Advertisement
Published: June 25th 2011
Edit Blog Post
The 'Staircase to the Moon'
the best photo we could manage Sunday 19th - we were up and about very early and were just about ready to go at 8:00am. We didn’t want to leave before as the bakery opened at 8:00 and we wanted to get some more of their delicious rolls for our lunch. So at about 8:15 we began what would be an arduous journey and which started with what we thought might be a bit of an ordeal. The 10 kilometres of gravel road out to the main highway had been a struggle to say the least on our way in – we must have hit every corrugation. The clock had fallen off the wall and one or two other things had been disturbed. Graham had sought advice from the neighbours all of whom were of the “go fast and you float over the corrugations” brigade but we were concerned as to how Sweetie would cope. Graham decided to follow two other units out of the park and to be influenced by them. They travelled much faster than we had done on the way in but by keeping up with them it all seemed to go really well. We all passed another unit that was creeping along and
which appeared to be shaking violently – as we had done the other day. But, sure enough, our greater speed made the trip very much smoother and we were out on the main highway in no time.
With the best part of 400 kilometres ahead of us we knew we would have to maintain a reasonable speed to arrive in Broome by mid afternoon. First, though, we called into Sandfire Roadhouse after about 60 kilometres to top up with fuel and to make sure we had enough to survive the journey. Graham checked the pressure in the caravan tyres as they had looked a bit soft but they were fine and I ventured into Sweetie to see if anything had been shaken around. I had been much more careful how I packed away everything and the clock was wrapped up and safely stored so there was nothing out of place. The wind was slightly against us so fuel consumption would not be good but we knew we had our spare container to fall back on. As it happened, with a couple more brief stops for a cuppa and cake, we made excellent time and with plenty of fuel to
spare we arrived at the Palm Grove Holiday Park at about 2.00pm. When I had phoned to book the site the lady on reception had said “you’ll be in the overflow area” and then added “but you’ll probably be better off there”. Consequently we had all sorts of pictures in our minds about being squashed in with hundreds of other campers miles from the ablution block etc etc. Imagine our surprise when we rounded the corner into a lovely little circular ‘close’ with a spacious site waiting for us and with showers and toilets at the entrance. It was one of just five sites in the small close – we had a corner spot which was quiet and very private. It wasn’t quite perfect as it was just a sandy site with no grass or block and the water tap was too far for our hose-pipe to comfortably reach. Still, on balance we were very happy and our neighbours didn’t seem to mind the hose going right through their site. We were all set up and having a very late lunch at 3pm.
Later on we strolled to the famous ‘Cable Beach’ which is often listed as being one
of the world’s best beaches - it was truly magnificent. It’s a very “trendy” place to be so attracts plenty of the Winnebago/Cappuccino brigade along with loads of young “backpacker” types looking for a good time. But the sand, the sea, the sun all made for a perfect place to relax and have a swim. It’s also a perfect place to watch the sunsets although, to be honest, we’ve witnessed more than our fair share of wonderful sunsets lately. Another major attraction is the camel rides along the beach. We didn’t have a ride last time but I was keen to have a go this time and Graham hasn’t shown too much resistance so, at some time during our week here, I’m sure we’ll be riding camels! But our main intention today/this evening was to catch the phenomenon known as The Staircase to the Moon. It’s a special event which occurs to perfection just a few times each year when the full moon and tide are just right and tonight would be one of those rare occasions. It was timed to be at its best at 8:44pm and would take place at Roebuck Bay – ironically, the area we had
stayed in last time.
At about 6:30 we drove the 10 kilometres or so to Chinatown, passing Roebuck Bay on the way, and sought out a “chippie” for our evening meal. We ordered a fisherman’s basket with chips each and found a table outside where we waited for them to be served. The two tables next to us were occupied by two couples and a host of boisterous kids. When the food arrived we looked for some condiments to add. All the tables had salt and pepper but only one had tomato sauce and the kids were “hogging” it. Graham made a point of asking for it and after we’d helped ourselves to a generous portion he passed it back to the adults. Only when the other couples were tidying up their table did we realise that it was THEIR tomato sauce which we had demanded. Graham was suitably embarrassed and apologetic but the one lady laughingly offered us some more. It seems that her kids won’t eat anything without tomato sauce and she carries a bottle around with her everywhere!!! She realised that we had thought it was part of the restaurant condiments and had happily obliged.
We drove back to Roebuck Bay and found a parking space looking directly over what we thought was the main beach. People were beginning to gather even though there was still an hour to go. I got chatting to the couple in the next car. They were Tony and Evelyn from Caulfield in Melbourne but were originally from Malaysia and had spent time living in Westbury, Wiltshire where Tony’s brother still lives. We all chatted merrily and the time soon passed as we waited for the moon to rise. Right at the last moment, along with hundreds of others, we realised we were standing in the wrong place! The moon was just emerging over another part of the bay at right angles to where we were stood. We rushed over to get a good vantage point and were in plenty of time to witness The Staircase to the Moon. It’s a phenomenon whereby the full moon creates an unusual pattern on the sand flats and, just for a few minutes, resembles a stairway stretching right across the sands and seemingly reaching up to the moon. For the ordinary photographer like me it’s really difficult to get good shots in the
dark but I managed a couple of decent photos and Tony and Evelyn both did well too. So, after bidding them farewell, we drove the 10k back to the caravan – our first “dark” drive for many months – and reflected on a brilliant first day in Broome.
Advertisement
Tot: 0.091s; Tpl: 0.013s; cc: 9; qc: 25; dbt: 0.0664s; 1; m:domysql w:travelblog (10.17.0.13); sld: 1;
; mem: 1mb
annette
non-member comment
brmmm brmmm out of broome
So it was brmmm brmmm brmmm out of Broom. The recommendations worked! I loved the staircase to the moon and so fortunate in your timing. It reminds me of Rome Italy in 2000 when every 100 yrs 4 basillicas open a special door for this occassion. People are required to walk through the 4 doors [in a certain time space?] and are then supposedly blessed, can't recall what for, maybe entry into heaven. However, Shasha and I managed just three. We figure we are 3/4's there. Sunny Brisbane. Frosts in the morning when played golf but 22 by 10.00am and just gorgeous days. June and July are the lovely winter days. Now waiting for the August winds. Mad golfer that I have become played in the rain and sleet of Tenterfield over the Queens's birthday weekend. Compensation of a gorgeous cabin in Stanthorpe on 40 secluded acres with an open fire. Loving reading of your adventures and also your sampling of food around Australia. Is there a cook book in there Jan? "Best food stops for caravaners". Perhaps to fund the next trip? Much love Annette