Day 12

Sadly this morning we packed for the last time and headed off onto both a combination of tar and dirt today.
We had a third cupcake for the first part of the day until we met for the muster before the parade into Darwin. Our new recruit was Jacinta (Jason) form the Darell Lea car.
At breakfast Chunky was running around with his squirter bottle. We managed to give him a couple of beautiful soakings back.
We lined up for the last start of the bash. We paid to go first but were gazumped by the Shoal Haven Team. We were then placed at third place.
There was a little conspiracy happening at the start. For some bazar reason the camera guys wanted to interview us just after the start line.
The camera guys, Red Baron the fire engine had conspired to do a fake interview and drench us with water. Although we were a little apprehensive about getting out of the car we did, only to scamble back in and furiously try and get the windows up.
Today's drive was pretty easy as they wanted us on the outskirts of Darwin for the street parade.
We mustered, went to pay our $80,000 Bash Bucks to follow the Combi into town - but something had gone wrong with their paperwork.
We drove around the streets of Darwin blasting our air horn for the last time!!!!
We were then taken onto the Naval Barracks and given a reception there by the Chief Admiral. The HMAS Bathurst was docked so we were able to have a guided tour.
We then checked in to our 4 1/2 star accommodation - thanks to Rates to Go.
Mindel markets was the meeting place for the Bashers then back into town.
Nic one of the Thunderbirds entertained us with a guitar and singing at a little cafe.
We had made it to Darwin so time for big celebrations. It is hard to believe that Candy and the Cupcake Girls had made it to Darwin without any major problems.
All the first time Bashers shared a sense of relief that the journey was complete, also a real sense of mateship as we reflected on our feelings upon leaving Garden Island.
Those that we briefly spoke to on the morning of our departure had become our source of support, encouragement and entertainment. What a great feeling.