23rd March
The Broome Rotary Club hosted us for a BBQ overlooking Roebuck Bay at sunset. The club has 26 members & 8 of them attended including the Doctor who was in charge of our daughter's case while she was overseas in hospital. She put Steve & Michelle on the plane to evacuate them to Australia.
What a coincidence. It was an overwhelming experience for us. It was an opportunity to express our sincere thanks for the many phone calls she made to us & for her help in sending intensive care Doctors from Australia to attend Michelle & prepare her for the arduous trip home. We are still quite taken aback with this encounter.
25th March
We had a long day - 640k thru the Pilbara. It is very green,and we were given a welcome & great hospitality from Ilsa, the Sea Scout Leader in Port Hedland. We met some people we had known when we worked there & stayed at the Ibis Hotel, had a swim & a rest.
We were given a Civic Reception on the lovely green lawn of the council chambers & were welcomed by the Mayor Kelly Howlett. Kelly won the National Environment Award for her work with turtle habitats. The Rotary Club has only been in operation for 5 months and already has 20 members. Eight of the club attended with council staff & supplied us with a buffet of party pies, fruit & cheese platters & drinks. The boys did their stuff & President Kathy presented us with a cheque for $500.
That night Mr. Idula, a civil engineer asked us to have dinner in the restaurant of our hotel & insisted on paying the bill. What generous people in the North West.
27th March
We were given accommodation at the Karratha North Fleet Bus Depot. We had lovely rooms with beds, tables, chairs, lounges & a fully equipped kitchen with ablution blocks. We were very comfortable. One of Doug's old friends took them out to dinner & they had a lovely reunion after 30 years.
28th March
Another long day of traveling to Carnarvon. We saw the devastation of Cyclone Olwyn. It has ruined the banana crops,& we were met by Gary. He took us home for a coffee & then Jan the Girl Guide Leader took us to their hall. It was great with a kitchen, separate showers & toilets for men & women & fans. That night we went to the Motel we managed and met our dear friend Bev, the current manager. We had a lovely night with her.
The next day host Gary took us on a sightseeing tour of the town. To Grahme & Doug's delight he had a motorbike shop in town. They were in heaven talking about the various models. He took us to see the Indian with sidecar he has restored with beautiful chrome & upholstered seats. I also went to St. Georges Church for a morning service, which was very nostalgic for me. That night we had a lovely BBQ at Gary & Hilary's home overlooking the water. About 25 attended including representatives from the RSL, yacht club & Siroptomists. The club has 14 members so a really good turn out, the boys did the presentation. All in all, a lovely experience.
We struck very heavy rain & the roads out of town were flooded so Grahme doesn't need a shower for a few days. The water was knee deep & we lost sight of them in the spray. The worst thing is the bush flies. As soon as you get out of the car they attack you. I have my fly swatter & continually kill them while we are driving. They get in your eyes & are very pesky. We are now in Geraldton after a 500k trip & all is well.
We are about up to $16,000 so we are pleased with our efforts.
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