Broome

Broome was better than I expected, it turned out to be a really lovely little town.   After Port Hedland I had had my doubts about north WA.  We decided to spend a week in Broome and stayed at the PCYC as it was pretty central and a lot cheaper than the caravan parks.
Our first two nights were spent enjoying Staircase to the Moon.  Its where the moon rises over the mud flats and causes a reflection that looks like a staircase.  It was very very cool and we were so glad we rushed up to see it.

Cable Beach would have to be my favourite part of Broome.  Unfortunately is also everyone elses aswell and tends to be very busy.  Its a great spot to hang out for the day and enjoy the sunshine.  We also set up for dinner on the beach, to watch the sunset and to ride the camels. Mark and the kids were super keen to ride the camels, me not so much.  I have an adversion to heights especially when they move.  We ended up having a great time and I really enjoyed it, except the getting up and down bit.  The funniest part was when Jake got  a shock at seeing the nudests.  He made a dry retching sound and said 'Mum, why are those people naked' I found it hilarious, him not so much!

Mark was like a kid in the candy shop waiting to go to the local micro brewery Matso's.  We went there on the first day and another few times after that.  Its just a nice place to hangout and enjoy the afternoon.  Plus Mark just had to do the brewery tour and pick up some tips from the head brewer.  His favourite Matso's beer was the Porter or the Smokey Bishop, for anyone who's interested!

We had a walk around Chinatown.  Looked at a few statues, plaques and went to check out the pearl luggers.  It was a very weird experience looking at the indigenous mob hanging out in the dry creek bed right near the fence to the very green grassed café and fancy shops of china town.  Looks like the indigenous people here have similar problems to those in other small towns we've visited.  It was just the juxtaposition of the photo that really got me.

We got up nice and early one morning at a low tide time to go and see the dinosaur foot prints in the rocks.  There were quite a few people and lots of very slippery rocks.  Unfortunately Mark slipped over and hurt his back, meant for a grumpy Mark for a few days.  We found two foot prints which were interesting but not worth the sore back!

Broomes got a small quaint little museum which we quite enjoyed.  The kids had fun working out the quiz answers, keeps them entertained well. I loved the shell collection and as usual Mark loved all of it and read most of the info!

Vik and Craig offered to babysit one night so Mark and I could have date night.  We planned to go to the Mangrove Hotel on their recommendation.  Craig was a little thirsty, so they decided to join us for  a drink before taking all the kids home.  We ended up having such a nice time that they all stayed for tea and date night got cancelled.  The adults sat on the lounges and we seated the kids at a table well away from us!

The big day finally arrived, Charlottes tenth birthday,  She had been going on and on about it for weeks.  A pretty long build up, and one very excited little girl.  We took her to get her ears pierced, which she almost couldn't do but managed to in the end and loves her new earrings.  She had a lovely day hanging out with her friends at the beach and at the markets.  Then that evening we all got dressed up and went out for a yummy dinner at a restaurant overlooking Cable Beach.  So nice for her to have her travelling mates with her on her birthday. We cant believe our little girl is ten, bit scarey but she is such a wonderful loving sweet person and we are very proud of her!