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Hi all,
We now headed down the coast a bit, this area being one of our favourite destinations in Australia, just a pity it is over 5000ks from our home!
Our first stop after leaving Derby was at the so called Prison Boab Tree. I say so called for recent research has found that at no stage were Prisoners ever kept inside it. It is a tourist attraction and so locals as well as the info centre and council want the name to remain even after acknowledging it is incorrectly signposted. It is however a registered sacred site having considerable mythological and spiritual significance, it’s importance to the local Aboriginal people however is not disputed, or is it’s age being at least 1,500 years old.
We were on our way to Cape Leveque located roughly 200 ks north of Broome, on the way is the Beagle Bay Aboriginal Community. Most travellers stop there to see their magnificent 100 year old Sacred Heart Church, sometimes referred to as “The Mother Of Pearl Church”
The superb altar made from Mother of Pearl Shell.
We had visited the church and indeed this region only 12 months previous, in my reports from that visit, I mentioned a lot of the history and interesting facts from around here, the Cape and`south to Broome so I won't go into that sort of detail this time.
After checking into our air conditioned cabin at the Kooljaman Resort, we set off to show Kristie just how special this place is.
The 107 year old Cape Leveque Lighthouse with an interesting bird, and then the bird itself.
Many may think that a bird of that appearance is a Peregrin Falcon but it was in fact an Australian Hobby.
Western Beach where the turquoise waters meet pristine sands and brilliant red cliffs.
We drove onto and along Eastern Beach, to find a quite spot to swim at, tongue in cheek of course as it is never busy or crowded and even less so at the time of year we were there.
Watching the sunset from Western Beach itself is a must do as the colours on the red cliffs are amplified giving you some spectacular photographic opportunities.
And then the sky a fair bit later from just near our cabin.
Sunrise and then Eastern Beach.
A pic of an information board showing the six seasons that the Aboriginals recognise, far more sensible than the four seasons we have adopted from a European system.
Another sunset and a pic to show you how my culinary skills have improved in recent times!!
At our cabin I came across this beautifully striped Skink, a Broad Banded Sand Swimmer.
They are a nocturnal species, hiding during the day in animal burrows or around human dwellings or sheds, or cabins here at the Cape.
Our final sunrise and a final visit to Western Beach before we headed south towards Broome.
I thought I’d better come good on my cooking skills, there still lousy, that pic was my meal from the Raugis Restaurant (which you all probably guessed). A better location to eat at or food to consume could possibly not be found, it’s a pity they are so far away from most of us, if your ever in the area, do yourself a favour.
Not far south of Cape Leveque is the Aboriginal community of Lombadina, this is a special place and there was noway we weren’t going to call in and show Kristie what it had to offer.
The administration building, their historic church built in the 1920s and then the churches manse.
One stunning part of this community that we were so keen to show Kristie was their beach that skirts Thomas Bay. As we drove over the dunes and then along it, Kristie thought she had died and gone to heaven (figuratively speaking, of course!!)
We next arrived in Broome, the first thing we did was drive up Cable Beach.
Colours above Riddell’s Beach and then some pics from down on the beach.
A Broome Sunset.
Our own private pool and some flowers in the gardens around the house where we stayed.
A unique type of transportation and a mural that was behind a locked gate, (it was the weekend).
Broome is quite an historic place, the Sun Picture Theatre is the oldest outdoor theatre in the world. In days gone by it wasn’t just the movie that was the entertainment, as almost every night (if the tides were right) the cinema would be flooded. Some claimed you could catch a fish during the screening, (no pop corn needed then) Most nights people would leave to find the street outside submerged, men took this in their stride, carrying women to higher ground no matter who they were, the good lookers were carried off first!!
In 1974 a levy was built to stop tidal flooding, it was said to have made going to the cinema more enjoyable (you don’t say Ha!)
The Roebuck Bay Hotel/Pub was built in 1890, it had quite a reputation way back, it still has today!!
The Pearl Luggers Museum.
The girls were thrilled that the town market was on whilst we were there.
Every evening Camel Trains take tourists on a walk up Cable Beach, there are three operators the blue camels, yellow camels and red camels.
We chose the red ones to have a ride on, it was the first time I had done that but after six visits to Broome I thought it was probably about time, what a unique way to end my visit there this time.
The camel behind Jen and I was in a hurry to get his walk over and done with, he constantly tried to overtake us!
Kristie enjoying herself and then Jen and I on top of Ned (our shadows at least)
The caravan in front of us returning, then us starting to turn for home and then that evenings sunset. I was quite pleased to get that so level for those who have done a camel ride would agree they are not a steady platform to shoot from.
The next morning I left early for my drive home, the girls flew home later that same day.
The first stage of that drive will be shown next.
Col and Jen.
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The worst day above ground, is a whole lot better than the best one under it. Live life to the fullest while you can.
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Topic: The Outback, Down The Coast. (Pt 8)
