Things are heating up in the Top End!
The first few days of September saw the day time temperatures soar to 38 degrees in Jabiru, the small township in Kakadu National Park. But it sure feels a lot hotter walking in one of the sandstone gorges around 3 o’clock in the afternoon!
Gurrung (August – September) is Hot Weather Time, dry winds from the inland parch the bushland and dry out the floodplains. Waterbirds flock to the remaining waterholes, Magpie Geese in their thousands feed on water chestnuts in the shallow billabongs and floodplains.
If you’re a keen birdwatcher, the floodplain is the place to be!
Do yourself a favour and stop at Mamukala, approximately 30km west of Jabiru. Just 1km off the Arnhem Highway, it’s only a short walk from the car park down to the bird observation deck.
Just a few days ago this wetland area was buzzing with Wandering and Plumed Whistling Ducks, Magpie Geese, Purple Swamp Hens, Comb-crested Jacanas, Radjah Shell Ducks, Pied Herons, Egrets of all sizes — even a few Pelicans we spotted in the distance!
In the woodlands and the stone country, animal life is somewhat subdued — it’s just way too hot to be out and about…
But if you’re planning to go exploring regardless of the hot conditions, please make sure you go well prepared:
- Make sure your are suitably dressed in loose-fitting clothing that is cool but provides protection against sunburn.
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat that’s not too hot and heavy.
- Leave your flimsy beach sandals or thongs (you might call them “flip-flops”) in the car and rather wear walking shoes with good grip and ankle support.
- Wherever you go, carry plenty of drinking water!
Expect to drink between 4 and 8 litres of water a day in these hot conditions.
A minimum of 2 litres per person should be carried for short walks.
Dehydration
Among the early symptoms of dehydration are feeling thirsty, headache, dizziness and nausea. If the symptoms continue, seizures, loss of consciousness, and even death can be the result.
Children are at particular risk!
Don’t wait until you feel thirsty! Don’t try to play catch-up!
Re-hydration in this climate is hard — stay hydrated and have a great time!
Boh boh
Anja
