I wasn't sure that I could last another 'wet season' without air-conditioning and we were both aware that Ruby was still with us due to the repeated house-sits we were offered. We contemplated renting somewhere in town but prices were exorbitant. (A house was offered on the local noticeboard- "cute 2 bedroom house with large garden..$575 per week")
A house like this one (without the boat) was available for $500 plus. Needless to say there was a problem with housing in the area! Most houses were owned by Rio Tinto and they released only a few to the public to "keep prices high for those individuals who bought during the boom". A drive through town revealed streets where every house was empty. Sad.
I was given the opportunity (thanks Marg!) to escort a Yolgnu elder from her homeland to Nhulunbuy for medical treatment (and return a week later). What a joyous experience that was. Not only was N gorgeous and entertaining, the flight over country was spectacular.
So we made the decision to head across to Darwin and participate in the Sail Indonesia rally, due to leave on the 23rd July. We careened Manatee again and anti-fouled her and gave her a general 'going over'.
We kept our options open in regards to Ruby-while she was still happy we were prepared to do our utmost to support her.
So, the car and scooter went into storage as we both know we want to return to the NT somewhere to work. Darwin here we come!
