Week Nine:  Broome
Barn Hill Station
Eighty Mile Beach
Port Hedland


We actually did manage to do some touristy things in the second half of our week in Broome.  We had a look at the very unusual lighthouse (steel scaffolding, pretty much) at Gantheaume Point.  At the Point, there are plaster casts of dinosaur footprints found in the area, and Charlie was on high alert for more dinosaur tracks as we wandered around the rocks nervously monitoring Matthew, and enjoying the gorgeous view as best we could. It really is quite beautiful with the red, red rocks and the gorgeous blue sea.   From there we drove round to the Port, where you can walk along the bridge to get closer to the ships.  There were lots of people fishing, and we saw a turtle and a very long white sea snake.  Again, it was so beautiful to gaze out at that beautiful blue ocean.  We got fresh bread and hot chips and sat at Town Beach gazing out to sea while we enjoyed our yummy lunch. 


Charlie and the dinosaur print...let's look for more, Mummy!

 


Standing at Gantheaume Point:  tight grip on Matt!





Tony and the boys enjoying the ships and boats.

That afternoon was our arranged ride on the camels for Charlie and I.  Right up to the last minute Charlie was in doubt, and he certainly wasn't very happy about the camel behind us poking it's head into our legs...but he gained confidence as the ride went on.  Tony and Matt had a little play on the beach.  Next time Matt will be able to come too.  It was great to have done it and seen the view of the ocean from the back of a camel.  I was not too keen on looking the other way:  that part of Cable Beach is also the nudist beach!



yep...i got a bit bored on the ride back!

 After the camel ride we all enjoyed a swim in the water, then we cleaned up and got out our chairs and pre-prepared dinner (kept warm in the Dream Pot!) and sat and watched the sun set over Cable Beach.  Occasionally we surpise ourselves and are organised and it really paid off.  What a lovely time we all had:  yummy dinner and beautiful view.  AND the boys were complimented on their excellent behaviour by some grey nomads...we've been getting a few comments like that and it just goes to show how lovely our boys are when they are not tired/hungry/bored or sick!


The boys at Cable Beach, ready for their sunset dinner.

The next day we took the boys to the local PCYC for a Kindergym.  They had an absolute blast and were pretty much worn out for the rest of the afternoon!  So we had a quiet one while Tony cooked a most delicious roast pork in the Weber.  We sure are eating well on this trip!
On Friday we ran around doing heaps of things around town, as we had suddenly realised that we weren't going to be near any decent shops for quite some time (and Matt's birthday is coming up!).  We managed to spend some more time with Ben and Christine, and the boys enjoyed another swim in the resort pool:  what a truly lucky thing it was that we were all in town at the same time!  That afternoon I enjoyed a quiet cocktail with Ben and Christine as we watched our last sunset over Cable Beach.  Then back at the van, Tony and I enjoyed some wonderful company with our lovely, lovely neighbours at the caravan park, Bruce and Lynne.  We have been truly blessed with meeting some really nice people and forming some wonderful friendships along the way.  



I Love a cocktail and a nice view!

The next morning we headed off to Barn Hill Station. After a bit of a bouncy ride over a 10km dirt road (Tony was not impressed as he had washed the van in Broome!), we found it and set up in an unpowered spot.  Barn Hill Station is essentially a free camp, but on a grander, more organised scale.  It has a terrific beach, where you can fish or enjoy the waves (I kept a very close eye on the boys, though, as the waves were quite powerful).  It was a very social place, too, with Sunday markets in the morning and a great Sunday roast with entertainment.  Tony caught a yellow-tailed bream.  First catch of the trip!   the boys looked very cute carrying their fishing rods down to the beach, but they lasted less than 5 minutes with the waves calling them and a little friend to play with.  I think she was quite sweet on Matt! 

How cute does this boy look???!!!



Boys on a mission.  Note the red dirt. 
The boys love it, I pretty much HATE it. 
It gets in and on everything! 





Catch of the day! 



Pretty good spot to park your caravan, hey?

At our Sunday Roast.  Live entertainment and great company. 
There is Matt's little friend, Romy. 

After our 2 days at Barn Hill we headed down the highway to Eighty Mile Beach Caravan Park.  This is a lovely spot (with less of the red dirt, I was pleased to see).  It was nearly wiped out by a cyclone earlier this year, and it was quite eerie driving in and seeing paddocks of dead fallen trees.  But the Park itself had been prettied up really well and was a really great spot to relax and enjoy.  Tony tried his hand at fishing, along with lots and lots of other people (it is the main attraction at Eighty Mile Beach) and the boys and I enjoyed some beach time.  Oh, and I washed and cleaned.  That darn red dirt!! We really enjoyed our time at both Barn Hill and Eighty Mile Beach and can see why both are very popular spots for those travelling the west coast.

The boys on rock patrol, walking around
Eighty Mile Beach caravan park.



The fisherman in action!




The boys loved playing on the beach.  Lots of shells to be found, too.



The water looks enticing, but I wouldn't swim in it...
there are lots of baby sharks and sea snakes around.

Today, Wednesday, brings us to Port Hedland.  We have stocked up before heading inland to the area around Karajini National Park.  Luck really seems to be running our way and we have met another lovely family here, who were at Karajini just this week, and have given me the low down on parts of the park that will be suitable for the boys.  This is invaluable information (visitor centres can be a bit unreliable to get the cold hard facts from!), and we are very grateful.  Thanks, guys!  Happy travels to you!
A lot of people give Port Hedland a miss, but seeing it through the eyes of two transport mad little boys makes it quite an interesting place!  They found the Port very interesting, and before we leave Port Hedland tomorrow they hope to watch a train come by.  That should take a while, as I believe they can have up to 230 carriages behind them! 


There is beauty around you if you are willing to have an open mind.

Next Tuesday will bring us to Point Samson, where we will be for a week, followed by a week at Exmouth, where Matthew will turn three!  We are looking forward to our inland adventures followed by some time out by the beach once more.  I am not sure of internet availability, so we will see you next when we can.

Cheers,
Tanya, Tony, Charlie and Matthew