West More Island and then onto Broome

If our passage to Dampier was uncomfortable, then the passage from West More Island to Broome would have to be classed as painful. We decided to anchor behind West More Island, seeking protection from the strong easterly winds. The next morning we dragged anchor and moved in the bay behind the fishing lodge. Elevation snagged their anchor and bent it quite badly trying to retrieve it. Bending a solid stainless steel 50kg Bruce anchor is not easy, getting it straitened took nearly two weeks. 

Many attempted and eventually successful trips were made in the dinghy in order to get the anchor back to Dampier. My friend Lou Cliff was extremely helpful in making this happen for us. We were all glad to leave West More in the end, unfortunately the winds had not quite finished.

We pulled into Gantheaume Point with a strong breeze, cold and very wet. Only to find that the mooring we had booked was occupied and while the owner of the mooring was very apologetic, there was nothing he could do. Janet to the rescue!!!  

Standing on the back of “Phoenix” a very large stink boat, was a lady called Janet. Janet saw what was going on and jumped on the VHF and to our rescue, advising us which moorings were available. As it happened we would later meet the owners of one of the moorings in Rain Forest Ravine. 

Janet and Mick became a very good friend and made our stay in Broome all the more special.

           

We also met up with Baz and Bett’s, they were in Broome on holidays and were staying in the holiday apartment. Many lovely afternoons were spent having BBQ’s by the pool at their place.

Our friend’s John and Marly also called into Broome while we were there. They were traveling around Australia in their Motor Home and made a dash for Broome to see us, before we disappeared into The Kimberley.

BBQ’s and sundowners on the beach will be a fond memory for a long time.