Last Days of our Trip

Monday 6th – Saturday 11th June

Have been off line for a few days – exhaustion took over.!!
Oceanic Adventurer moored off Broome for the night and sailed into the harbour at first light. Another sunrise!!! Disembarkation began at 8AM and was a precision event, so well planned, as was everything on the trip. As we left the ship, all the crew lined the dock and shook hands with us. It was quite a sad event as we all established new friendships as the tour progressed.

All passengers were all bussed to their accommodation. We were able to move into the accommodation when we arrived so that was a big plus. We hired a car so were able to drive around Broome. Jo had visited Broome last year so knew where to go. Jan had visited Broome in 1984 and could not recognise anything!!!! It is a boom town and supposedly the fastest growing town in Australia.

Our first trip was up to Willie Creek Pearl Farm and although the journey up was interesting – we decided not to do the boat cruise around the small bay to view the oyster operation. We then went back to Broome and had a look at the dinosaur footprints on the point and then around to the Port. We finished the day with a spot of shopping. Of course over the week each of us were able to find some things to purchase!!!

Jo needed to have a rest to give her back some recovery time so the Pat and Von decided to accompany Jan to the Broome Bird Sanctuary to do the Shore Birds Tour. In one flock we saw about 800 birds. They migrate here as Roebuck Bay is one of the richest sites for shore birds in the world.

Jan booked in for the Mangrove Tour as well but the others opted out. Think all were pleased after seeing the mud that Jan had to negotiate but she saw and photographed a rare Dusty Gerygone, and the Sacred Kingfisher.

Each night, we went to Cable Beach to see the sunsets. What sunsets!!!!!!! We thought we had seen some magnificent sunsets on the ship but these topped those especially when the camels were silhouetted against the setting sun. We kept meeting people for the cruise who were riding on the camels.

Our time in Broome was memorable and once again the weather was perfect – warm days (no humidity) and cool nights.

On Friday we flew to Perth and have been staying with Pat’s daughter Amanda and partner Greg. Her other daughter Peta and partner Craig joined us for a BBQ on Friday night. We had a lovely day walking through the markets and shops at Freemantle. The day concluded with a visit to King’s Park. - again a number of photo opportunities for Jan.

Tomorrow we fly home. Our journey concludes but we have had a great time. We all need to diet and dry out!!!!!!!!!!!