Today was a bit of a non-event. Quite appropriate really, seeing as it’s the Glorious Fourth. We drove east from Broome to Fitzroy Crossing. First stop was a mango farm, where we had mango smoothies, mango slushies and mango ice-cream. They had lots of mango trees, wines, chutneys, sauces and other souvenirs, but no actual mangoes.  I was hoping. What they did have was a wood oven for a colocated pizza business, and soon after we arrived the proprieter remo...

Today was a true holiday: a really relaxing day for our last day before we start heading back east. We just soaked in the twin jewels of Broome: Roebuck Bay and Cable Beach. First up we headed to the Broome Bird Observatory which is on the eastern shore of the bay, and although I only snapped one new bird (Great-billed Heron), the location was delightful. Secluded beaches separated by weathered rocky outcrops, clear turquoise water and shady trees. The boys play...

Great day exploring Broome. Started by visiting the Buddha Sanctuary; Grandma’s idea, not terribly exciting but perhaps that’s the whole idea. Next stop was Gantheaume Point, where the lighthouse is; the lighthouse is not picturesque but the rock formations on the point certainly are, as you can see in this photo. The boys enjoyed rock climbing and watching the swells smack against the rocks and spray everywhere. From there we went to the jetty, walking out q...

Laundry day today, trying to get red dust out of our clothes and bedding. Washed the car, too, and had two showers and a swim, so actually feeling quite clean. The boys and I got wet at the water playground at Town Beach. They loved it as we joined in with the other kids in waterfights and follow-the-leader, and got drowned by the tipping water buckets. It was Jesse’s 8th birthday today, that he has been so looking forward to. He scored some new games and DVD...

Started today with a quick trip to the Derby bird observatory, which is a small man-made wetland created specifically for birdwatching; basically it is a section of the wastewater treatment plant. Great idea and a great place, let down by poor signage and maintenance. Didn’t catch any new birds on the wetland, but did get some shots of Plumed Whistling Duck (a lifer), hundreds of which were hanging around the primary ponds of the treatment plant. After a few p...