From Coast to Coast,Broome to Darwin in style.

[drron]

Wednesday morning and another glorious day.After brekkie it is a quick zodiac trip to the beach.the art galleries are no more than a 100 metre walk.As this is also a burial site today cameras have been left on board.Quite dramatic art.Also a lot of evidence of mini marsupials.
At the burial site Harry our guide with a passion for indigenous art tells us how over the last year at least 2 skulls have gone missing from this place.not everyone comes with respect.
after this a walk through a tidal area behind the beach.As with all beaches we see there is a lot of evidence of turtle nesting activity.here also a turtle skeleton.hopefully it didnt end up as turtle soup.
Lunch today is in a cave on the other side of the island-a short repositioning by the Orion.We are first to arrive-

The cave itself offers interesting rock formations-

But with a free bar most are only interested in food and drink-

Afterwards an interesting way to clean the BBQ-

The afternoon activity is a zodiac trip around the island.it has become very choppy so we decline.Those that went got very wet and apart from the always interesting geography little else was seen.I of course read and had my nanny nap so i could photograph sunset-

Tonight is the gourmet degustation menu.will be hard to top the lunch experience.

 

[drron]

Well the degustation dinner proves to be the one disappointment of the cruise.Not that it was bad but the quality until now had been superb so our expectations were high.The first course was pea custard with gravlax and sour cream,this was good but not outstanding-

Then came duck liver parfait with spiced apple chutney and quince jelly,the duck pate was pretty average-

Next was jerusalem artichoke and potato soup with porcini oil,bland in presentation and taste-

Then a mesclun,endive leaves,grilled pear and prosciutto,balsamic and honey reduction,just didnt do anything for me-

A little break with a sparkling soursop sorbet,this was good and refreshing-

Then came western australian veal fillet osso buco style with homemade egg fettucine,cremolata butter and asparagus,basically not what we expected with a rare veal tenderloin sitting on a pile of of pasta with a very salty sauce-

Due to pic restriction the meal will be finished in the next post.

 

[drron]

A barramundi and scallop on fine ratatouille,saffron-bouillabaisse essence and ricotta gnochi,this dish appeared to be reheated.The scallop was very dry and the fish had a surface layer that a fish knife couldnt cut.very disappointing-

Now the dessert sounded strange but turned out to be very nice.Balsamic vinegar parfait on berries and pumpkin seed caramel-

The other problem was that the service tonight was very rushed.We were also meant to be served a cheese platter with fruit but this was forgotten.We found out later that the crew had a party that night-not the night to do it.
We did discuss our concerns with the maitre'd so the next night our wine was comped.Now would drron take advantage of this offer.You bet!That Leeuwin Estate does make some good wines.
The next morning drron is up at first light-

And watches the sunrise-

So Thursday is next with Vansittart Bay and jar island.

 

[drron]

Well we are well and truly into a routine now.Breakfast on the deck then prepare for our zodiac ride to the beach.We are close to the WW2 Truscott Air Base-my father actually was here during the war.The base is again active supplying the offshore rigs in the Timor sea.so we see and hear several long distance choppers in our time here.
The main sight of the morning is the wreck of an USAF C-53-

Of course there is one in every group-

To get to the wreck was a walk over the mud flats-

Back to the boat and the usual fantastic spread for our buffet lunch.After that it was off to Jar Island.The reason for this visit is to see some Bradshaw or Gwion Gwion art.So here it is-

To be continued.

 

[drron]

Bradshaw art predates the work of modern indigenous peoples.Exact ages are unsure but thought to be around 17000 years old.Dated by dating overlying objects such as wasp nests-and these are common-

More art-

Much is made in more recent work of the evidence of contact with other peoples.This work however i suggested shows that the Hawaians had nothing to do with the origins of surfing-

After this it once again was back to the boat,watch the sunset,freshen up and go for drinks in the lounge.Throughout this cruise there were regular lectures by members of the Expedition team.today was harry with an interesting talk on bradshaw art.Also though a Paspaley team came on board for a talk and demonstration of the pearl industry-and we all had a bit of pearl meat sashimi.
So the sunset-

Next our dinner and of to the King George river and we do another chopper ride to the falls.

 

[drron]

Dinner for thursday night was back to the Serge Danserau menu and that they do very well.better also with the complimentary wine.Started with prawn and salmon over a grape and coriander salad.This was very nice.Then a mushroom stuffed chicken breast done just perfectly.Finished off with a citron tart.
That night was the crew concert-an entaining night was had by all.This didnt stop drron greeting the sunrise next morning-

After brekkie once again we are first off for the chopper ride to the King George falls.Brett is again our pilot and a thoroughly nice guy-

No landing this time but some wonderful scenery.First Rope falls,so named because of the method of ascending them-

Then up the King george river-

To the falls-

Next-back to the boat.

 

[drron]

So the flight back-

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_rQVWoyzfpk0/SnKRcMYnsiI/AAAAAAAAP_g/8RDg8xx_llY/s800/broome%20189.JPG

So back on the Orion for some quiet time before the Mexican themed lunch.Those beans certainly came into play later.
next a tender ride with the captain to the falls.

 

[drron]

After lunch we set off in the tender-good to see the lifeboats actually work.Captain Mike is in charge and keeps us amused with his stories and jokes.The scenery is magnificent-

Of course we had to beat the zodiacs-

We also searched for the mythical dugong and chatted to some interesting characters aboard several yachts moored in the river.
Next-at the falls.

 

[drron]

The King george falls certainly are spectacular up close-

 

[drron]

Once again just when you think it cant be better the service zodiac comes into view-

Kurt our waiter and the Maitre'd Clinton serve us champagne and ham and cheese croissants-

Back to the Orion,freshen up,drinkies in the lounge,the presentations and once again time for dinner.Tonight is an Aussie BBQ but the highlight with the crew being mostly fillippino is the whole suckling pig Phillipines style-wonderful.
We stay at the anchorage overnight.tomorrow is a day at sea before arriving in Darwin at dawn the day after.That is next.

 

[drron]

Slept like a log.Was still able to get shots of the sunrise before breakfast-

After we got going we were able to spend some time on the bridge.Once again Captain mike kept us amused with his yarns.The flight deck of the Orion-

After that we had a tour of the galley.Amazing what they can do especially being away from civilisation for so long.finally time for another beautiful dinner-leek and gruyere tart,bug tail and pork belly,duck breast and beetroot risotto and then a selection of desserts-

Whilst having desserts there was a photo recap of the cruise.Much to mrsdrron's chagrin drron starred-a penchant for being caught in silly poses!
Next into Darwin.

 

[drron]

First the final sunset of the cruise-

Then at dawn we entered Darwin harbour-

After all the photos it was off to our last breakfast.Finally time to leave but I am sure we will be back.I go off in the shuttle bus to pick up our car from Europcar.As is becoming common for me we are downgraded from a Falcon to a Mondeo-still we do all fit in.One problem-the voucher is back at the dock locked up in our luggage.no problem i am allowed to go back with the car,pick up mrsdrron and our friends/family-my ex-partner whose kids adopted us as their grandparents.Drop off the voucher back at Europcar then walk the mall-an incredible variety of birdlife there and I do mean the feathered variety.
After that go to the Rapid creek Markets-a great variety of food there but just a couple of snacks.Lunch is at Yot's Taverna at Cullen Bay Marina-a really good Greek restaurant.After lunch we go and check in to the Cullen bay apartments-showing their age,sparsely furnished but quite adequate.it is V8 weekend and these were the only rooms we could get-through our TA as online there was nothing.But at least back on the net.
Monday morning and the first thing I had to do was arrange a dentist-a filling had fallen out on saturday night whilst eating a very runny blue cheese.Finally get an appointment at Palmerston.However that will be at 4pm.
Lunch at Stokes Wharf-several takeaways and an upmarket restaurant which was closed at Monday lunch.We feasted on oysters and scallops all at $21 a dozen.Washed down with a couple of bottles of sav Blanc.
That afternoon to the dentist.I always grin when i go to the dentist remembering all those who complained about my fees-about a third of a dentist's charges!
next Darwin continued.

 

[drron]

My new filling felt good so about 6pm we walked to the Cullen bay marina for dinner.We first went to The Charcoal Oven as they had a sign outside for 2 days advertising mudcrabs at $25 kg.Only about 6 people dining,asked about the mudcrab-"sorry we have sold out"."sorry we are going then".
Then went to Seafood on cullen which advertises the best seafood buffet in darwin with mudcrab-OK so the carapaces were from mudcrab,the rest certainly wasnt so off we went again.So we ended up at Baan Thai-quite reasonable Thai food.
On Tuesday night went to Hanuman as it had good write ups.It advertises itself as Asian fusion with Thai,Nonya and Indian influences.But virtually everything comes with chilli which made it hard with 2 non chilli eaters in our group.The food was good but no better than the Baan Thai the night before.The meat on the satay skewers was very tough.Service was slow.We ordered a second bottle of wine-we could see it sitting on the bar for 20 minutes and eventually the bartender bought it over himself and poured it into our 4 empty glasses-as usual that still left about a third of a bottle.however when we went to pour the rest the bottle had disappeared.Complained about this to the female manager when we were paying the bill and she insisted that we were mistaken as she personally had bought the bottle of the wine to our table and poured it-nothing could persuade her otherwise.Perhaps she had undergone a sudden sex change.
So i would personally not reccomend Hanuman.Certainly if you dont like chilli-avoid it.
So to finish a few shots of sunsets around darwin-

Next-a drive to litchfield.

 

[drron]

So on tuesday we decided to take a drive to the Litchfield National park.it is worth the drive.Several very scenic spots.Good swimming holes-though shared with large numbers of the great unwashed.Especially enjoyed Wangi falls-

But there are several other falls-

And rock pools-

Litchfield will continue.

 

[drron]

We had a very simple but nice lunch at the Litchfield cafe.We paid extra for local barramundi.It was amazing to see how many places in Darwin were selling imported barra.2 of us had barra burgers,the others barra and chips-

Just after we were served a tour bus arrived-those independent travellers arriving after that faced a long wait.Several of our grey nomads turned up,used the tables and chairs and proceeded to unpack their own food and drink.Here I think the term Riff raff is not too harsh or demeaning.There was however another popular visitor-

Also spectacular are the termites nest-

On the way back we were taken by this sign outside Batchelor-

Next back to Darwin.

 

[drron]

Another lazy morning on Thursday but finally made our way to Crocosaurus Cove right in the middle of Darwin.$28 entry and personally i did not think it was worth it.A few lethargic(yes I know that is what they are) crocs though a nearly albino one-

The little fellows had a bit more life-

One thing I was glad of and that was we didnt fork out for the croc dive-going into the pens in a large cage and being dunked.mrsdrron had considered getting the fellows to do it.$165 a person.Saw a few groups do it and none of the crocs even flinched.
We did get selected to go behind the scenes for the croc feeding-at least saw them close up but other than that no involvement-

After that we went to Duck's Nuts for lunch.We sat for an age before having our orders taken and Darwin was beginning to get to us.However after the orders were taken things picked up.The food arrived quickly and everyone thought it was very good.I had a thai style lamb salad-great flavours.All the mains were $12-16 so good value
That night we went back to Yot's Taverna at Cullen Bay-this was a fantastic meal with fast and friendly service.We ate family style sharing calamari and their special oysters,then quail and whitebait.For mains we shared greek style lamb and a whole fish-absolutely superb.3 bottles of wine and the bill was just under $240 for 4 people.
We then finished the night by feeding our scraps to the fish-the staff joined in.better than doctors gully.Eco dining if you will.We retired to bed feeling very happy.
Next last day in Darwin.

 

[drron]

The trip is now winding down.Another late start on thursday.After brekkie drop our friends off at the airport and then mrsdrron has us doing some serious shopping.Lunch we have at the Deck-just over the road from Parliament house.Good pub food.All lunches $14 and for $2 more a house wine or tap beer.After this went to the cinema and saw the Proposal.Good light weight distraction-though not as distracting as the behaviour of the locals-ver interesting.
We went back to the Mindil markets to have some evening eats.Even more crowded than Sunday.I must say that the food here is serioiusly overrated and overpriced.Did all the searches for the good vendors but they all let us down.My reccomendation is forget the markets and go to Mindil on a non market day to watch the sunset.
Another late start.Have to have the car back at the airport by 1030.Checkin opens just as I get back from dropping off the car.Already a few people in J/QP line but it goes quickly.I get pulled over for secondary screening at security but still at the QP before it opens at 1100.We are numbers 6&7 into the QP.Mrsdrron had to answer a call of nature and by the time she got back all the food was gone.Within 30 minutes the place was an absolute zoo with no spare seats and peope standing.Food disappears as soon as it is put down.After midday we need a couple of wines to settle the nerves.
Go to the gate about 1250 and it seems less crowded than the QP apart from all these unaccompanied children.Turns out though these are only the ones left over from the flight from Brissy whose parent/other hasnt come to pick them up.It was the start of QLD school holidays.The agent tells me this was about a third of those that were on the flight.
Next(and last) the fight to Brissy and some final thoughts.

 

[drron]

We were amongst the first to board.Boarding was slow because the computers were down.Full plane.The NT Thunder(Aussie Rules) were onboard.
QF825 DRW-BNE ETD 1335.Pullback-1335.Take off-1343.
ETA 1745 Actual-1751.
We are in seats 35E,F on a 767.Meal was a choice of chicken with pepper sauce or lamb stew.We both have the lamb-quite nice.Later on everyone gets a chocolate ice cream.Watch the movie-New In Town-very good light relief-unaware that on our next trip we are visiting New Ulm the place in the movie.I particularly liked the line when the leading lady was rescued from a snow storm-Yep,people die out there,particularly the dumb ones.reckon its natures way of protecting the gene pool.
After arriving in BNE it is a fair wait for our bags which end up numbers 107 and 167 off.The last was in the middle of J tagged bags.Good work QF!Our driver from Little Mountains limos is there and we are whisked home.That night go out to our favourite Italian restaurant on the coast-Cala Luna at Maroochydore-Rita front of house and Osvaldo in the kitchen-another great meal.2 nights at home and I am off to Mackay for a months work.
So what did I learn.The Kimberley is an unique and wonderful place.The cruise was fantastic.We did the upmarket version but there are now quite a few boats doing this.It should be on everyone's bucket list.We learnt that cruises with~100 people are not too large for us and will do more.In August 2010 we have already booked on an Arctic cruise and Antarctica will definitely be done in the next few years.
The next trip is already over-I am a slow poster.It is slowly being told here-http://www.frequentflyer.com.au/community/trip-reports-and-trip-photos/the-godfather-in-new-joisey-19045.html
The final trip for the year will begin soon-the trip to the Mekong that had to be cancelled late last year-this year it will be from the Mersey to the Mekong.
Happy travelling to all