Windjana Gorge back to Broome

Last day of the holiday! Last day of dirty feet; it’s impossible to get them clean and keep them clean with so much dust about. The camping site still had a generous amount of burrs and prickly grass seeds: a real torment when they got inside your clothes.

However it’s also the last day of gourmet meals provided by G and T. It’s amazing what they can dish up in these remote places: lots of salads for lunch and dinner menus from India, China, Thailand, Spain, Italy and even an Aussie BBQ. I will also miss the fun of being in such a lively group: laughter is the best medicine and we had plenty.

The day started with an early breakfast and a massive packing up exercise. All the tents had to be taken down, and all the bags placed in the right order for the hotel drop-off in Broome. 

Then it was off to Tunnel Creek, where we had been warned that the water level was chest high and after that it got deeper and some swimming was necessary. Most of this was in darkness, so head torches were needed. I don’t like caves at the best of times and I couldn’t help thinking about those Thai boys who were trapped for a week. When we approached the cave entrance, the creek was really fast flowing and it was quite rocky. I was content to video the group going in and two of us stayed behind.

Our group going down into the cave.

Looking into the entrance of the cave

The cave entrance was completely dark and full of water. Everyone who went in came back full of excitement after their adventure.

After that it was time to return to camp, pick up the trailer and get back on the road. We were all looking forward to getting some Telstra service after being incommunicado for 3 days.

On the highway, the first thing we saw was lots of bikes and their support vehicles, one after the other coming towards us. This was the Gibb River Challenge by bike, taking place over 5 days: absolute madness in this heat! But some people are mad.

We had lunch under the trees in the park in Derby.

Goodbyes were said and thank-you speeches made.

A quick stop was made at the Prison Tree, an ancient hollow Boab, made infamous by the legend that indigenous prisoners were crammed inside to stop them escaping.

On the road back to Broome, we noticed a wetland with lots of birds: including brolgas, a jabiru and a pelican.