Day 28 Assembly of all the cars, headed by Kees and Chris in their lovingly restored Les Taylor’s original XK120 that set the world record in 1951, and what a sight we made as we all proceeded in convoy through Darwin on the start of this inspiring Commemorative Run. 

After leaving the suburbs of Darwin behind, everyone was well behaved and remained in order, that is until we left the highway at Adelaide River and travelled over an old section of road that Les travelled, twisty winding up and down - that brought the competitive spirit to the fore, and a few XK engines started to bellow, opening their lungs and sprinting, suspension working through the corners – marvellous.

Lunch was at Springvale Homestead, then on to Katherine to check in to Knotts Crossing Resort for the leisurely chat around the pool. Knotts Crossing is a historic river crossing for explorers, early settlers and the Overland Telegraph Station.

Day 29 What a sight, Katherine Gorge, our first group excursion, we all embarked on river boats for a leisurely trip up the Gorge, marvelling at the brilliant aboriginal rock carvings, fresh water crocodiles and rough hewn rock faces of the landscape. 

After this trip, for some it was on to lunch and a swim in the warm spring pools of Mataranka Homestead.