Derbying Around Derby

Hello dear Blogsters. Time never stands still... and neither do we. Today we packed up ready to move on from Broome (very sad to leave this beautiful place). Before we left, we went out to have a look at Minyirr-Gantheaume Point. This point is the location of the light-house and has some wonderful rock formations - as well as dinosaur footprints which can be seen at very low tide. The place also has special significance to the local aboriginal people - it is a place of healing and rebirth for them. Rather a nice place to farewell Broome!

Back on the road again, we headed for Derby. We soon found ourselves at the first signs of the dry-season burn-off. Plumes of smoke everywhere and fires creeping slowly along, cleaning up all of the dry grass and rubbish. There were some wonderful eagles and hawks hovering over the edge of the fire, enjoying the feast of mice, rats, snakes and bugs which were fleeing the fires. The termite nests rising up out of the blackened landscape were quite spectacular.We stopped for morning tea and Uncle John kindly got me some fantastic feathers from an Australian Bustard which we found on the road (a lovely bird - though slightly mashed).

We continued on to Derby - stopping to have a look at the Boab Prison Tree. This huge old tree was thought to have been used to house black "prisoners" which the blackbirders had kidnapped to work on the pearling luggers at Broome. The tree is thought to be about 1000 years old. There are many boab trees around Derby - they are quite bizarre looking trees with their bulbous trunks (Danni says they look like pregnant women).

We arrived in Derby and booked into the caravan park. We have a nice site under a shady trees - but the prickles on the ground are hell!!!! We definitely don't take a step without shoes here. After setting up, we headed down to the wharf for a look. The tide was heading out and the sun was setting - a beautiful scene! We walked along the wharf and I was fiddling with my camera when I dropped my car keys. Danni and I watched as they sailed down (almost in slow motion), hit one grate, bounced, hit a second grate... and plopped into the water. And here is why, apart from the muddy water, I didn't go in to try and find them.Thankfully I have a spare set of keys - I will get more cut tomorrow. The only real loss was my Monkey Mia key ring - oh well perhaps I will go back there one day to get another.

The tides here are huge and, when the tide is out, the mudflats are all uncovered. Quite a sight!

We got fish and chips at the wharf for dinner and watched the last of the beautiful sunset while we waited. The yummy meal ended a terrific day (though I didn't think much of the mozzies).
And , for those who know Bethanie - here is a picture she sent yesterday of her carrying all her worldly goods around Hong Kong. Seems like she is having a great time. Good luck to Lachlan, who starts his mid-year exams today.... go for it Lachlan!