Broome or Bust

Today we are on the lands of the Kariyarra, Ngarla, and Njamal people. Before leaving Karratha, Gayle went to the Red Earth Arts Precinct to look at an exhibition called 'Kindle", showing works of Indigenous artists. The works of Clinton Walker resonate with the landscape. Kangaroo; Land and Sea Cushion by Jasmine Ihanimo Driving towards Port Hedland is quite surreal. Coming out of the flat, red-earth landscape we come upon machinery, road interchanges, huge trains, cranes and everywhere there are trucks. According to the Town of Port Hedland, it is the world's largest bulk exporting port, particularly of iron ore. We even passed a sign pointing to Rio Tinto Salt, which is marketed as Dampier Salt. Long trains are a constant sight The beach next to the caravan park The tidal flats are huge, and the tide is already halfway in. White-breasted Woodswallow In response to the requests we have had to show a picture of Chops being minded in the Coral Bay Tour shop, Chops has prov...

Today we are on the the lands of the Ngarluma people.  A day of contrasts. As  we travelled north from the Asburton River, we passed semi-arid landscapes, mining operations,  and gas plants until we finally reached the seashore at Karratha.  Karratha has a population of around 17,000. It was established in 1968 to accommodate the workforce of the Hamersley Iron mining company and, in the 1980s, the petroleum and liquefied natural gas operations of the Woodside-operated North West Shelf Venture.  Morning on the Ashburton River at Nanutarra Mine site (we think) Pilbara landscape Sometimes you have to get right off the road Gas plant Mangroves growing in the tidal swamps Sturt's Desert Pea Peaceful Dove Rainbow Bee-Eater having a snack Sea Eagle (we think) Kylie 30 July 2024 at 23:37 Happy birthday, Jeffrey! xx REPLY Lyn 31 July 2024 at 15:54 Oh the beauty of mining towns. You are 72 . A good age. Past the foolishness of youth but not quite over the hill. Hope you ...

Today we are at the Nanutarra Roadhouse on the lands of the Thalanyji people, as we make our way to Broome over the next few days.  The Pilbara region contains some of the Earth’s oldest rock formations. The area is known for its petroleum, natural gas and iron ore deposits.  On Highway 1 Pilbara landscapes The Ashburton River at the roadhouse  Lyn 29 July 2024 at 23:27 Highway 1 looks peak desolate. The river and roadhouse look like a classic oasis in a desert. Will you celebrate your birthday at Broome Jeffrey?  REPLY Jenny 30 July 2024 at 06:42 In red soil country!

Amazingly, things get better and better.  Today we went on an afternoon whale watching boat tour on the outer reef. And we certainly saw whales.  Whales slap their tails on the water to communicate with each other, and suddenly whales everywhere were slapping their tails. These whales are “blowing” You can hear the tails hitting the water if you allow sound on the video. Remarkably, we even heard the whales vocalising at one stage.  And in case you’re wondering, the tour shop volunteered to mind Chops at the shop for free. It seems his fame has spread around Coral Bay, after he was looked after a few days ago.  It's not all about bigger is better Scan here to see the video Marama 29 July 2024 at 08:50 Good to see Chops getting the attention he deserves (and stunning photos!)

The laundry, that is. Get up early, find an empty washing machine, find some line space. Anyhow, we are now back to our most pristine. But we didn’t let the laundry rule our day and had some walks, drawing for Gayle, and cryptic crosswords for Jeffrey. Oyster catchers on patrol Swallow Where in the world is our caravan? The glass bottom boat has a very shallow draft. Passengers embark from the beach and it can sail over the coral in very shallow water. Where in the world is our caravan? Lyn 28 July 2024 at 15:55 Is that like one of those Face Book posts about finding the embedded object? I think I found it.  REPLY Dennis 29 July 2024 at 14:30 Your caravan is a minnow among tritons!

We had a great beach ramble today, enjoying the landscapes and keeping a watch out for all the locals. Pacific Reef Heron It does feel quite remote here and it seems most people come here to wonder at the life on the reef.  Well, almost everyone.  Our photographer  Waiting for our photographer Seashore plant Whale watch boat and spotter plane Possibly a laundry day tomorrow- ugh! Tracey 27 July 2024 at 13:10 Great photos! Sky and water looks idyllic, better than grey here. I guess Chops wasn’t interested in chasing bird anyway he looks more awake compared to other photos. REPLY Lyn 27 July 2024 at 20:40 Chops has a naturally mournful expression that disguises his deeper feelings and thoughts.  REPLY Anonymous 28 July 2024 at 19:52 Just catching up on your adventure and wow, just wow. What a once in a lifetime trip. So glad to hear that everything is going well and that Chops is enjoying himself. Loving your photos. The colour of the water is just perfection. Keep liv...