Day 40-59 More of Broome- Karrijini to Exmouth to Kurrajong 11th August to 30th August

Day 40 – 11^th August - Sunday – Broome (Cable Beach)

Motivated by Michelle and Brit/ Fred Leanne and Vin both went for a run along the beautiful Cable Beach (our first sighting).  Upon returning we had a message from Blackas that he was going to take us out fishing and whale watching. We quickly got ourselves ready and headed on down to Gantheaume Point, however as we were pretty much there Blackas rang us as described how it was going to be too rough to head out there as the ocean was quite choppy. As we pulled up on the beach alongside them sitting having a beer in the boat whilst waiting, we could see that it was just going to be too hard.

Arriving on the beach to only see too many waves for Blackas little boat!

 We got going around the corner much to the girls satisfaction!

 Riley catching the first fish!

 Abbey with her first fish- although she doesn't seem too comfortable!

 Now with her second catch she seems much more comfortable.

 A very happy Vin, at last catching one- I think he's in love!

Leanne not quite as excited about her catch- poor Blackas had to hold it away from her.

 

Fortunately Blackas had alternate ideas taking us around to Town Beach /Roebuck Bay to go fishing amongst the Mangroves. Wow did we ever go fishing! Abbey caught 4 fish (catfish, cod), Riley caught 2, while Leanne and Vin caught 1 each. Unfortunately none were to size so we came back to shore empty handed, still having had an awesome day. The smile on the dials of everyone was easy to see! It was also amazing seeing the tide turn, this day it was an 8m tide (unheard of in Melbourne). On the way back in we could see islands that we couldn’t see on the way out! We returned just in time otherwise Blackas wouldn’t have been able to get his car in close enough to bring the boat in. After a great day out we dropped Blackas and his boat back home before heading to the caravan park where we noticed the arrival of the Beans. Now 4 St Louis families at the same venue!

Day 41 – 12^th August - Monday – Broome (Cable Beach)

Another energetic morning with Vin running with Fred and Leanne walking with Britt and Michelle. Then the grocery shopping had to be done. Listened to Blackas footy report on 102.9 Spirit FM where he mentioned Riley’s name on the radio (unfortunately Riley missed hearing it, which broke his heart- fortunately Blackas was later able to get a copy of the recording).

After the formalities of the day were done we headed down for the rest of the day at the beach – boogie boarding, before heading for a splash in the pool late in the day. Oh, so relaxing. I think I could handle it here for another week or two.

Day 42 – 13^th August - Tuesday – Broome (Cable Beach)

Another morning run by both Vin and Leanne, returning to a relaxing morning by the pool. It was recommended by Blackas if we were to go to any races Ladies Day (today) is the best to go to as the Broome Cup is too busy.

With all the ladies looking splendid, how Leanne liked to dress up for a change, and even the boys making some effort, we headed for the races. As it was ladies day all the men drove (the Bean’s didn’t come though!). Fred had some tips, so Peter, Fred and Vin went in for a syndicate. After an initial win, the money dried up, especially with all the bets the kids put on getting us no return. At the end of the day we caught up with Lea and Blackas who’d had a nice day in the Toyota marquee, living it up- oh how good it must be to be a local icon Blackas!!!

Michelle, Britt and Leanne looking gorgeous at the races!

Family looking spiffy at the races (ladies winning hands down on that front)!

 

We returned for dinner before catching up for drinks with Brit and Fred.

Day 43 – 14^th August - Wednesday – Broome (Cable Beach)

It was a time today to do some adventurous driving, to see what other areas around Broome have to offer. It was late morning before we departed, driving to Quondong and James Price Point, which were just nice isolated beaches. Being very isolated was not something we were prepared for, not having any lunch with us. Fortunately our travelling friends the Atkin’s, had extra resources in their car to get us fed.

On our return we went to the Willie Creek Pearl Farm Tour which we had booked for 2pm. We also met the Bean’s there, who’d also booked this tour. After browsing in the shop and finding out the ridiculous prices of some of the pearls, we headed to the rotunda for a presentation on how they create the pearls, and the different sorts of pearls.

It was a very interesting presentation, knowing how they retrieve the pearls from the oysters, and then how they then create the different shapes of pearls. At the end of the very informative presentation we were provided with coffee and damper cake (Oh Yum!!!). The next part of the tour was travelling on the boat through Willie Creek where they again demonstrated the retrieval of oysters from their stacks/ and they also had to clean and rotate them. Our final part of the tour was returning to the gift shop where Fred wore the most expensive pearls 40K, while Abbey wore a necklace worth 3K. Then of course the ladies all got into buying some pearls, fortunately Leanne and Abbey didn’t feel the urge to buy at this stage (Britt was spoilt though!).

Abbey with her expensive pearls- she wishes!!!

 Everybody enjoying themselves around the beautiful pool area!

Returned to the caravan park just in time for the kids to have a swim, before dinner and an early night to bed!

 

Day 44 – 15^th August - Thursday – Broome (Cable Beach)

Woke to another beautiful sunny Broome morning, the weather here is amazing! Amorning run on the agenda again, Leanne heading off for a run with Brit and Michelle and on her return Vin and Fred headed off for their run. Today we decided to book 2 extra nights at Cable Beach; this was for 2 main reasons: 1. we wanted to spend more time with Marty and Nic as they were arriving on Sunday (Vin’s brother) and secondly we were just loving Broome so much we just never want to leave!!!

More swimming on the agenda for the day and then we were heading off to the Blackas for dinner. Blackas son Mitch had caught several Mulaway and we were invited over to sample this freshly caught fish (thanks Mitch).

Mitch preparing our feast!!!

 

 

This was a real treat and the fish was cooked beautifully, yummy!!!! After dinner Riley helped Blackas write his pre match summary for round 21, which he does for the local fm radio station. Riley loved looking up all the stats and helping write this report which we could listen to tomorrow morning on the radio. Blackas also told Riley to ring the station during his segment on Friday to be the guest footy tipper in the radios footy competition.

Another enjoyable evening thanks to the great hospitality of Lea and Blackas.

 

Day 45 – 16^th August - Friday – Broome (Cable Beach)

Today was van and car servicing day, so we had to pack up the van first thing in the morning so Vin could take them both. We were homeless for the day! While Vin took the van and car to be serviced Riley, Abbey and Leanne sat at the site waiting for Blackas AFL segment on the radio at 9.20am. During his AFL summary Blackas mentioned both Abbey and Riley’s name on the radio when talking about the Saints and Tigers games. They thought it was special to hear their name on the radio! Also Riley was successful in phoning in and being selected as the guest tipper for the week. Riley had to compete against the radio celebrity, James Squire for tipping the most right for round 21. If Riley won he received a $100 meal voucher for Diver’s Tavern and a $10 TAB voucher. It was soooooo exciting hearing Riley speak on the radio, what a highlight this was for him! Riley only tipped one game different to the celebrity, which was the Doggies v Crows game. Go Doggies!!!!

After returning from dropping the car and van Vin looked after the children with Cam and the Beans. Whilst this was happening Leanne and Kim went off to shop till they dropped at the local shops. Vin, Cam and the kids went down to the beach for several hours, enjoying some good bogey boarding and body surfing before returning late in the afternoon for the kids to play in the pool. When the ladies eventually got back from their day out (they spurred each other on to greater heights- spending up big –HAPPY B’DAY DARLING!!!), Vin had to go and pick up the car and van before returning to reset up. Caught up again after dinner with the Beans!

Day 46 – 17^th August - Saturday – Broome (Cable Beach)

Slowly got moving this day, with the family heading to the local market, that is except for Riley who we dropped off at Blackas so he could watch Matt Stats on the computer with Lea. Vin and Leanne both had a Thai massage at the market before Leanne and Abbey spent up on some pearl necklaces there also. (Happy B’DAY Again Leanne)!!!.

Leanne loving some attention- Thai massage at market!

 

After the market we returned to pick up Riley from Blackas and unfortunately we stayed there for a while to watch the footy- The Tigers somehow losing to the Blues. We then returned to Cable Beach for the kids to enjoy an afternoon camel ride 3.30pm. All 4 St Louis families kids did the camels and then we all stayed on the beach after that for the beautiful Broome Sunset.

 Kids enjoying their camel ride and below some groovy dance moves at sunset!

Day 47 – 18^th August - Sunday – Broome (Cable Beach)

This day we again met up with the Blackas and Lea at Gantheaume Point  for another day out on the boat fishing and whale watching. Blackas took us straight out several km’s to try and find some whales. After a short time Blackas spotted a whale and calf, it was quite amazing to see, especially since the calf was actually breaching (giving us quite a show). We also saw on the trip several sea snakes, a turtle, and a shark (Abbey absolutely freaked!!!). We then focussed on fishing, except for Riley who was heavily focussed on keeping tabs on the footy score (between Bulldogs and Adelaide). Abbey caught the biggest fish(Sand Snapper), but Vin caught the catch of the day (Blue bone) which we were actually able to bring back to shore for eating. Abbey caught 3 this day, Daddy 2 and Mum 1. Oh yeah, Lea and Blackas caught 1 each as well- although the shark stole Blackas fish as he was reeling it back in!!!

 Riley and Blackas ready to chill out on the boat!

 Lea holding Abbey's first catch!

 Biggest catch of the day but not nice eating- 59cm- go Abbey!

 Most beautiful catch of the day (and nice eating)- Blue bone- well done Vin!!!

 Leanne enjoying herself too!

A very busy day out with boats as you can see by the beach- amazing!

 

As we returned to shore (Riley hadn’t checked the score for some time), where the doggies had been winning all day, his mood dampened when he noticed that Adelaide was suddenly up by 22 points late in the 3^rd quarter. We hopped in the car and listened as the Doggies made a remarkable comeback, overcoming the Crows by a couple of goals. Wow, the excitement was in the air- Riley had won $100- dinner voucher and $10- betting voucher.

My brother Marty and his partner Nic arrived this day so Marty came around to see us, and so I could take him to get some supplies. Upon returning I dropped him off as I was taking Leanne out for a dinner, organising that the Bean’s would look after our kids. The only thing was when the kids asked to wear something nice to go around there, Leanne was on to something going on. That of course was that I’d organised for the 4 ST Louis families and Marty/ Nic to join Leanne for a surprise  Birthday dinner at Zanders at Cable Beach.

 Birthday celebrations with everybody- Happy b'day Leanne!

 

It ended up still being somewhat of a surprise anyway, and a enjoyable night for Leanne. A really nice dinner- Leanne having the Trawler’s catch which fortunately was a favourite amongst everyone there. Everyone seemed to enjoy their meal, which is always nice when you only treat yourselves occasionally!

Leanne’s first ever birthday in nice weather, not bad at 45. This would have to be among the top highlights of our trip thus far. What a great day- Happy B’Day again Leanne (this seems to be just a continuing theme- hope she doesn’t get use to this)!

Day 48 – 19^th August - Monday – Broome (Cable Beach)

Wow, now it actually is Leanne’s B’day- Happy B’day again my darling!!!

 

 

 

Noticeboard at the Cable Beach Caravan Park- well done Vin!!!

Said good bye to the Beans and Atkins who were moving on, the Bean’s having extended their time in Broome so they could be there for Leanne’s celebrations. That morning the kids caught up with Abbey and Lachy before Vin cooked up a b’day brunch of bacon and eggs- what more does she want!!!

We then went over to the Cable Beach Resort to catch up with Marty and Nic – relaxing, swimmimg, playing mini golf and table tennis, followed by afternoon drinks in the gazebos organised by Marty and Nic. Leanne received lots of b’day text and messages, and even some skype calls to make her day. We then had dinner at Caravan Park with Marty and Nic (pizza). It certainly was a memorable b’day for Leanne –  having warm weather, and her first b’day away from home! (NOT TO MENTION HER LONGEST EVER B’DAY CELEBRATION).

Day 49 – 20^th August - Tuesday – Broome (Cable Beach)

After having the last few days of celebration it was time to get back on the running track to justify those drinks we’d had! It so easy to exercise when the weather is like it is.

We then headed to the beach with other Abbey and family. The kids went to the pool upon return  with Abbey, Lachie and family while Vin and Leanne organised themselves for going out to dinner that night courtesy of Riley.

Typical scenes at the beautiful Cable Beach!

 

That evening we went to sunset-moonrise at Gantheuame Point with Marty and Nic. Had great fun taking lots of fun photos while seeing this amazing event (where the sun’s setting and the moon are rising at the same time). Quite an amazing place this is!

Abbey and Riley having fun at sunset!

 

Marty catching the rising moon in his stubby/beer!

Abbey performing and Riley stealing Vin's beer at sunset!

 

We then went out for dinner at the Diver’s Inn with Marty and Nic. Riley’s winnings paying for all our families’ dinner (sorry Marty and Nic). Although initially something happened with the voucher saying it had negative $50- on it- they honoured it though but poor Riley was a bit perplexed when it first happened. It certainly was a very nice setting at this restaurant and beautiful food to boot. A really relaxing and enjoyable dinner had by all (especially yummy ribs- Vin).

A very happy Riley with his dinner voucher and TAB betting voucher- well done mate!!!

Day 50 – 21^st August - Wednesday – Broome (Cable Beach)

A little bit of a wasted day this day, knowing we were leaving the next day and heading to Karijini National Park where you can’t purchase anything. We spent hours shopping and stocking up supplies. It was great for the children as they went with Marty and Nic for a swim at resort pool.

They returned late in the afternoon, just in time for us all (Marty and Nic inc) to go to the Stair Case to the Moon. We went to Kennedy’s Hill (next to the Mangrove Hotel), to watch this fascinating event. It certainly was a highlight, getting some good photos of this amazing event.

 The famous Staircase to the Moon in Broome!!! Awesome!

After this we went and bought some chips/ potato cakes/ dimmy for final catch up with the Blackas. They were also cooking up the Blue boned fish that Vin had caught. Mitch cooked it up for us and it certainly was a nice tasting fish. A fun and relaxing night was had by all, playing some Kelly pool, table tennis before saying goodbyes! This is where the fun ended, as the children particularly became quite sad saying goodbye to Blackas, Lea and Mitch. Thanks guys for the great memories- you created many special memories for our family!!!

 Vin being very proud of his catch- ready to eat all.

 Saying goodbye to the Blackas!!!

 Lea amd Abbey, and Riley and Blackas certainly formed an amazing bond!

 They both also had a great love for Mitch!!!

They also loved their time with Marty and Nic!!!

Day 51 – 22^nd August - Thursday – Bye Bye Broome- Karijini

Did well to have an early pack up, ready to go by 8-30am (wow- record!). Marty and Nic came to farewell us, which again made our children a bit sad!

We were ready for a long drive after being dormant for so long! Karijini we estimated would take about 10 hours, however we thought beiung team Snell we could do it quicker. We already had lunch packed and many little snacks to keep everybody happy. For some reason the kids were acting a little crazy in the car early on which was ok, as it kept them sane!

We had a a toilet stop somewhere and then a petrol stop in Port Headland (truck city). We still believed we could do it! There was a possibility that we’d stop at the roadhouse but once Vin get’s on a mission we knew we’d make it. We entered Karijini National Park right on dusk not knowing exactly how many km’s we had to go and which park we were going to. Leanne belatedly decided we would go to the Eco Retreat as it had showers (not so adventurous- worries about hygiene)! Unfortunately though we went the tough way there, driving 40km along the corrugated road- (I’m not quite sure how the van survived- well mostly survived)!

Fortunately upon arriving in the dark after having travelled an extra 40 mins than we needed on corrugated road, we managed to book in right near the Bean’s. This made it at least ok when we were setting up they cooked up some pasta for us (we already had the sauce!). A big day was had by all, we were all quite exhausted!

 Day 52 – 23^rd August - Friday- Karijini

After a fairly relaxed wake up we eventually started the day with a trip to Weano Gorge with the Bean’s. We started with a trek to the handrail pool. This trek was quite excruciating, with walks through waist level water as well as Cliffside rocks and finally down a handrail to a beautiful but cold gorge. The stupid of us (Cam and Vin) took the kids a little further down which was absolutely freezing but very scenic, while Leanne and Kim sunned themselves. We then had a steep climb back to the car park where we had lunch.

 Mummy performing again at the handrail pool!!!

The Snell's and Bean's relaxing in the Handrail Pool!!! (cold as)

 

After lunch we headed to the Kermit Pool, through another amazing gorge with descents down steep cliffs and ladders. We got to a stage in the gorge where the water level was going to be quite deep for the kids, so we relaxed cliffside admiring the beautiful scenery before heading back to the car park. We needed to return at a reasonable time to the Eco Retreat for the girls to get a warm shower before all the backpackers got back and use all the solar hot water.

 The gorge for the Kermit Pool- special!!!

Vin cooked up the Mulaway (fish) which he had brought frozen from the Blackas and shared it with the Bean’s (we wanted to not have smelly fish left in the fridge). It certainly was a hit amongst all, even Will enjoyed the fish! Fortunately we even had some left over for another night for Leanne and Vin.

Day 53 – 24^th August - Saturday- Karijini

Early morning departure for the Bean’s (8.30am- what a miracle!) Went to Dale’s Gorge area, where we decided to venture down to where we knew was the coldest pool- the circular pool. Beautiful area with an enjoyable walk and a freezing cold swim (except Mum), before we lazily returned to head in the car to Fortescue Falls (rather than do the 4km walk). We walked down to Fortescue Falls  (which were beautiful) and then walked on further to the Fern Pool. It certainly was a lot more comfortable water temperature with all of us getting in, even though there were a few fish hanging around the entry to the pool. It had a nice waterfall at the far end of the pool (so Vin ran back up to get the noodles), to make it easier for them to go out there. When he headed up to get them he met up with the Henry’s who also came down to the pool. We had a nice time swimming around in that pool for about an hour.

 Riley jumping into the Circular Pool (freezing)!

 Abbey and Riley getting ready to go in Circular Pool!

 Riley, Abbey and Leanne cruising along the Dale's Gorge!

 With the Henry's at Fern Pool!

The very picturesque Kalamina Gorge!!!

 

On the way back to the Eco centre Vin decided we had enough time to go and visit a couple more Gorges. Firstly was the Kalamina Gorge, which Vin believes was the most beautiful setting, quite like an amphitheatre. The funny thing when we arrived at this Gorge was that Leanne and Abbey were leading the trek there, only to be met by a man who was having a skinny dip (stark naked). Vin then took the lead ensuring that he had dressed himself before we headed around to look at this spectacular setting.

Finally on the way back to the Eco Retreat we dropped into Joffre Gorge lookout just to have a quick look at these spectacular falls. Thank God we decided to visit Karijini as it wasn’t initially on our things to do, but discussions with several other travellers encouraged us to take this detour. Probably even better than Litchfield and Kakadu in many ways! Although our van has taken a hit from the experience (get it fixed upon our return).

Day 54 – 25^th August - Sunday- Karijini- Exmouth

Left Karijini, took the park exit west out which was much kinder to our van, with only 10km’s of corrugation rather than 40km’s on the way in (Oh well). Stopped to get petrol in Paraburdoo which was very reasonably priced, we then travelled on to Nanutarra Roadhouse where we were victims to isolation and were ripped off for our lunch, paying $6-20 for a sausage roll and $7-20 for a pie/ pastie (found out later that many others had experienced the same)!!! For any future travellers be WARNED, don’t go there!!!

We arrived in Exmouth mid afternoon, leaving us enough time to set up while the kids had a swim, we did some washing and cleaned up somewhat after a lot of red dust from Karijini. It was quite a nice caravan park with our site being opposite the pool which was great for the kids.

Day 55 – 26^th August - Monday- Exmouth

In the morning the Ellis’s came over to say g’day after Vin had left them a note the previous evening. Leanne decided she needed to stay in Exmouth for another night to get completely deferalled. Found Exmouth to be somewhat a sterile place, however we did go and explore the lighthouse sanctuary, Jurabi Sanctuary Zone (great info about turtles in form of a poem for kids), North West Cape to see the surf beach and the shipwreck before looking at Bundegi beach. We then returned to the park (via shopping to restock before Kurrajong) and came back for a swim in the pool.

Abbey at the pool at Exmouth Caravan Park!

 

Day 56 – 27^th August - Tuesday- Exmouth- Kurrajong (Cape Range National Park).

We departed Exmouth for an easy hour drive to Kurrajong (4 nights without power- Leanne’s scared). We caught up with the Bean’s and Atkin’s, with the Atkin’s next door and the Bean’s at the other end of the park. Although we didn’t have power or showers it was a nicely set up park with clean toilet area.

We stayed at Kurrajong beach area for the rest of day- snorkelling, while Riley did some fishing with Cam. A most relaxing afternoon, with again beautiful weather conditions and great company. We then enjoyed the sunset with a couple of drinks at the table area before heading to Atkin’s for after dinner drinks.

 Mitch and Riley praying for a fish to come onto the rod!!

Enjoying sunset with many people from Kurrajong!

Day 57 – 28^th August - Wednesday- Kurrajong

Today we headed to Lakeside with the Atkin’s where the snorkelling was supposed to be great. It was quite a windy day but we soldiered on in the hope of some great snorkelling. We stopped at a nice shaded area and did some snorkelling, however it really didn’t seem as good as what it was built up to be. Fortunately a man cam walking from around the corner and we asked him how it was, he then explained to us that the good area for snorkelling was around the corner and it was sign posted.

Although we had to walk around into a very harsh windy area we went to the area he suggested, and Wow it didn’t disappoint. There was quite a strong drift, but after Vin, Fred, Abbey and Britt went out to check it out, everybody then went for a look (even Riley) as it was spectacular.  We spent the rest of the afternoon there and just as we were about to leave the Ellis’s arrived for a snorkel so we gave them the heads up and organised to catch up with them the next day. The day was magnificent with our best snorkelling yet (the amount of species was amazing). Abbey certainly doesn’t enjoy seeing the stingrays though.

 Snorkelling and swimming at Lakeside!

Headed back and had a relaxing evening with the Atkin’s back at Kurrajong.

Day 58 – 29^th August - Thursday- Kurrajong

The Ellis’s arrived early just as we were about to depart, so we headed to Sandi Beach with Ellis’s and ATkin’s. The beach area was okay for swimming, however the snorkelling wasn’t great as Vin and Corbin can attest as they ventured far and wide looking for it – giving Leanne and Julie heart attacks (especially when Vin came back on his own, as Corbin just kept going as he was a man on a mission). They even had the local management have 000 on standby. The weather was actually a bit cold this morning with even a few drops of rain for those people waiting on the beach.

After that eventful morning we went to Yardi Creek for a look, seeing quite a picturesque Gorge. That was a short visit, so the Ellis’s and ourselves headed back to Lakeside for another quality snorkel and this unbelievable area. We all went out snorkelling again before returning to Kurrajong for out last evening there with the Atkin’s.

Day 59 – 30^th August - Friday- Kurrajong

The Atkin’s left fairly early so we headed to Turqouise Bay. We headed to the easy drift area, again we were spoilt with some amazing sights, seeing many variances of fish. After doing several loops of that (Riley didn’t snorkel though), Vin decided to head around to the other side to do the more dangerous drift loop. He wasn’t disappointed too with viewing of even more amazing species, even seeing a amazingly large size turtle (oh so graceful).

This encouraged all the others to do the loop, unfortunately not finding the turtle again but seeing other things such as stingrays, fish like sword fish, Riley even venturing to do the loop and enjoying it. WOW it certainly is a hard decision as to which was our favourite snorkelling destination. We eventually left there, returning to the campsite for dinner, surviving a final day without power and water (solar shower was always a highlight with the neighbours). I told Leanne we’d survive!!!