Broome to Swift Bay

June 24th saw Kiella leave Broome and again head north. Sue and Chris had joined us for this passage after spending time with their family in this unique place. When we anchored there all I saw was sand hills and found it hard to believe that a city was behind them.
Our concern was that we had so much to see of this great coast and not the years that some have taken to attempt this feat. There are some anchorages that you have to revisit because you have no other choice,but many that are so or- inspiring you want to recreate that first impression you had upon seeing them for the first time.
On our way to Beagle Bay, our over night stop, we had a great show from the migrating whales plus our fishing lure provided dinner, if this pattern was to continue we are going to eat well. ………Yes, we have with so many different ones brought on board. Thanks goodness for “Grants guide to Fishes”, as we can identify them. Some times we don’t have to look at the book now, to recognize what we are going to serve up for the best ever fresh seafood.
Chris our master fisherman, who always has a rod over the back as soon as we are safely anchored, or when we are going ashore, somehow the rod and lure/bait seem to find there way into the dingy .A walk along the beach and Chris is casting into the water as you just never know what could be out there. We have eaten this trip so far, Queen fish, Mackerel Tuna, Threadfin Salmon, School Mackerel, Fingermark, Estuary Cod, Golden Trevally, Reef Shark and large black lipped Rock Oysters. Chris has tried to land the large Tawny Sharks that visit us;, these docile creatures welcome us to all new anchorages and have on the odd occasions taken a baited hook.
The next day saw blue skies and glassy seas as we headed to Myrida Bay via a lunch stop at Silica beach. Here we went ashore and walked on this brilliant white silica and felt it between our toes as we shuffled around, glad there was know one watching as I’m sure we looked rather odd.
Onto Silver Gull and a revisit to Phil were we all enjoyed a swim in the tank. Dog Leg Creek and a top up with fuel then on to meet up with FA at Raft Point and find some art work. Red Cone Inlet the next few days saw the washing done and a swim at the 2 water falls. We meet another boat and found some great …you can not miss this spot, so armed with this information our plans changed. Alas not to be as an alternator decided to cook. Luck was on our side as when we pulled into shore south of Langgi to wait for the tide to change, Simon who we had previously met was an electrician and came to our rescue.
A new one was ordered to be picked up at McGowan Island beach middle of August.
Prince Regent beckoned and with tide helping us we met up with FA and explored along with charter boats this area. Thank goodness for their dinghy’s , as we found the track up climbing over rocks and finally to the swimming holes with the aid of a rope. The water was cool and we all enjoyed a swim and explore.
On to the Hunter River and some rather nasty seas which tested all including the boat. Fresh crab for lunch via FA pots with Chris the apprentice. The charter boats also stop here so the odd helicopter buzzing around picking up and delivering.
The 5th to the 9th of August saw Kiella in Swift Bay and new art works to find with the help of True North[who happen to be there as well and we followed]. They are Bradshaws with a mix of the locals dating back 30,000 years. Two other boats came in so sundowners were the order with Bill as Taxi. The lack of private vessels in this area and not seeing anyone for days was a magnate when a new boat comes along; you just need to say hi.The morning of the 9th saw us heading to the Osborne Islands.