Our New Adventure - The Kimberleys, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea - Part 1 Day 1-5
Having been landlocked since last December Julie and I once again decided to set sail to new territories. This time staying a little closer to home.
On Aug 1 we flew across Aus to Broome where we joined Seabourn Pursuit on a 25 day expedition cruise through the Kimberleys, Darwin, onto remote areas in Indonesia and PNG and finishing in Honiara in Solomon Islands.
Day 1
So it was a very early start for with the car picking us up at 5.15. A very quick trip to the airport with very little traffic on the road followed by an early check in. Being a domestic flight there were no duty free shopping 😊. The flight was just over 5 hours so I got an exit seat for the leg room whilst Julie had the normal seat. But since the flight only was two thirds full she lucked out and had a row to herself and made the most of it
We arrived in Broome and headed to a local hotel to await the transfer to the ship.
We quickly settled into our cabin.
Nicely appointed with our selected bottles of booze to help get us through the next 25 days. The ship is just over 1 year old so most things onboard are in great condition. checked out a few essentials being the pool and jacuzzi, gym, the bars and restaurants.
We ran into a few of the staff that we had sailed with on previous cruises, which was a very nice surprise. Of the 240 passengers, the Aussie component was by far the biggest component (about 120) with Americans having around 90. We are probably about the average age of the passengers (probably an indication of us getting older than the average age coming down 😉.
1st night was an early dinner, meeting other guests and then bed. It has been a very long day.
Day 2
We woke to a very sunny and warm day at Lacepede Islands. It is very remote part of the Kimberley and consists of a number of sandy islands and known for its bird life and crystal clear waters. The day started with a session in the gym. I was surprised by the number of people using it - very unusual. But I'm sure the novelty will wear off quickly. After that, breakfast and then off sailing in the zodiacs to explore. There were birds (mainly brown boobies - name of the bird and not any special features 😆, turtles, humpback whales and stingrays and of course-crocs).
Back onboard for a late lunch and then chilling out around the pool. Decided to skip the Trivia and concentrate on the consumption of the cocktail selection whilst sitting in the jacuzzi - much more sociable.
That night we were entertained by the Cruise Director. He has a magnificent operatic voice and very entertaining. Excellent night.
Off to bed.
Day 3
Another perfect day. Cloudless sky, very warm forecast (31 Deg) calm waters and very little breeze. Today we start at Freshwater Bay and then onto Montgomery Reef.
Freshwater Bay tour consisted of a walk around the shore and included an indigenous smoke ceremony and viewing rock art. It wasn't exciting for us and it was an early start (8.00) so we decided to skip it and sleep in. The gym was deserted (as anticipated) so I had a good work out to try and fix my back. The previous day bouncing on the zodiac took its toll . Julie slept 😏.
Montgomery Reef was next. It has an area of around 400 square kilometres and is the world's largest inshore reef. We explored as the tide was going out and the Reef becoming exposed. Masses of water poured off exposing the rocks
Back onboard and off to the Sushi Bar for a pre-dinner drink and an appetiser. The sushi is very good but does take the edge off the main meal ( a first world problem ). Had dinner with a lovely couple from Florida.
We still haven't managed to get to the after dinner bar for some dancing.
Day 4
Day 4, again perfect weather, clear, calm and warm. Slept in so decided to relax the morning away before heading out for the afternoon excursion. Breakfast in bed for Julie while I did some washing.
Next port of call was a trip to Talbot Bay and the site of the horizontal Falls. These are created by the rapid tidal fall on the ocean-side of gaps in the sandstone cliffs. Waters on the inland of the gaps can not escape fast enough and so a 'horizontal waterfall' is created by the cascades.
The exploration gave us the mandatory croc sighting (and many more to come).
The trip to the Falls was fun.
Back onboard and we joined a trivia team (came last 😔). Quickly recovered and changed for more sushi and a fun time with a couple of Kiwis. Then dinner.
Day 6
Happy Birthday to Julie 😀
Next port of call was Kuri Bay. Main point of interest was a visit to the Paspaley Pearl farm. and/or a walk along the beach. We stayed onboard and avoided the temptation of buying any pearls.
Others decided on an aerial view of the surroundings
We lounged around the pool and jacuzzi (again).Played backgammon (I let Julie win for her birthday 😂), sipped cocktails and Julie had some caviar and salmon for lunch starters.
Lots of chilling out, but yet to read a single page of a book. I am getting to the gym though. Trying to fix sore back, with minimal success.
Dinner with a lovely couple from North Sydney, a special meal order for Julie's birthday. A whole fish and green curry. Excellent fare and a fun evening.
And to round it all off, a chocolate cake
It had been a long day, so after dinner - off to bed (just getting a little bit older).
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