Territory Day the Sequel: This time its personal

Yes it is that time of year again - Territory Day! We had so much fun the last time that we actually got some of our own. But first, as requested by family and friends, here is a shot of Jenni's belly which she claims is huge. For those that don't know Jenni is pregnant (18 weeks according to the doctor, 18 weeks 4 days according to Jenni), and not just eating meat pies and sausage rolls.

The fireworks box!

Watch those flaming balls!

Batman?

Here is our first cracker of the evening.

This should give a sense of the noise and chaos.

While we were sitting watching, and ducking, these idiots kids next to us were lighting fireworks about 5 metres from the scrub behind them. A firework either purposely or not fired back into the scrub and lit it on fire. Some volunteers started to put it out while the teenagers went back to lighting more fireworks and laughing. Some rangers came with a truck and water pump and put it out. Just as this happened they fired another one into the scrub and started a second fire. None of the rangers or beach patrol told them to stop. If fireworks get banned on Territory day it will be because of them.

Some shots from our traditional walk home.

Terror Tree

David's Personal Narrative:

Did you know Territory is actually pronounced Terror-Tree? I now know why this is the case. It is because trees live in fear of being ignited into flames on Territory Day. Territory Day is the Northern Territory's anniversary of self-governance. "Hooray we're self-governing!!! What should we do to celebrate it?" Naturally, you "blow shit up." Pardon my language, but it is the only phrase in the English language to adequately describe Territory Day. The Fourth of July pales in comparison, but any coordinated attempt at a Fireworks display isn't comparable to chaos with a bottle of beer and a lighter. Never have I seen so many stupid people with lethal weapons, and never have I wanted to be one of them more than anything in the world. Territory Day was last night - July 1st. And for one day of the year, and only on that day, the citizens of the Northern Territory are allowed to purchase and use Fireworks (called "crackers"). Yes, the city puts on its own display, but I think most people had a larger budget. We're not talking about little fireworks that you might dash across the Wyoming border to purchase, we're talking about straight from China has to be illegal fireworks. Unfortunately, these photos do not do it justice. It is really quite spectacular.









Beach fire on the left. Someone probably using a flare gun in the distance (red light), might have actually needed help...





We walked along the bike path to get home. These are my "war correspondent" photos. It was handheld and dark out, so most are fairly blurry.





Terror-tree!





Apparently canons are allowed too.





Probably the most fun we've had since moving here.