Day 41 15/07/2013 Talbot Bay, in the Buccaneer Archipelago, to Broome (overnight)

We were awoken at 5.30am and the first two tenders with 4 guests each, (all wearing life-jackets for the first time), set out for the Horizontal Waterfalls. This is one of the most iconic locations in the Kimberley. The massive tidal movements in this area, coupled with the amazing rock formations, create spectacular 'falls' as huge volumes of water pour through two narrow chasms between the land formations. At certain times of the year, and with the right tides, it is possible to navigate these chasms with an exhilarating dinghy ride. It was, in fact, just that....very exciting......and virtually impossible to take photos! We were so fortunate to be able to do it.
Once everyone had experienced the falls we split into three tenders to take a scenic excursion into the back of Cyclone Creek, so named because this area was used by the Pearlers as a safe anchorage during cyclone season. There are some bat fish which inhabit the waters, (numbers are dwindling because of crocodiles), and we enjoyed looking at them as Ben fed them a few pieces of bread. We were also able to view some wonderful sandstone geological formations, (folding and faulting), in this area. Back on the boat we got the chance to look at some friendly tawny nurse sharks, before the anchor was taken up and we were on our way.
We passed two interesting locations, Koolun Island and Cockatoo Island, both the sites of active iron ore mines. These islands have rocks which are around 65% iron ore (hematite). It was interesting to find out that although nowadays most of the ore is shipped overseas, previously a lot of it was shipped to Newcastle, when the Steelworks was still in operation. I was able to get a phone signal whilst we were cruising in this location.....it didn't last long, just time enough to send a few messages!!
Our next stop was our last excursion! We pulled in to the scenic Silica Beach....very white sand....where we had our first saltwater swim, in shallow water, with Ben keeping a watchful eye out for crocs. The possibility of crocs in this region is still high, (they have been spotted on this beach before apparently), but we haven't seen any since we left the tidal river system a couple of days ago. We posed for a group photo on the beach and after a lovely cooling dip in the shallow water took the tenders back to the boat for a delicious lunch of prawn and duck salad.
The anchor was pulled up and we set off cruising.....we are not stopping now till we reach Broome, tomorrow morning.
After lunch we waved Wayne farewell, as he took off for the 90 minute flight to Broome in his helicopter.
The afternoon was spent at leisure and then we all gathered on the forward deck for complimentary champagne and nibbles as the sun set on the red rocks at Cape Leveque. After staying there just over a week ago, it was great to see this area from a different perspective.
We were hoping to see more whales off the Cape, and we did spot a couple in the distance, but none close to the boat. I did see a sea snake though!
Another group photo was taken, and just after 7pm we had our last dinner aboard the Kimberley Quest II.......Barramundi Tortellini with burnt sage and butter, followed by Crepe Suzette with Marscapone. It has been great to have Rhys as our on-board chef. Not only is he a great cook......he has a great sense of humour too.
There is not a single guest on board who hasn't had a fabulous time. No-one has any complaints.... we have all had the most amazing time. The crew has been awesome, the scenery has been stunning, the weather perfect, the company friendly and convivial.......this holiday will not be easy to top. Maybe we will have to do it again sometime!!!!
We will drop anchor at Gantheaume Point around 6.30 tomorrow morning. Following breakfast we will go by tender into the beach and then we must wave farewell to the Kimberley Quest II. It won't be easy!