Crocodiles

Crocodiles have been lurking lately.
This one decide to go for a swim around to the beaches for a couple of days and got really close to the shore for onlookers to check him out.

Dragonflies indicate the change of season

People and the environment are more attuned in Broome than in the major centers and the city. According to the locals, the dragonflies that swarm in Broome indicate the oncoming dry season and it is true.
I have never seen so many Dragon flies in one place! Millions and millions, even along the beach when you are having that afternoon stroll they decide to land on you to hitch a ride! It was interesting to find out that they eat other insects including moths, mozzies and the like. They catch there prey with there legs and grasp them tightly, several larger species of dragonflies were seen eating each other while flying! The mosquito population died off significantly since the dragons flys arrived, hence people love these fast moving flying creatures. They are one of the fastest flying insects on earth. Damselfly were also noticed albeit not in great numbers. The swarms have lasted for weeks, last week saw the start of a sea of dead dragonflies floating across the lawn, their numbers have dropped dramatically.
Looking forward to next years swarm.

The range of colours are amazing

This little fella liked the garden edging at home

Damselfly are closely related to dragonflies but differ in that they keep there wings next to their body when stationary

Barred Creek

Heading out to Barred Creek

Visited Barred creek just north of Broome on the weekend. There are probably 4 separate tracks that lead to the head of the creek on the south side, but because of the recent rains most of the tracks are difficult to pass.
Inbedded below is a video returning back from Barred Creek along this rarely used track. The new Hilux received a few nasty scratches in the process. Long grass, bumpy and sandy tracks are the order for the late afternoon trek. 

Driving Back from Beach late in the afternoon

At the head of Barred Creek

Having a chat down at the creek

Looking south with a storm that comes through that absolutely pours

Down on the mudflat

The tide drops so quickly

Caroline and Caitlin swimming in the creek

Beautiful sunset with Rainbow looking over Barred Creek from the top of the sand dune

Severe Thunder Storms in Broome

The wet season has finally come to an end, or so it seems. This year according to locals was the best 'wet' in many years. The average rainfall for January and February was more than double than average records show, 724mm against the average of 355mm. 42 days of rain out of the 59 days.
The rain is usually heavy and often comes with a good storm. On the 9th of January was one of those storms, an exceptional one at that! It was a full blown electrical storm, the lightning was like a disco strobe light. I was staying in a van at the time, as I had only just arrived in Broome. The thunder shook the van and the wind blew it around like a toy. The storm was so notable that there are a couple of videos on Youtube.The video is just over 5 minutes and a bit drawn out, but when you see the lightning it is well worth the viewing.

This is a photo in the morning at 5.30am going to work, driving out of the caravan park, the roads are flooded.

Very heavy rain

Flooded driveway and flooded road

Broome Deep Water Jetty

Broome Deep Water Jetty juts outs into Roebuck Bay. The jetty is used for cargo, fuel and commercial shipping. It is also a great place to go fishing.

Jetty at full tide

A ship unloading mining cargo at full tide

At low tide, same ship unloading

More of the same High Tides

Another set of photos for comparison, same location 6 hours apart.

The red soil colours the high tide water

The evening light softens the spans of sand out to the exposed rocks

Crocodile warning!

The Department of Environment and Conservation recently put this sign out at Streeters Jetty (under water due to largest tide 10.6m). A recent crocodile sighting.

Largest Tide for the Year

The other day was the largest tide for the year 10.6 metres and then the low 6 hours later of 0.5 metres. Amazing to see how much water disappears to the horizon. Here is a before shot at lunch time and one at sunset. Notice the second shot where there is a 4WD parked down on the beach on the left hand side.

That is a tide of 10.1 metres!

From the other boat ramp

At high tide

Sunset at the same boat ramp

New 4WD finally arrives

After nearly six weeks, our new Hilux duel cab has finally arrived, it is filthy dirty but a good tub will clean it up!
Can't wait to go camping again and 4WDing.

Entrance Point Sunset

  Caroline and Caitlin on her Birthday

 Beautiful sunset

 Looking back towards Broome Deep Water Jetty

A thunder storm with the largest moon for 18 years rising behind the clouds