Day 8 - Broome to Rottnest Island

The morning began with a flurry as we packed up and cleaned up our quarters of the house before departure from Broome. We were sad to leave such a beautiful place.

We called at the Visitors Centre and picked up a Travellers Census pack because Denny's property had not received any forms to be filled out.

Our flight to Perth took two and a half hours and we were seated adjacent to Kevin Rhodes and his partner Evelyn Ferris. We were able to catch up on a lot their news and view the pictures of their holiday in the Kimberley.

Glenys' anxiety about the connection between the airport and arriving at the Ferry Terminal in Fremantle in time for the last ferry crossing this day to Rottnest was appeased with a very easy taxi journey and time for a latte before boarding.

We arrived in the late afternoon the sun still warm and the waters around the island beautiful blue.  The island seems to have a huge array of old world charm including accommodation and public buildings. There are no cars lots of bikes and quokkas walking around the paths. We had time for some shopping at the supermarket, a pre dinner drink and nibbles, then off to the pub for fish and chips before closing time (7pm!). We look forward to riding our hire bikes around the 24 km circuit  of the island tomorrow.



Looking back to Perth from Rottnest Is.



The jetty Rottnest Island

Day 7 - Ladies Day at Broome

The day started very early for Ray who was booked for a 6.30am pick-up to go fishing on a local Charter Boat (Absolute Ocean Adventures). The mini-van had 10 people to transport to the boat which was moored off the coast at Gantheaume Bay. A little dinghy took the fisher-persons out to the bigger boat which was a very smart high powered brand new machine. We fished on reefs about 16 to 20 kilometres off shore and Ray caught the first fish and the best of the day. It was a lovely coral trout. Everybody on board caught fish and it was a very successful five hours. Ray met folk from Melbourne and one of them was Brian Sweeney not only a fellow member of Kingston Heath Golf Club but also his business (which he has recently sold) is located over the road from the Church in Bridport St Albert Park.  Those on board saw whales, had fish stolen by sharks, saw dolphins and enjoyed very calm conditions.

In the meantime Glenys took off at 7am for a walk on the expansive, wide and white sands of Cable Beach. It was a glorious morning, the blue sea sparkled and the ocean waves crashed and rolled. It was hard to know when to stop and turn back and after a considerable length of time reluctantly turned back along the beach for the return journey. Arriving back at Millington Road well after 8am for brekky with Denny.

A trip to Broome Town Centre to pick up the computer brought with it the joy of having it returned in working order - yippee.

The serious business of getting ready for Ladies Day at the Races then ensued. Soon Denny appeared in a superb red and black outfit - hat and all and she had decked Glenys out in some of her other finery. Ray arrived home with his catch of 3 including the famous coral trout, which Denny (in her finery) proceeded to scale and prepare in advance for the evening meal.

We picked up Jill Munro on the way to the Races - Denny had already been collected and taken to a sponsored marquee.  On the strength of her disabled sticker we were able to park the car at the entrance gate by-passing about a kilometre of parked cars. The races in Broome on this day are like a giant fancy dress parade both women and men in amazing outfits. The young women very colourful not wearing very much and mounted on very high heels.

We had received a few tips from the two Trevors in Victoria only one ran a place - enough to put us completely off backing horses if we weren't already.  Nevertheless we enjoyed the occasion and meeting many of the locals introduced by Jill and later by Denny.

Jill joined us to demolish the coral trout cooked on an enormous wok and then we all were invited guests at the home of Mike Windle (a local bookmaker) and his partner Veronica (Ronnie).  We were there in time for the announcement of the engagement of Mike's son and then not to be outdone Mike announced his own engagement to Ronnie. More bubbly!

More of the garden at Millington Road

Day 6 - Monday

Following our computer problems on Sunday night we resolved to try and find some help and this came with our visit to the local branch of Leading Edge Computers where we left our little electronic friend for the next 24 hours. We went on a search for a suitable picture frame for the little watercolour and did some other shopping.

We enjoyed another long lunch and then David Thom picked us up for a game of golf at the Broome Golf Club. The course has some very fine views, is a simple layout but tricky for newcomers with borrowed clubs!

After golf we enjoyed a Matsos Ginger Beer on our way home.

That evening Denny went out socialising on pre-race day events while we enjoyed a light meal prepared for us by our amazing hostess and then a relaxing night before an early start the next morning.

Day 5 - Sunday in Broome

Early start for a 7.30am "traditional" Communion Service at the Church of the Ascension, Broome. A little crowd of around 20 people were present led by the Rev Tim Mildenhall - no robes and not much fuss. We seem to have missed the Gospel although he did make a point that we would find Jesus in the Service. We struggled to find Jesus however we appreciated his earnest prayerfulness. A truly momentous event in the service was whilst at the altar rail a little dog started to bark, Denny leaned across and whispered "that's my phone!". We all burst out laughing.

After the service we chatted with other visitors including Peter and Jenny Hammond from Yarrawonga. We may meet up with them again at Perth Cathedral this coming Sunday as they will have pressed on with their tour via the sea (P&O Cruise).

We visited the Japanese and Chinese cemeteries and the graves of some dear friends of Denny's.



Denny's garden



Back to Millington Road for one of Denny's famous Sunday breakfasts all you can eat - eggs and bacon etc. and a long chat. Then we headed for Cable Beach with $20 in hand ready to buy ourselves some time under a beach umbrella lazing on banana lounges. Before that we had a lovely swim in the fabulous clean surf - the water only cold for a moment and then magnificent.

Ray captured something of this afternoon in a little watercolour that he later framed and presented to Denny as a thank you for her kind hospitality.

After dinner we spent a fair slab of time trying to get our little travelling computer to work without much success and then we turned our attention to watching the final of MasterChef on television.

Day 4 - Broome - Denny's birthday

Denny's birthday and instead of Pedro waking us up - it is the phone. We reckon it rang 30 times this day - what a popular girl!  We had bought Denny a lovely cut out card and with that a Coleman Deck chair. She seemed very pleased.

Soon the first visitors- Sue arrives, but she hadn't realised it was Denny's birthday - so comes back later in the day. The phone continues to ring off the hook and we break open the first bottle of bubbly for the day. We go to town to the Saturday morning market where we meet at a regular rendezvous spot for Denny and her pals behind the coffee stall. We enjoy a delicious iced coffee and a stroll in the market finds us discovering another couple of Benalla acquaintances, Kevin Rhodes and partner Evelyn Ferris.

After the market we get some supplies arriving home for lunch. Ray & Glenys have our first swim at the beach.  On arrival back at the house there is another visitor there, Colleen (Richard's partner) and more bubbly. Colleen has come bearing beautiful gifts - a large cup and saucer pot plant and other goodies.

We had planned to go to the local footy but a text message alerts us to the fact that its all over and the locals have lost - so we make our way out to Gantheaume Point, to Corrie's house.   This is an unbelievably beautiful home a great place from which to watch the sunset, next to the lighthouse. Corrie has a majestic garden and we sit around wth her sister, Fran, daughter, Mikayla and her partner Scott. Another great Broome experience, that Denny had carefully planned. More champagne of course.

Then its off to Cable Beach Resort where Denny managed to reserve a table against all the odds - poolside in the Thai Restaurant. We agree not to have any more bubbly as we are already awash with it.  Our reserved table is beautifully decorated in flowers especially for Denny and we are no sooner seated and three complimentary glasses of French champagne arrive compliments of management for Denny - we burst out with laughter.

Glenys, Colleen and Denny and gifts -  another bubbly moment

We enjoyed a really delicious meal but by the end of it Denny was either very tired or sloshed we had a lot of celebrating for one day for an 83 year old and Denny is probably near exhaustion with telephone calls. We had back to the houe for coffee and hummingbird cake - finishing off  more of this delicious specimen that Charles and Martine (caretakers) had brought across during the day - oh yes we had some bubbly with them around lunch time also. For supper it was hot chocolate for some an coffee for others - another treat day in paradise - a big and we hope happy birthday for Denny.

Day 3 - Broome (Friday)

We cut through the grounds of Cable Beach Resort on our morning walk and enjoy the 5 star surrounds - making out that we are guests. A quick look at the ocean - its again almost low tide - heaps of sand. Back for another delicious breakfast and some work on the computer(s) both ours and Dennys!



Water lily pond Cable Beach Resort



We take the car to town and Denny stays home to prepare for tonight's Dinner Party. We have lots of fun exploring the shops making a few purchases and enjoying lunch at Shady Lane. Ray creates a quick little water colour picture while Glen reads a cafe magazine.



Entrance to Cable Beach Resort



Late afternoon we have a swim at Cable Beach and on our way to have coffee at Zangers we meet a Benalla contingent comprising - the Mounseys, the Londons and the McDonalds.  It was great to catch up up with them and Marg Mounsey soon has Ray chatting to a very confused Rose Squires on the phone in Benalla.

After a cold cup of coffee we return to get organised and dressed for dinner. Denny's lovely guests Liz & Gary, Peter Van, David Power and Jill Munro. What a great night to get the birthday girl's big day under way. All enjoy Denny's famous chicken curry and rhubarb crumble.

Day 2 - Thursday in Broome

Up to the sound of Pedro the Rooster and a cacophony of birdsongs. Glenys and Ray head off to the beach - to dip our toes in the waters of nearby Cable Beach. But it is a long way to the edge of the water at low tide!

On returning we enjoyed home made yoghurt and paw paw on our muesli - great.  Soon we are on our way to explore the town - our aim to rendevous with Jill and another friend Richard "Salty" Baillieu at town beach cafe.

After coffee we explore the Broome Museum - it is a treasure trove of local history and a wonderful way to learn about pearl diving and the industry.

After some grocery shopping and an expedition to find someting warm for Ray to wear at night, in the morning and when we go south (code for "Ray  forgot  to bring something warm and useful").

Then 'its back to 12 Millington Road for another late lunch and more treats "Thread Fin Salmon in Japanese breadcrumbs" and relax. Soon its time to drive down to the beach and Denny has organised a superb "champagne at sunset on the beach" and dimsims while we watch it. We see the camel caravans pass by and the sun is setting rapidly on the horizon. Lots of photos and then Ray takes the wheel of the Honda to carefully drive around the rocks and the sand and back home for carrot cake and coffee.