27th August 2008

This morning was much the same as most mornings have been in Broome, except the wind was not quite as strong as previous mornings. Thank goodness!
Prue decided she would be early to the Caravan Park washing machines as it seems there is a big demand for these machines. So she put a reasonable load of washing on and eventually hung it out to dry. At least in this area, at present, the washing dries very quickly.
I took off on my bike for a quicker 30 km circuit. I try to go through different streets each time but nearly always go out to the Port of Broome and turn around. There were a few more cyclists out this morning but unfortunately they were not going the same direction as me. It is nice out early here as it does warm up quite early.
On return, off for a shower and a mug of Prue’s cappuccino. Her brew is in a little stainless steel pot that pushes steam up through the coffee and eventually into the top. She also warms the milk and then froths it with a battery powered frother. The result is a lovely cappuccino.
Then we drove out to the Willie Creek Pearl Farm. It is located on Willie Creek about 40 kms out of Broome. It is reached by turning off the Cape Leveque Road. We opted for the self drive tour rather than catch a coach out. It cost $40.00 each which included a very professional presentation on the anatomy of an oyster and how it is worked on to produce a pearl. This was followed by morning tea of damper and either cool drinks or tea or coffee. Then we boarded a boat to see the long line of oysters in Willie Creek. We were shown how the oyster are cleaned regularly which is a job most suited to workers like back packers. When we returned to the jetty, we then went up to the showroom and again were given a great demonstration on recognising good pearls and how to look after them.
Each oyster can be used up to 4 times and each time a larger pearl is the end result, except for the last time when it is used for the production of Mabe or half pearls. Its final destiny is for the grinding up of the shell, the muscle is removed and sold for an exorbitant price and the remainder is used to feed the fish located in Willie Creek along with several saltwater crocodiles.
Adjacent to the Pearl Farm is a Detention Centre for illegal fishermen. It is the holding area for these people until their trial. Depending on the outcome of the trial, it is the location where the boats are lifted off the beach and into a pit for a fiery end.
We returned from Willie Creek Pearl Farm and to a Cafe/Corner Shop for a coffee. Our thoughts are we will not bother getting a coffee there again. After getting back to the Karavan, we did a bit of a tidy up of leaves and dust. After that we went to Cable Beach for another late afternoon swim.
The day ended with a BBQ meal and of course some red wine.