Back in Day 11 I discussed the unique habitat of the bush flies as they followed us in black clouds determined to get in to any possible orifice.  While the flies further north have not been as bad as we expected, they have passed their baton on to the small evil blood sucking mozzie. 

Tonight we are camped at Merl, in the East Alligator part of the National Park. 

It also appears to be the home to the most number of mosquitoes per square inch of land in the world.  

I have discovered that Bushmans is just a nice topping for them as they work in squadrons descending on you.  If you stand still for too long it is possible for all of your blood to be drained in 4 seconds flat. Luckily I picked up a mozzie tent for $20 on ebay which I have carried with me for the last 6 weeks.  Tonight it turned out to be the best investment ever.

We arrived at Merl following a short stop at Nourlangie Rock (Burrunggui and Anbanbang). This amazing rock art was created thousands of years ago with images depicting kangaroos, fish and people dancing - most likely done by some aboriginal teenagers who were out for a good time with oca in hand, painting their party before being caught for graffiti and speared in the leg as punishment - although this is not what the sign said. 

There are more than 5000 art sites across Kakadu.  Another painting depicted Nabulwinjbulwinj a dangerous spirit who eats people after striking them with a yam.  From yesterday's adventure I am not sure I wanted to mention this to Kathy, but luckily I found out it only eats females.

Based on tonight's blood donation I hope tomorrow's visit to Gunbalanya, Kunbarllanjnja or Oenpelli (depending on what book you read) in Arnhem Land will be worth it.