Day 11 Broome

Today our youngest turned 5, and it was celebrated in great style.  We started the day with a breakfast of Scrambled Eggs and Bacon.  Much to his master's delight.  Rowan set about opening his presents and had a mini party for him early.  A couple of loads of washing done and hung, and we then set about making a picnic lunch, and made our way out to James Price Point for a picnic.  The trip out was interesting, past Willie Creek Pearls, and onwards through the red sand to the area where the protesters are destroying the environment with their busses and 4WD's parked in the bush.

 We drove onwards to the point, and had a look over the cliffs, and then took the Prado off road for the first time.  We made our way onto the beach, and parked up near a rocky formation in the sand near the water.  We spent the next hour or so hiking up the beach, collecting shells and rocks, taking photos. The white beach contrasting with the deep red cliffs is spectacular.  It is truly a very pretty place, as is the rest of Australia's coastline.  Let's face it, there is no ideal spot to build a gas processing plant, but the low lying mangroves which run for hundreds of miles up and down the coast, are probably not going to endanger the fluffy animals at all.  Perhaps I am just biased.

The contrast of colours between the sea the sky, the white beach and the red cliffs is something to behold.  topped with lush green scrub, it was quite difficult to resign ourselves to leaving.

We ate our picnic lunch and decided to head back towards Broome, and we had a few anxious momentsas the Prado sank majestically into the beach, before I decided to let air out of the tyres, and we got off the beach on our 6th attempt at going up the access point.  I told the kids there was never any doubt in it, but I was a bit worried I had stuffed up and was going to get the opportunity to trial my recovery gear.

We drove back past the lazy,no good, unemployed...sorry the protestors, and back to the Broome Hwy with one small stop to throw Ashley out of the car.  I made him jog a couple of hundred metres  before I stopped and waited for him.  Needless to say we are now officially fed up with the fighting in the back seat.  We turned towards Wyndham, and went to 12 mile where we stopped at the Mango Farm.  We had a very interesting walk amongst their plantation with written notes (Rainbow Walk) and I got to see Cashew trees, a Bloodwood and a Sandpaper tree who's leaves are capable of smoothing wood.  After an awesome Mango Cheesecake, and Mango Liqueur cake, we headed back to Broome.

When we got to the caravan, we had time for a quick change and then sang Rowan happy birthday, and demolished a large chocolate cake between us.  We all then jumped back in the car and headed off to Cable Beach for a Camel Ride.

We rode with the "Blue Camels" Broome Camel Safaris. Lisa and Emma each received a complimentary pair of pearl earrings. The girls shared a camel, as did Rowan and I, with Ashley fronting a camel to the rear. Our guide, Matt, took an incredible amount of photos of us. The sunset was sensational, as usual, and the ride was comfortable and relaxing, like a huge rocking chair. Emma and Rowan each bought a cuddly camel. Emma's is named 'Rose' and Rowan named his 'Camel'. Camel has now replaced Bunny as the snuggly night time toy of choice.

 he day was rounded off by a spectacular meal at Zanders Cable Beach and Rowan has proclaimed it "The best birthday ever!" I must say, I tend to agree.  I can't see how this trip can get better, but it has only just begun...Bring on the journey ahead…