all

Our friends awaiting our arrival

The local people have different lifestyles to ours.They fish in the dark of the night catch turtles and dugongs( large dugongs are around 500 kg mammals looking a little like very cuddly swimming elephants). Actually they hunt dugongs on a moonless night each month and than have a community feast. They do not sleep at night. Women don't have strong maternal instincts and children are taken care of by the "family" They live to about 46 years of age- women a little longer.

Lifestyle in the Northern Territory is quite unique.To add to the hospitality we were gifted some wonderful fish by the "fish whisperer" who relaxes by fishing and will catch a fish where other's can not.In the evening we extended our hospitality and spent a pleasant time with great company and great tales.We also met the smallest resident Taco the cutest dog very proudly sporting his crocodile skin collar.

Everything is clearly marked

Thank you all on the island your hospitality is something we will remember for a long time to come.Strangely enough it felt like a home.

Pleasant circumsatnces

It was the most amazing and unexpected sight.

Going to Cognac

Local kids swimming and laughing until they saw a large group of fish fly

it was out of the water and fast....