Adelaide River and Pine Creek

When I leave Litchfield NP I am driving south again, only about 80km to Adelaide River, a Roadhouse fuel stop and a few shops.  I follow the signage to the Racecourse where I find a nice Caravan Park by the side of the race track.  All is green lawns, only some smoke at the edge of the race track where some backburning of undergrowth is taking place.  The light breeze is keeping most of the smoke away from the camping area.  Backburning is a precautionary measure to burn off undergrowth and brush while the ground is still moist enough to help prevent the small fires to spread and develop into large, all-destroying blazes.  Each year different parts are backburned so as to allow some habitat for wildlife to remain.

A good sense of humour prevails

I am told that during the 'wet' season most of the race track is under water but now water sprinklers are going at several points to keep everything nice and green.  Apart from a number of large termite mounds, it looks much like other race tracks.

When I leave in the morning I have marked out a place called "Pussy Cat Flats" just outside the town of Pine Creek.  It turns out to be yet another race track but also comprises a Golf course and a fenced area in the centre used for Rodeos but the sign says "Pine Creek Turf Club".  All this infrastructure for just ONE race meeting a year.  Someone must be KEEN!

Looking down the track at Pine Creek Race course

Well, anything for a thrill.  Under a bunch of undergrowth and some shrubs I find a small statue of Buddha that is nearly falling over on its face.  I 'rescue' it, take a brush and some water to it to get rid of layers of dirt and sand and find a more prominent place under some small palm trees.