Day 30: Two down in a Kayak

Wednesday arrived (as we knew it would) – big day with two exams in it.  I am happy to report that all went well – I have no idea how I will actually do – merely to say that I think I will pass!  It is such a relief to know that two are down and only one to go.  I rewarded myself with a little bit of shopping therapy! 

In the mean time, Rich did some bird watching, washed the car, seeing as he has had it on the beach so much, and went on a kayak fishing tour. 

Rich’s words, typed by Kim (called mutualism, not parasitism):  Met this delightful tour guide who offered this very practical option.  Basically he combines sea kayaking with game fishing.  We met at the boat ramp and there were two other guys who came along.   The tour guide is a primary school teacher for two days a week and the rest of his time is spent doing these tours – what a life.  We were all rigged with a life jacket, a kayak and a fishing rod and simply paddled out beyond the waves to wherever we could see birds diving or sharks feeding (there was a large Thresher Shark thrashing through the water about 100 meters from me (the idea was to paddle towards the shark because you want to catch what it is eating!)  We paddled under the wharf (see pic) – I didn’t catch any fish, but it didn’t matter because it was exercise, sightseeing and a wonderful experience even without a fish to show for it.

The morning was spent birdwatching first thing in the morning around the poo ponds (because that is where the action is) – water birds, bush birds, kites, harriers and eagles.  There were quite a few lifers including the Little Friar Bird.

The only drama of the day was the van’s electrical system that fused. No matter what we plugged and unplugged it still blew the trip switch. There was initially the usual tirade of #%&@W#% (not really), followed by “this is going to take a few days before we can get a warranty repair from the delaers, who are obviously fully booked in Broome” and “we may not get to Darwin on time to pick up Cassie”. After all the histrionics, Rich was seen calming down and contemplating (the scientist brain started clicking). Out with the tool kit and before long the electrical system of the van was starting to emerge from the panelling, the microwave was on the floor and Rich’s head deeply buried in the wall space with the hairdryer in hand (conclusion was that steam from the microwave had got into the trip-switch assembly) – and before long Rich was wet with sweat but the electrics were all fixed and working. Back in action – back on track (don’t tell Jayco otherwise that would void the warranty).  One question should strike you – how did the hairdryer work when the electric system was fusing – simple – connect an extension lead direct to the power pole in the van park.

So tomorrow is the very last study day (for a couple of weeks anyway) and Friday morning I write the Psych exam – and Rich packs up, and then off to Fitzroy Crossing.

We will be sad to say goodbye to Broome, but we have promised ourselves we will be back!