19th & 20th Aug., 2012 - Still in Broome

On Sunday 19th, we spent the early evening on Cable Beach, watching the camels giving rides against the backdrop of a magnificent sunset.  The silhouettes suggested Morocco, rather than Australia!  People were on the beach in 4WD's, others were picnicking & a group of drummers were providing a little lively rhythm; we enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere.

Cable Beach

On Monday, we packed a picnic lunch & drove to the Town Beach with Judy & Charlie.  It was beautiful there - blue sky, turquoise sea & a gentle breeze blowing the fronds of the palm trees; an idyllic setting.  However, I'm a little nervous to swim in the ocean (there are a few minor problems to take into consideration - sharks, salt-water crocodiles, stone-fish & jellyfish to mention just a few!)  Consequently, we returned to the caravan park & I had another refreshing swim in the pool there.

Town Beach

In the evening, the four of us went to the cinema & saw the film, "The Sapphires".  It was about four aboriginal girls who formed a singing group & achieved success despite all the prejudice that they had to deal with.  It was basically a true story & a very good one - it reminded us of how far we've come in the fight against discrimination since the 50's & 60's.

I've actually met another quilter - a lady in the caravan behind us is busy appliqueing some squares that will eventually form the top of a quilt.  She has also brought a sewing machine with her!  Perhaps she will inspire me to get down to some embroidery.

16th, 17th & 18th Aug., 2012 - At leisure in Broome

Currently, we are enjoying a rest from travelling & are spending a leisurely time in Broome (the pearl capital of Australia).  It is a lovely tropical town, with a very cosmopolitan population & a really laid-back life-style.

Cable Beach

On the evening of the 16th, about a dozen or more of us went into town to listen to a group called 'the Pigrams' - we'd never heard of them but they were popular with our Australian friends, since their music is 'catchy' & makes for easy listening.  Several of their songs referred to Broome & the surrounding area.  People of all ages & races filled the venue to capacity &, by the end of the session, the dance floor was packed.  The music was great but the audience was noisy, to say the least, so we couldn't hear any of the lyrics.  However, one would never complain about noise, for fear of being considered "old"!

 

People-watching is a fascinating hobby & we couldn't take our eyes off some of the characters who were present - the shapes, sizes, clothes & hair-styles were a real education!

On the 17th, we got locked out of the caravan again!  The door closed on us & refused to budge, so Bob had to remove another fly-wire in order to reach inside & remove the keys from their hook.  We now have a spare set of keys hidden on the outside of the van, in case this should turn into a frequent occurrence.

With the panic over, Charlie then drove us to Willie Creek Pearl Farm, where we had a very interesting time.  We had refreshments, followed by an explanation of how cultured pearls are grown, then a boat trip to see where the oysters are farmed.  Afterwards, I almost got some pearl earrings but Bob had left his credit card in the caravan ... foiled again!

Back at the caravan park, I cooled off in the beautiful swimming pool - the heat can be exhausting but a dip in the pool soon revives me.

Today, the 18th, I started the morning with another drama ... this time, I got locked in the van's toilet & shower room!  Not much space in there so my relief, when I finally managed to release the lock, was understandable.  I'm definitely jinxed where locks are concerned.

By 10.15am., it was already 34C so the airconditiong units, in both caravan & car, were working overtime!

We went to Broome's market, which was really colourful & attractive.  There were many temptations - beautiful paintings, clothing, jewellery, arts & crafts & more pearls!  However, we didn't feel that the pearls were of the quality that we'd seen yesterday, so we drove into town & visited the Willie Creek Shop.  Bob had his credit card this time, so he bought me some lovely earrings, as well as three items to give as gifts.  The assistant gave us discount on our purchases &, apparently, we can also claim some tax back at the airport when we return to England.  I explained to Bob that you've got to spend, if you want to save!  Simple really, but he doesn't always understand that (I think it's a man thing.)