Making my own Didgeridoo at Katherine
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While in Katherine, I came across a tour operator known as

Whoop Whoop Outback Adventures

As well as the tours, they assist people to make their own didgeridoo from logs already harvested up near the Douglas Daly area.

I chose a pre-cut "Woolybutt" log from a tub. They are left in water to preserve them. Nature (termites) have done the work of hollowing out the log.	Next the outer bark is crushed with a hammer and stripped off. The crushing loosens the bond with the inner layers of wood.	After the bark is gone the stringy remants need to be scraped off. I used the edge of a file for this.	The open ends need to be filed out to remove any splinters and rough edges.
A final rub over with steel wool or coarse sandpaper and the main part of the job is done.	The wood was then given a coat of clear PVA sealant. This prevents any further splitting off of wood fibres.The log was sent away overnight to an Aboriginal artist who painted my chosen decoration and colours on.	Next morning a layer of bees wax is placed around the mouthpiece. This can be re-shaped to suit the players mouth	The final stage is to sit and try out the log as you are taught the basics of playing. I chose a log which produced a 'D' note when blown.

I now have a beautiful souvenir of my trip to the 'Territory' which I keep trying to learn to play. I'm sure I'll get it right one day !

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