More Classic Broome

 

As Donald commented this afternoon, a week in Broome would be a dangerous thing. It can’t be this pleasant year round but we know why the grey nomads pay the fortunes they do to stay here for 3 months. After a slow start from the kids (Donald was off early and managed to get the car repaired-warranty also) we meandered up the coast.

After leaving the Cape Leveque road for the Marani Track, first stop was the Willie Creek pearl farm. We had missed the morning tour and decided not to wait for the afternoon one (plus quite expensive) but had a browse around and finally I tried on my favourite piece for size. It will be staying there as they are not giving anything away. The light and colours of the area are stunning, your eyes hurt from the brightness. Then further up the coast stopping at James Price point, more amazing colours.

On the way back we pulled into another cove which had been recommended by travellers in Fitzroy crossing and the attractions are obvious. Although you would have been sharing it with about 50 others a free campsite like this is hard to beat. We understand the fishing is also meant to be pretty good.

Back at Cable beach it was time for our long awaited camel ride. At one third the price we had opted for the shorter afternoon ride. Half an hour was quite long enough for my bottom! Donald and Elliot are on the alpha male (Horriss), Izzy is on the alpha female (Zara) and Louis and I are on Olly, a star of “Australia”.

It’s hot work sitting on a camel so a swim in the late afternoon was required. The water is just right, backlighting gentle waves breaking at just the right height for small boys and to complete the picture, a dolphin swimming by to the left of the sun and a pearling lugger under sail to the right, just before we got out. As the sun set with another display of nature’s palette we sat watching and eating fish and chips with an ice-cream and ladybirds chaser. If you had any dreams of coming and living here the $900,000 price tag for a 3 bedroom house is a good reality check.

It’s a tough job, but somebody’s got to do it. I have given up on asking my children if they would rather be home. I just get a “muuuum” full of scorn. Lynne.