It's not a holiday - it's a trip

Bali

2012-01-02T19:46:00.001-08:00

Our 3 week trip to Bali has been massive. Great food no Bali belly and plenty of culture. The locals are great and the kids have learned lots. We have stayed at 5 different places, 4 have been really great and 1 was a shocker, only stayed 1 night there.

James Price Point Gas Plant

2011-12-11T22:18:00.001-08:00

Tracey & the kids joined the rally to Town Beach (I was exempt from service - had to work) to protest against the James Price Point Gas Hub. The protesters have stuck to their guns over the months and have had a recent win in the courts to halt the project thanks to the objections of Joe Roe - one of the traditional owners. We're hopeful the project may not go ahead after all. Will keep you posted.

Taipans win the flag!

2011-12-11T22:09:00.001-08:00

The critics have been silenced. The Taipans bobbed up and won a the BJCA flag. After only losing one game for the season (not that extaordinary since there is only 6 games in the season) we very nearly got done in the semi, but scraped through and managed to win the big one.

End of school

2011-12-11T22:03:00.001-08:00

The end of the school year has arrived at Broome Primary. The kids have had another great year there and have had heaps of great experiences. The end of year concert was fantastic. Another warm night out under the boabs! Ruby and Darcy helped to compare the night and did a great job.

Tracey worked with the kinder kids and loved it.

Athletics Carnival

2011-11-04T02:56:00.000-07:00

last friday Anna, Darcy and I ( Ruby) had our annual school sports carnival. Our faction Riddell ended up coming 2nd out of four and Miller coming 1st with 702 points!!! Darcy and I had to run in the 200m 400m and 75m sprint. Anna came 4th in the 50m sprint and I think she was pretty pleased with herself about that! We all had a great day and slept like logs that night!

The mighty Taipans

2011-11-04T02:54:00.000-07:00

After what Terry and I described as a year of rebuilding (code for "we didn't do that well"), the board agreed to renew our contract for 2011.

Nedless to say their confidence has been repaid in spades with two wins from the first two games. The detractors are saying it's more good luck than good management but we have once again given an undertaking to step down if we fail to make the finals (top 4 play off in a 4 team comp, so we rekon we might be right).

Be careful getting in the pool

2011-11-04T02:47:00.000-07:00

This is what happens when you miscalculate on a bomb. Head first into the pool step. Blood everywhere. Brightened up everyones day in the casualty department though.

Before you ask, it was at 11 oclock in the morning and I was sober.

Not a bad one

2011-11-04T02:42:00.000-07:00

There you go, a one metre Cobia caught from a 1.5 metre inflatable zodiac. Not a bad effort if I might say so myself (there was 2 of us in the boat as well - luckily the other bloke knew what he was doing!).

This place is called Middle Lagoon - Milargoon is the spelling and pronounciation used by the locals. It's up on the Dampier Peninsula & a great place to be.

Dress up day at school

2011-09-15T00:58:00.000-07:00

That lovely little girl on the right is Ruby dressed up as Pippi longstockings for the "dress up as a book character" day at school.

The other little girl is her brother Darcy dressed as Goldilocks. And he won a prize! He did say he would go to school one day dressed as a girl - can cross that one off the list now.

Ultrasound training in Northam

2011-09-15T00:53:00.000-07:00

I've been sent down to Northam for 5 weeks - by work, not the family. They assure me they will miss me alot, but it may take a few weeks.................

July Holidays - Leopold ranges

2011-08-20T00:45:00.001-07:00

We visited tunnel creek which as the name suggests is a creek that goes through a tunnel. Fancy that.

We grabbed fading torches and wandered through. Very cold water which caused a fair bit of shrinkage. Had Anna sitting on top of my head most of the way through.

Then it was off to Windjana Gorge (think thats how its spelt) for a bit more wandering about. The play Jandamarra was playing at the gorge which was fantastic. The backdrop was spectacular and the true story of the Banuba resistance fighters in that area is very interesting.

July holidays - Hall Creek Rodeo

2011-08-19T02:41:00.000-07:00

After my success at the Port Lincoln tuna toss, I was tempted to have a crack at the bull ride at Halls Creek. I sensed the other cowboys liked the "cut of my jib". But alas the organisers insisted on pre-registration. Very disapointing.

July Holidays - Wyndham & surrounds

2011-08-16T02:31:00.000-07:00

Wyndam is a bit of a funny place. When I visited 20 years ago a chap proudly made the claim that Wyndam had the "largest Boab tree in captivity". Over the years I have often pondered this claim and wondered exactly how one keeps a tree in captivity. I eventually came to the conclusion that I had misheard the bloke or he was an idiot.

Fast forward to 2011. I'm having a chat to a chain smoking gravel voiced crone in the Wyndham second hand shop. She seemed pretty sensible. Making polite conversation I enquire after her swollen and bandaged toe. She replies that now Wyndham has the biggest toe in captivity as well as the biggest Boab in captivity! Remarkable.

Massive excitement over the big crocodile in Wyndham. First big thing since the crappy big camera down south.

There is some pretty nice scenery around Wyndham too.

July Holidays - Kununurra and lake Argyle

2011-08-16T02:18:00.001-07:00

Kununurra was pretty cool. Accommodation was a bit tight but eventually found a bit of grass to pitch our tents. Took a cruise on lake Argyle. Pretty big bit of water - apparently 30 Sydney Harbours. Not 100% sure how many olympic sized swimming pools that is but I think you can wash your car whenever you want and water your lawn guilt free in Kununurra.

Visited the Durak homestead of Kings in Grass Castles fame. Luckily they moved it from the bottom of Lake Argyle befor it filled up.

Went to an art gallery, the girls went to the diamond shop where the world famous and very expensive pink Argyle diamonds are sold. Been checking the credit card statement ever since.

July Holidays - Gibb River Road

2011-08-15T02:21:00.001-07:00

The Gibb River Road was as great as everyone said it was. We went from the Derby end and finished in Kununurra with Jess and the Stones. Not sure how far it was but I counted just over a billion corougations.

We visited numerous gorges and stayed at plenty of cattle stations, crossed rivers, swam in water holes, saw cattle being mustered with helicopters, lit campfires, got three flat tyres (one half way across a river), saw rock art, ate some camp food, drank warm and coolish beer, enjoyed the cattle stations that had a bar that served cold beer, saw spectacular scenery, played spotlight, toasted marshmallows, went horseriding, did some walking, packed and unpacked alot of times and watched Darcy do the whole trip without much concern for his personal hygene.

Undoubtedly the highlight of the trip however was the nifty little demo I did for the kids to show them what happens when you don't tighten up the wheel nuts enough. The rear wheel came off as planned in spectacular fashion, shearing off a couple of studs and buggering the rest in the process. As luck would have it, before the dust had settled a mechanic called Jason rocked up, got out his big toolbox (much bigger than mine) and his big jack (also much bigger than mine) and proceeded to repair what to me looked like a lost cause. His wife served cold drinks for the kids (we only had coolish or warm) and "jobs right mate" off ya go! I owe the bloke a kidney if he ever needs one or at the very least a carton of warm to coolish beer.

James Price Point protest

2011-07-06T07:27:00.000-07:00

Well the coppers finally started to get a bit fair dinkum.

About 40 came up from Perth to get the protesters to "move on". Tracey and the kids were once again out there doing their bit. There were 25 arrests but the best Tracey could do was a warning. Anna was pretty impressed. Told me she heard plenty of "s words" and even a couple of "f words".

Sadly Woodside had their way and have began clearing the site. Very few people in Broome want the gas hub at James Price point and are hopeful that it can still be stopped. Alot of people remain camped at the Minardie Road turnoff in an attempt to slow the progress of the works.

Netball and footy lightning carnival

2011-07-06T07:09:00.000-07:00

Broome Primary travelled to Derby for the lightning carnival. Trace and Gran and Gang (who are in town) went along for the trip.

Ruby played in one of the netball teams who did very well and came fouth. She had a dodgey foot which Mr Super Physio (Terry) fixed for her so she could keep playing.

Darcy played in the footy team which came runner-up which was a great effort considering there were some pretty handy teams there. There was even a team from Wanami which is a remote community 3 hours from Derby which was all girls except for two players!

All the kids had a great time and all the supporters were most impressed with the sportsmanship shown by all the teams.

Broome races

2011-07-02T18:04:00.001-07:00

Ahhh you know the racing season has arrived when you can smell the motor oil in the main straight (it keeps the dust down). Not quite Caulfield, but then again Caulfield dosen't have two-up either.

Some of the reprobates I work with - case in point the bloke with fists full of bottles.

I think the bookies went home happy.

James Price Point picket

2011-06-23T06:35:00.000-07:00

Tracey, Rube and Darcy and friend Holly went out to the Minardie Road to do their bit to stop the James Price Point gas hub. Along with many others who are camped out there they threw their bodies (not quite) in front of the Woodside veichles to stop them clearing the land. They met John Butler out there before he flew off on his American tour. I hear he was extremely chuffed to be rubbing shoulders with such high falutin folk!

Look what happens when Tracey goes out on her own

2011-06-23T06:30:00.000-07:00

She buys paintings. Or etchings as she corrects me. Actually a very nice piece. Like her hairdo's I didn't ask how much. The figures are Wanjinas which are anly found in this part of the world, and only certain artists are allowed to paint them. This etching was done by a dozen or so different artists, so will be a great reminder of our time here.

James Price Point

2011-06-23T06:19:00.000-07:00

Darcy is pointing to James Price Point which is about 60km North of Broome. It is a spectacular bit of Kimberly coastline which Woodside and the WA government want to build a big gas hub on. It will be bigger than the township of Broome when it is finished. There is alot of opposition to it in Broome beacause of what it will do to the kimberly and the township of Broome. Have a look at savethekimberley.com

Camping on Cable Beach

2011-06-05T04:41:00.001-07:00

On the long weekend we went for a drive up Cable Beach with some friends and camped in the sand dunes for the night. Anna kicked me half to death in the tent and the rest slept on the beach under the stars. Except for being illegal it's a great place to spend the night - deserted beautiful beach, no rain, spectacular stars and a driftwood fire - not sure what the fine is if the ranger catches up with us, but I'm sure its worth it!

Overnight camp at the rodeo ground

2011-06-05T04:33:00.001-07:00

We had a great night out at the Rodeo grounds with a whole lot of other 10-12 year old girls and their families. We had dinner there and the girls all played a variety of horse oriented games. Ruby and I camped overnight and then the girls rode the horses down to Cable Beach where they galloped up and down on the sand. The horses legs enjoyed the nice soft sand and Rubes head enjoyed it too when she fell off.

Diedre drops in for a visit

2011-06-05T04:29:00.000-07:00

Diedre came to Broome for a week or so with a trip around the Kimberley in between. Great to see her again.

Mothers day concert

2011-05-18T06:06:00.000-07:00

On mothers day we went to a big concert which featured Paul Kelly, Barnsey, Alex Lloyd the Pigram Brothers (local mob - check them out they're very good) and many more.

Barnsey belted out that gentle balad "from little thinds big things grow" with Paul Kelly and made it sound like Khe Sahn. Was waiting for him to skull a bottle of Jim Beam and sweat all over the crowd but he has matured somewhat since the Chisel days. An Aussie classic - the kids didn't seem to appreciate how lucky they were to see the great man in the flesh.

Traceys birthday

2011-05-18T06:03:00.001-07:00

Tracy had another birthday which she was thrilled about. We has a celebration on the deck with cake and stuff. She blew out all the candles.

End of the basketball season

2011-04-27T05:45:00.000-07:00

The end of the basketball season has arrived with Darcy's team finishing equal 1st with Roebuck Primary.

Ruby played in two teams (until she got busted and had to hand in her resignation for one - which is probably just as well since she also did dancing on Fridays and may have expired from exhaustion) and they both went quite well and improved lots over the season.

Easter holidays at Barnhill Station

2011-04-27T05:29:00.001-07:00

For Easter we went to Barnhill Station with Jann (Tracey's mum). We bumped into lots of people we knew down there and made some new friendswhich was great.

Roses the dog was still here and seemed to remember us. She slept under our van for the whole time and came on lots of walks and swims to the beach.

My fishing record was true to form with a total of 0 fish. Luckily a couple of blokes nearby caught more than they could eat and slipped me a few - already filleted mind you, so it actually turned out better than catching them myself.

Bye to the Oggs

2011-04-27T05:20:00.000-07:00

Sadly, one of the first friends we made in Broome have left for Italy to live for a year.

Sandy and Alex (photographed after (another) torrid day packing) have been great friends and made us feel very welcome when we arrived in Broome.

As well as being terrific friends for Ruby, Darcy and Anna, Addison & Liam (the one in red is a ring-in) have kept me gainfully employed in the Broome Hospital Xray department. Without their regular visits I'm sure the management would have been wondering if the workload justified my position.

Have a great time, you'll love it. Hopefully you'll find some welcoming Italian family when you get there (Oggotoli, Oggonello - something like that). Best wishes.

Tracey's op shop

2011-04-27T04:58:00.001-07:00

Our friend Zahara leaves town

2011-04-27T04:38:00.001-07:00

This is our Friend Zahara who lives next door with Holly. She's moving down South and we'll miss her lots, especially her heart - attack desserts. Bye xxx :(

Hopefully she can become an Australian soon.

We're 11!!!!!!!

2011-04-26T16:44:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago Darcy and I turned 11! I got some great presents including a pair of jodhpurs and boots for horse riding!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It was great to have Nanny up here for our birthday and we spent the afternoon at town beach just chillin'.
We decided to have a birthday party this year with all our broome friends. It took place at the Amphitheatre at Cable Beach and there were about 30 of our friends. Mum did a great job with the food and dad did well with organising the games with us, the games we played included; a scavenger hunt, dress up relays, tunnel ball and just soccer and footy. The dress up relays were particularly funny with the boys running around in bras and girls falling over in hiking boots!
I'd just like to thank all my friends and family for their lovely birthday wishes and presents

Footy's back! (and so are the pies!)

2011-03-19T23:36:00.000-07:00

After a NAB cup victory the pies are ready to go back-to-back. Leo, Ben there's no denying that the wood's have
got it all covered, to me I don't really see the point of continuing the season for all the other clubs.

I would definitely prefer to lay down and die and let Collingwood have the premiership then getting absolutely murdered
by the Maggie's.

you can vote on right hand side for who do you think will win the premiership(collingwood derrr!)

Darcy

P.S the supercoach code for Dan and Gus's league is 635774.

Darcy lands a big one

2011-03-19T22:52:00.000-07:00

Today Dad, Jeff and I went fishing on Jeff's boat. In the minute I had a massive somethingarather, I put up

a good fight put in the end the fish won and swam away, but I got my revenge.

I was winding in ready to check me bait, but I pretty much fell in, well almost any way, when a massive fish had a grab

at the bait.

Ten minutes later it was in the boat : a massive 70cm Golden Trevally.

The battle is still going on how to cook it soup, fried, curry, anything

really is getting thrown in.

By Darcy

P.S The dog in the picture we found on the street and adopted it.
PP.S It's name's Casper.

Birdwood downs

2011-03-12T03:37:00.001-08:00

On the long weekend Dad and I went to a station called Birdwood Downs to go horse riding. I first rode a horse called Mighty Mouse then I rode a horse called Pajho (the bay one at the top) for the next two days. Dad rode a VERY steady horse called Nenia. We went on heaps of trail rides and also rode on the original Gibb River track which hasn't been used for 60 years. It was very hot and wet and we did alot of sweating but it was still nice eating marshmallows by the camp fire. We were the only people there in the campsite and we were right next to the horse paddock so it was very nice getting woken up by the whinnying of horses and feeding them your carrots at dinner time.

The people were very nice and they let me help feed, brush, tack up and of course ride their horses.

by Ruby

Broome Hash House Harriers

2011-03-12T03:30:00.000-08:00

Check http://www.broomeh3.blogspot.com/ run #216. I thought it was quite funny. One of the medical students first time at hash who wasn't really "of like mind" (written by someone else of course).

#215 was a bit of a strange night.

Lime aid

2011-01-29T00:17:00.000-08:00

Last Week Ruby, Anna, and our next door neighbours/friends Raf and Azsa and I decided to take action in the horrific floods in Queensland and Victoria by selling limes, lemonade, malt ball's and having a sausage sizzle. The Idea was a great success with us raising $267.

With that money we bought groceries and sent them via transport company TOLL.

One of the photographers from the local newspaper came and interviewed us and we were in the paper on Thursday

Darcy

House sitting

2011-01-19T03:32:00.000-08:00

We've spent the last month sitting various houses. One before christmas in Broome which was very nice and best of all had a pool. Only one guinea pig died (of old age) while we were there so although not great, there was another five that survived.

Then Trace and the kids flew down to Perth and stayed at Harry and Grace's house while they went to Victoria. They had a great time and caught up with Terry connor and Becky and Miranda, Gus, Sienna and a strange man with a collander on his head. Ellie also arrived from Melbourne for a post Christmas catch - up which was great. No chooks died and they claim the garden was in good order when they left.

Anna is 7!

2011-01-19T02:49:00.000-08:00

Anna had half of her birthday in Perth and then flew back to Perth for the other half. She had high tea at "flying teapots", an Alice in wonderland inspired tea room in Perth and dinner back in Broome. Her own ipod was her favorite present and she hasnt stopped singing since.

Our mate Cameron

2011-01-19T02:45:00.000-08:00

Introducing Cameron who has left Broome to return to Melbourne. I'm sure Melbourne has noticed the change - Broome just isn't the same.

Happy now miss?

Wooooo Hoooooo Christmas is here!!

2010-12-26T18:59:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas everone!!!! I really loved Christmas because I got a eucalaly and so has Holly and now we can play together.

Love Anna

End of School!!!!

2010-12-26T18:48:00.001-08:00

Our end of year concert was held in the school grounds under the boabs and was like fully sick!!!! We also had an end of year disco, which was totally rad!!!! Mum seems really happy that the school year is finished and she is also on holidays.

Ruby

OMG!!!!! its a frog

2010-12-26T18:38:00.000-08:00

Now that the wet season has arrived there are alot more insects. And where there are more insects, there are more frogs to eat them! Although Dad is a bit scared of them we love them!

Ruby

Dead famous

2010-12-08T01:47:00.001-08:00

The Broome Health Service Christmas party was held at the Cable Beach Club. Very nice venue. Very strange crowd.....The theme was dead famous. A hell of alot of dodgey Steve Irwins turned up. The twin towers were there, a few dead superheroes, plenty of dead actors, Freddy Mercury, Sid Vicious and Nancy. Not a good night to get sick in Broome.........

Taipans go down in the semi

2010-11-28T22:24:00.004-08:00

Well its all over for this season for the Taipans. After getting absolutely smashed by the Cyclones for most of the match we ended up needing 90 odd off the last 12 overs. We only had 9 players and looked gone for all money when the boys threw caution to the wind and had a "good old fashion slog". Basically the opposite to what I'd been telling them all season. The slogging seemed to work alot better than the straight bat I've been preaching and we ended up needing 20 off the last over. The first ball went straight back over the bowlers head for four and an improbable victory seemed to be in the offing. Alas the young fellas off stump was bent back with the next ball and they nurdled a few around for the rest of the over to leave us about a dozen runs short. All in all an honourable defeat and a good finish to a season that has been alot of fun.

The wet season

2010-11-24T04:11:00.001-08:00

It seems the wet season has begun. All the tourists left town weeks ago - and alot of the locals are starting to head off to more pleasant climates for their holidays.

Its very hot and humid almost 24 hours. We all seem to be coping pretty well though. The kids seem to be running around oblivious to the heat and I seem to be drinking a lot more beer than usual.

Its now stinger season so swimming at the beach is out, the water is pretty hot anyway. So now we have to freeload off friends with pools - and perhaps the odd unsuspecting resort.

The first big dump of rain came last week accompanied by an extremely loud and bright thunder and lightning storm. We started off enjoying it on the verandah but we were quickly forced inside by the rain and scaredness of thunder.

I've done my cyclone training so hopefully we'll know what to do should one come this way!

The mighty Taipans

2010-11-16T04:32:00.000-08:00

The Taipans u/13 cricket team got off to a shakey start this season under the watchful eye of Terry and myself. After three straight losses to begin with we were dreading the anouncement that we had the full support of the board - code for "you'll be sacked after the next loss".

Thankfully the boys stopped listening to us and have won the next two matches. One more home and away game and then it's finals.

I had pledged to resign if we didn't make the finals in my first season. Very brave since all four teams play off in them, however we have to start somewhere.

The boys have assured me that I am actually quite a good football umpire compared to my cricket umpiring.

Reasons to be cheerful in Broome (part 1)

2010-11-16T04:11:00.000-08:00

Mangos, Matsos & Mustacha's.

Well its mango season in Broome at the moment. There are mango trees all around town with big fat mangos hanging off them. We've grabbed a few off the tree across the road and usually pick up a box from the Saturday markets, so its gone from sharing one a week in Melbourne to eating as many as you like here in Broome. Tracey has almost perfected her daqari (that's how you spell it isn't it??) recepie and the kids are starting to turn orange.

Matsos is the town brewery which is perched on the foreshore of Roebuck Bay. It is a very pleasant afternoon spent under its verandas looking across the mangroves and the blue, blue water. Oh and the beers not bad either.

I'd like to say the mustacha is all for charity (Movember) but alas it has been alot longer project than that. Now that the family have got used to it and approve, it's probably time for it to go.

Cape Leveque with the Karatzicos's

2010-10-26T06:23:00.000-07:00

Probably spelt that wrong but not to worry. Theo, Mary, Alexia and Thomas came up for a week which we spent half in Broome and half at Cape Leveque. Great to see them again and they have promised to pass our regards on to Coburg.

We stayed in a thatched hut on the beach, the weather was warm and the insects were few which was very fortunate beacuse I somehow managed to forget all three of our tents. Apparently they should be one of the first things to pack when you go camping. Amazing! We all survived I am happy to report.

Holly and Brin came along so they could be jumped on by a whole lot of kids for a few days.

Once again it was sensational up there, not many people and beautiful beaches. We visited a couple of the aboriginal communities nearby called Lombadina and Chilli creek which were quiet and shady. Once again there was alot of swimming, sleeping, reading and eating. Very relaxing indeed.

Barn Hill & Porth Smith

2010-10-26T06:04:00.001-07:00

We travelled South about 100km to Port Smith and Barn Hill station for a week of R & R.

Port Smith is a caravan park on a lagoon that fills and completely empties twice a day. Some friends from Broome came (Nina & Geoff) who had a boat. Darcy and I went out fishing with them and had a great time pulling in some very sizable fish (sorry no photos you'll just have to trust me on thet one).

Barn Hillis a cattle station that has a very shady camp ground with real grass and even a bowling green! The beaches and rock pools were fantastic and almost deserted. We spent many hours each day in the water and met lots of nice people while we were down there. Roses the cattle dog has taken herself off on extended leave for the past 7 months and adopted us as her famly while we were there. Apparently she chooses a family when they arrive, and goes where they go, sleeps under the van and basically becomes one of the family. As soon as they start packing up she heads back to the caretaker and waits for another suitable family to arrive.

Its "Gapo"

2010-10-26T05:58:00.000-07:00

The woodge has finally lost her top choppers. One was loose and Rube smacked her in the face with the soccer ball to dislodge the good one, and next thing you know you loose them both on the same day!

The Barn Hill Station fairies left some pindan, some gumleaves, some glitter, some shells and ten smackers.

Broome Hash House Harriers

2010-10-05T01:56:00.000-07:00

I've started running with the Broome Hash House Harriers which is an interesting combination of running and drinking.

A bit difficult to explain, but alot of fun.

Check out www.broomeh3.blogspot.com/ for a left field blog.

Harry & Grace

2010-10-03T04:59:00.000-07:00

Harry and Grace have been up for a week from Perth during the school holidays which has been great.

We all went up to Cape Leveque and visited One Arm Point and Beagle Bay on the way back to Broome.

It has been really fun catching up again and hopefully we can do it again soon.

Guess who's team won the Granny??

2010-10-03T04:45:00.000-07:00

Enough said.

As far as I am aware we are still married.

Photographic competition

2010-10-03T04:35:00.000-07:00

Ruby and Darcy went to a photographic program down at Reddells beach.

Rube won first prize in the wildlife category with her piece titled "Reddell's beach is bloomin beautiful". Here she is pictured at the display at the boulevard shopping centre with Grace who is obviously blown away by the beauty of the photograph. Ruby won her picture printed onto a canvas frame.

Darcy won third prize in the landscapes with his picture "Reddells beach rocks" and won a snorkelling set.

Pearl Bay Dancing Concert

2010-10-03T04:24:00.000-07:00

Ruby and Anna performed beautifully in the Pearl Bay dancing concert.

Ruby has been training hard in her acrobatic class and her group cartwheeled, tumbled and jumped all over the stage and were clearly the best act of the night (equal with Annas of course).

Anna and her mates did an interpretation of "Kung Fu Fighting" and "Bear Necessity" very competently.

The Russells come to town

2010-09-29T06:17:00.000-07:00

Puppy, Kay and the family dropped in for ten days or so. It was very windy from the moment they arrived and stopped the moment they left. Must have brought it with them.

It was great to see them and better to see the Cats destroyed by the Pies while they were in town.

Johnny got Anna to give the old hairdo a bit of a touch up which was brave, but Kay was able to tidy up afterwards.

Bye to Patricia

2010-09-29T06:11:00.000-07:00

Our dear neighbour (who became our good friend) Patricia has left Broome to work in Kalgoorlie. The three months she spent here went very fast and we had alot of fun together, with a great Hawaiian party to send her off.

Bloody hell!

2010-09-29T05:59:00.000-07:00

Well. After destroying the Cats last week it seemed the premiership really was a cake walk.

We travelled 200km North of Broome to Cape Leveque for the long weekend with friends. Tracey and I thought that seeing one of has to loose we may as well be somewhere nice to help cope with it.

First she thought she had lost, then I thought I had lost, then she thought she had lost, then I thought I had lost, then we both thought we had lost.

Then we had to drive back to Broome together.

Now we have to do it all again. I think this time I'll just go next door to the RSL.

Carn the Pies!

(Thank you all for your cruel text messages!)

We are NOT keeping a lid on it...

2010-09-02T05:55:00.000-07:00

Certainly not.

Look out!!!! Here come the magpies. First it's the hapless doggies....

Shinju Matsuri Float Parade

2010-09-02T05:29:00.000-07:00

Well Sammy the Dragon was a big hit in the float parade on Saturday. Once again he barely put a foot wrong all day (except after he went to the Roebuck bay Hotel - but I'll get to that). Little Sammy the dragon did well in warm conditions and proved very popular with the crowds.

Sammy lead the parade until we reached the infamous Roey and he was lured into the beer garden with the promise of free beer. What with the warm conditions and the general excitement of the day Sammy probably overindulged as the parade passed by. As he weaved off down the street (Chinese dragons are supposed to weave) at the end of the parade a lady tapped me on the shoulder and asked if we meant to leave the big chinese flag that leads the parade in the beer garden. I thanked her for her concern and assured her that we were a well drilled unit and everything was going according to plan. After she left I ran back to get the flag from the Roey beer garden only to pass little Sammy and an assortment of kids running out of the beer garden after realising they had been left behind.

Luckily we didn't lose anyone and the day finished at the Male Oval where various acts performed on the big stage. The best one was the Pearl Bay Dancing Academy which starred none other than Anna Thorn.

(P.S: the surfboard in the picture belongs to me. I'll let you know when I can stand up on it - don't hold your breath).

Dragon Boats

2010-08-28T20:44:00.000-07:00

Tracey and I paddled in the Dragon Boat races at Town Beach. Tracey was in the Broome boat people boat (Broome Primary School) and I was in the Hospital Heroes boat.

We had 3 races each and I'm sad to say that the boat people performed much better than the Heroes. The boat people (in white) finished in the top 8 out of 16 teams and I didn't bother checking where the heroes finished. Sufice to say that our sweep fell out of the boat in one race and without him you tend to just go around in circles. If the winner was the boat that paddled the furthest, then we definately would have won.

As usual the surf club won (I suppose that is a good sign for all those that go to the beach), and the kids won their tug of wars.

Shinju Matsuri Festival

2010-08-28T20:21:00.001-07:00

Theopening ceremony of the Shinju Matsuri Festival went off like clockwork. Sammy the Dragon performed all manouvres without getting tied in a knot (which is better than we ever did in practice). The kids made lots of noise banging drums and other instruments and did well in the baby dragons. Sammy was woken to start the festival with fire crackers with Doug Fong (good name eh?) removing his blind fold. Sammy then did a bit of a show and headed off to Matso's brewery where he went into the bar and did a circuit, only smashing one glass - not a bad effort for a dragon with a big head and 16 pairs of legs. He drank about 16 beers before going off home to bed (most of the legs went back to Matso's though) while staircase to the moon happened.

Broome Primary School Sports Day

2010-08-26T06:15:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago we had our school sports carnival.

We are in different factions and we compete against each other in tunnel ball, races, sack races egg and spoon races, leader ball, flag races and lots more.

I came 2nd in 75m sprint and 3rd in the relay.

Our team (Riddell) won the shield for the year.

Our factions are named after beaches.

The end of the road for the Bulls

2010-08-26T06:12:00.000-07:00

After a great season Broome Bulls FC season have come to an

end. The final game was against the undefeated Cable Beach.

The Boys put up a good fight but Beaches got 6 goals to none in the first term.We outscored them 5 goals to 2 for the rest of the game.

For the best fairest Porkie[Jordan Bacon] came runner up and Barks won[Sam Barklow]

I would also like to thank Glesso for coaching us for the season.

Willie Creek excursion

2010-08-26T05:56:00.000-07:00

Rex and Carol have been visiting for three weeks, so we treked up to visit the Willie Creek pearl farm. It was very interesting. Darcy got to fish a big pearl out of an oyster and Ruby swanned around the showroom with a $70,000 string of pearls on (I wasn't entirely happy with the clasp, so decided not to buy it).

Tracey

2010-08-26T05:54:00.001-07:00

Shinju festival

2010-08-26T05:39:00.001-07:00

We are all in training for the Shinju Matsuri festival - the festival of the pearl in Broome. I am helping the Chinese Dragon to perform and the kids are playing the drums and other musical instruments that he dancesto. Despite diligently practicing for several weeks, poor old Sammy the Dragon has been tied in plenty of knotsbut hopefully it will all be ok on the day.

Tracey and I are also paddling in the Dragon boat races. She is in the Broome Primary school boat and I'm in the Hospital boat. It's a very prestigious event which is won by the surf club every year but I'm sure the bragging rights for who finishes in front will be worth it.

The big fishing trip

2010-08-26T05:10:00.000-07:00

While Rex and Scuba were in town Darcy and I went on a fishing charter with them and Holly and Patricia our next-door neighbours. We had a great day and exceeded our catch for the entire trip so far (not that difficult to do really). Rex won the sweep (which we all conveniently forgot to pay him for) for the biggest fish - a massive Golden Trevalley which almost won the tug-of-war.

Playing footy for Broome Primary

2010-07-25T00:04:00.000-07:00

I was selected to play for Broome Primary in football for the inter school cup. Their were 10 schools from surrounding districts including 4 from Broome, 3 from Derby and another from 3 from Aboriginal communities. The footy was evenly spread with Roebuck winning and and we followed closely second.

I had had to wake up at 6am and fortunately I was not late.

It was an awesome experience and I wish Broome primary all the best all the best next year

Hi from Ruby

2010-07-24T23:10:00.000-07:00

Hi, what up everyone?

My stay in broome so far is crusin' and I've been playing netball(this is my famous netball pose)and I'm about to play soccer I also might start acrobats.

I had a great holidays with my cousin Grace ,we went on a sun-set camel ride, went to to the beach lots and drank heaps of mango smoothies!!!!

I'm starting to train to be part of the dragon for the Shinju festival, it should be lots of fun.

If you want to send me a letter send it to:

P.O BOX 1775 BROOME 6725 WA

Love Ruby

Our house in Broome

2010-07-24T22:58:00.000-07:00

This is our lovely house in Broome. It has three bedrooms a bathroom, living area, laundry, a shed and a nice patio out the front so we can watch the world go by. The caravan just fits under the car port and is a great spot for visitors although they have to listen to the rubbish that gets talked on the patio every night!

The hospital is two doors up and the school is across the road and we're just a short walk from chinatown so the car isn't getting alot of use.

Our postal address is PO Box 1772 Broome WA 6725.

Who's on top of the ladder???

2010-07-24T22:57:00.000-07:00

Need we say more?

Good-bye to Grace xxx

2010-07-20T05:36:00.000-07:00

Our cousin Grace came up from Perth for 10 days with us over the school holidays. After staying at her house in Perth it was nice to be able to return the favour in Broome. She fitted into the family without any trouble and seems to share the same strange sense of humour that we have (poor girl). She rides a camel very nicely, didn't drown at the beach, loved the outdoor cinema, ate everything that was put in front of her (and a fair bit that wasn't) and got to draw the lucky numbers at the Broome RSL!

Ellie & Chris leave

2010-07-20T05:27:00.001-07:00

After being in Broome for 4 & 2 weeks respectively Ellie and Chris have gorn back to cold old Melbourne. It was great to have them around (not just because Tracey & I could go out!) and we are missing them massively! They spent lots of time on the beach, saw all the sights of Broome, went on the washed out Gibb River Road trip and took the obligatory camel ride on Cable Beach. Chris also had the pleasure of accomanying me on an excursion to the notorious Roey. We got home safely but both took a simultaneous tumble on the way there!

Dan, Miranda, Gus & Sienna are in town!

2010-07-17T02:35:00.000-07:00

The Jaques / Mitchell family arrived in Broome covered in mud and accompanied by massive rain clouds after meeting us (minus Duncan - someone has to work) at Fitzroy crossing. It was really great to catch up again, the kids had a great time exploring the Kimberley and on cable beach while the grown ups wined and dined (and some of us wined (whined) some more).

The BIG rain

2010-07-17T02:27:00.001-07:00

During July in Broome we have experienced some unseasonally wet weather. There has been more rain this July than the previous 25 combined! (so I've heard). While it was a bit inconvenient, the kids had a great time playing in the water and mud. Much warmer than Melbourne storms!

First 3 games for Broome Bulls

2010-07-14T17:35:00.000-07:00

Darcy Thorn has played his debut game for Broome Bulls last week after a week long dispute on his switch from Tom Price Magpies. The Bulls won by 39 points against Towns with Darcy winning the best on ground with 2 goals.
The second game was not as close with the Bulls losing by 3 points to the red hot form of the Saints . Thorn played in the centre but still kicked 1.1.

ladder rd 8

1. Cable Beach

2.Saints

3.Broome Bulls

4. Towns

Goodbye to the Vallee family

2010-06-23T02:07:00.000-07:00

Its very sad but our friends from France (Fabrice, Julie, Jean & Edit) have left to continue their trip around Australia while we stay here in Broome.

We met in Port Lincoln SA in early Feb and have been travelling together off and on since. We have shared dozens of meals and dozens more cans of beer.

Jean and Edit didn't speak any English when we met and now they know all the swear words in English.

We will miss Fabrice playing the guitar (either "dirty old town" or "waltzing matilda" since those are his two best songs), Julie driving their van "Matilda" with the awning down, Johns bow and arrows and other inventions and Ediths gymnastic tricks such as jumping off the roof of our car!

We have had great fun with the Vallees and wish them well with the rest of their travels. xx

Ellie is in town!

2010-06-23T01:57:00.000-07:00

Ellie arrived on the weekend and has enjoyed her first sunset on Cable beach. She is happy to be back together with the family, but I'm sure the novelty will wear off after three weeks of sibling exposure (and lots of baby sitting).

Back in school

2010-06-23T01:46:00.001-07:00

We are in Broome for 6 months, so the kids have agreed to go back to school. They are in their second week at Broome primary and are loving it (compared with us teaching them).

Rube and Darce are in the same class in grade 4 and Anna is in grade 1.

The school is beautiful and green and has alot more real grass than Coburg Primary.

School runs from 8am til 2pm, so there is still plenty of time for the beach after school. We live virtually across the road, which means that we will probably be late quite often.

Broome with Michelle and John

2010-06-07T00:59:00.000-07:00

We have arrived in Broome where we have met Michelle and John Porter who are up from Tassie. It's been great to see them again and I think they're enjoying some warm weather.

Since being in Broome we've had the obligatory camel ride, been to the horse races, caught some fish off the jetty, seen plenty of sunsets at Cable Beach, been to the markets, done alot of swimming and squeezed a few beers in. Not a bad spot here!

Darcy Thorn walks out on the Magpies

2010-06-07T00:51:00.000-07:00

In a surprise move Darcy Thorn has walked out on the Tom Price magpies to join the Broome Bulls in the West Kimberly football league. The decision was made on Wednesday following a training session with the Bulls.

Darcy was tight lipped about the move but a spokesman said that he felt that it was time to move on from the two team competition at Tom Price and that the contract offered by the Bulls was too good to refuse. In a statement he wished the magpies all the best for the rest of the season and was looking forward to playing with the Bulls.

Tom Price

2010-05-25T00:47:00.000-07:00

We've had a great time here at Tom Price. The town itself won't win any architectural awards. Most of the buildings are typical mining town - big on practicality and small on asthetics. Inspiration seems to be from communist Russia.

Despite that, the town is very livable. There is lots of green grass and trees - a bit of a novelty in this part of the world (and Melbourne too!). There is the obligatory Chinese restaraunt (I thought it was pretty good but thats not saying much), a pub, supermarket, video store, hardware and a couple of cafes. The new swimming pool has just opened. The kids have been visiting the library and we've been twice to the open air cinema / drive in.

Darcy has played a couple of games of footy and the kids have been playing with a few of the other kids around the place. They've also made friends with and been walking "nugget" the fat labrador who lives across the street.

Our townhouse has been comfortable, and the neighbours have been good company. They work on the railway, straightening out the tracks each night after the big heavy trains bugger them up each day. Our place backs onto the golf course which is a pleasant place to walk despite not having a blade of grass on it. Fairways entirely made of rock!

The people here are friendly and the population is very young. People just come here to work and then they leave. The average age is 11 years! There seems to be lots of things going on here - its a long drive to look for entertainment.

Dales & Kalamina Gorges

2010-05-25T00:27:00.000-07:00

The Dales gorge was different again to the others we have visited here at Karajini. It was much wider and more open than Weno and Hancock, but incredibly beautiful. The gorge looks as if has

been landscaped it is so perfect.

Around every corner there is something different. From the dry dusty Pilbara rock the landscape changes to lush tropical rainforest, waterfalls and swimming holes all in the mater of a few kilometers. The walking was interesting without having to climb like some of the others. This is one of the best walks I've ever done, perhaps because the kids didn't whinge once! The old legs were pretty gorn by the time we made it home though.

Tom Price mine

2010-05-25T00:13:00.000-07:00

Tom Price is an Iron Ore mine that has 12 seperate pits. We went to check it out and got to wear hats just like Bob the builder!

The machines were absolutely massive. The dump trucks can carry 400 tonnes. They weigh over 200 tonnes empty and carry 4,000 litres of diesel. When they are full and go flat out up hill they get 20 litres to the kilometer! Makes the landcruiser look economical! Top speed is 40km/hr and the tyres are $100,000 each. If a big rock wedges itself between the back two tyres and pops them - there goes a quater of a million big ones.

The trains to the coast are 2.5km long, weigh 30,000 tonnes and have $5 million worth of iron ore on them.

All in all it's a pretty big dusty hole worth alot of money. Love to go for a spin in one of the trucks though.

Weno & Hancock Gorges

2010-05-24T23:51:00.001-07:00

We explored the Weno & Hancock gorges with the Vallees. The road was pretty rough and slow so Darcy drove Matilda and Ruby, Anna and Edith drove our car. They should be pretty good drivers by the time they get their licences. Not quite as much traffic here as on Sydney Road though.

These gorges really were spectacular. It was pretty hard work climbing around to get through but after much grunting and groaning we finally made it after climbing ladders, handrails and a rope - and no one needed an xray at the end! Once again the water was pretty chilly but it was worth it to see the towering sides of the gorges that narrowed down so that you can actually touch both sides as you shimmy along. The pools inside were incredible, but only the kids were silly enough to go swimming.

Hammersley Gorge

2010-05-24T00:54:00.000-07:00

We drove out to Hammersley Gorge in Karajini National Park from Tom Price. The gorge is a series of beautiful waterholes seperated by waterfalls. The walls of the gorge have an incredible array of colours and patterns. Its a great place to spend the day scrambling over the rocks and heving a dip, but the water is incredibly cold and its difficult to stay in for long!

Traceys Birthday

2010-05-24T00:49:00.001-07:00

Tracey had her birthday a few weeks ago (not allowed to tell you which one - classified information). She had a lovely day walking and splashing around in Hammersley Gorge and even got a birthday cake, some presents and lots of calls!

School

2010-05-18T23:07:00.000-07:00

We have been doing school through distance education. We took the first six months of work with us and have about three weeks of it to do. It was pretty difficult to get anything done at the beginning, but once we got into a routine things went much more smoothly. Having said that it's pretty rare for us to finish the entire unit before it's due. It's more about quality than quantity isn't it?

The units are divided up into 10 day lots and are due every 2 weeks. We usually try to do some school every day - 7 days a week straight after breakfast. If we are travelling or have something on we might just do 20 minutes or so, but usually we do 1 1/2 - 2 hours. If I'm not working I usually teach Rube and Darcy (Anna dosen't like me teaching her) and Tracey does Anna. When I'm working Tracey does all of it (not much fun). A class size of 3 is plenty for us! I have been travelling to another town called Parabardoo two mornings a week from Tom Price for work, so I have been taking one of the kids with me to do their school down there.

The process has been interesting for all of us. Tracey and I now have a much better idea of the kids strengths and weaknesses, and a whole new respect for the teaching profession. The kids have got to do their school work in some pretty incredible settings. Some very beautiful ones and plenty that have been hot, windy and fly infested. Hopefully they have learned something!

Showers

2010-05-18T22:56:00.000-07:00

We try to avoid staying in caravan parks where possible and go for the free camping option. Unfortunately most of these don't have showers so we have become pretty skilled at spotting a potential shower whenever it presents. I think some of the locals have seen a bit more than they wished to from time to time, but no-one has been arrested to date.

Anna’s photography

2010-05-18T18:55:00.000-07:00

Anna's photography career continues to blossom. If the camera is left unattended it usually ends up with a series of photos like these on it. We're not sure what the genre is or if she hasn't worked out that its meant to be pointing away from the operator.

Darcy’ debut for Tom Price Magpies

2010-05-18T01:58:00.000-07:00

Darcy made his debut for the Tom Price magpies against the Tom Price Sharks (funny name for a team hundreds of km's from the coast). John Vallee (in the picture) from Paris also made his debut. The magpies went down narrowly, but have the opportunity to make amends next week when they play the Sharks again. You don't have to wait long for revenge when there are only two teams in the competition! The boys are both confident that the Magpies will make the grand-final.

John played a very servicable game considering he dosen't know one end of a footy from the other and can't understand the coach. Darcy managed 2 goals and won an award - a Rio Tinto drink bottle (surprise surprise). The boys had a Pilbara style recovery session the next day in the icy waters of the Weno gorges.

Dane

2010-05-18T01:55:00.000-07:00

Well i'm still alive! Didn't think i'd make it this far. I've got used to the chaffing and I'm almost starting to enjoy myself. The broken arm is holding up well, but I don't have any fingers left.

Pretty happy with the pies at the moment, absolute certainty for the flag.

Ningaloo Reef

2010-05-18T01:51:00.001-07:00

We spent many hot and sunny days snorkelling on the Ningaloo reef from Coral Bay and the Cape Range National park. The water was very clear and the snorkelling was great. We saw heaps of fish, some turtles, some rays and a white tipped reef shark.

We took a boat trip from Coral Bay and Monkey Mia. Visited a pearl farm. One of the blokes running it is on the next series of "farmer wants a wife", reckons he didn't do very well.

The only down side was that Collingwoods anihalation of Carlton was not on the either the TV or the radio! The premier will be getting a letter,

Ruby’s toilet report

2010-05-18T01:45:00.000-07:00

Since I last spoke to you things have improved on the toilet front. I have had the pleasure of using a flush toilet in Merredin. However when I went back to the long drops it took a few days to stop turning around to look for the button!

I've seen perhaps the best long drop on the trip so far at Cape Range National Park. Here are the rules. Open the lid and clean the bowl with disinfectant, then do what you came to do, then clean the bowl with disinfectant again and hey presto - a nice smelling long drop! Something that I didn't think was possible!

Ruby thorn

Monkey Mia

2010-05-18T01:41:00.000-07:00

Monkey Mia was what Anna has been waiting for since leaving Melbourne. She wasn't put of by the crowds of people milling about when the dolphins arrived and thought it was the best thing ever. The kids got to feed the dolphins and we had a couple of very relaxing days on the lovely green grass under the shade of some nice trees.

Hutt River Province

2010-05-18T01:35:00.000-07:00

Well we've had our first international trip for the year! We made the journey to Hutt River Province - Australia's second biggest country which seperated from Australia 40 years ago. Prince Leo is 84 and still going strong. He was doing immigration duties when we arrived and was pretty happy to go through the whole check in caper. I now have a completely blank passport except for one stamp - Hutt River.

Prince Leo was very entertaining. Unfortunately we were unable to meet Princess Shirley - she was making lunch.

Merredin to Tom Price

2010-05-18T01:25:00.000-07:00

We have had many adventures after leaving Merredin. Had a lovely time up the coast. Visited the pinnacles, went through stockmans gully caves and visited Kalbarri. We caught up with Roy and Kim and Angus and Tully again which was great. Apparently young Angus is having withdrawl symptoms since being seperated from Darcy. Hopefully we'll catch up again in Broome.

Geocaching

2010-05-18T01:22:00.000-07:00

We have started geocaching which is like a worldwide treasure hunt. People have hidden over a million geocaches around the world and logged their coordinates on the web at www.geocaching.com . The caches contain trinkets and a logbook. You can take things out and should replace them with something of your own. We usually put stubby holders back in and use the trinket to decorate Dane. You can find them using a hand held GPS. It’s been a lot of fun and usually takes us to places that are pretty interesting that we may not otherwise visit.