Port Headland to Dampier

We left Broome and drove south towards Barn Hill making our way towards Perth. Barn Hill was quite disappointing as its price was set up high without electricity and water, although it had an exquisite beach with the shiniest and most colourful rocks ever it did not justify the price.

We went to see what the options were to eat unfortunately they did not have vegetarian pizzas, that was a bad start. We soon found out that there were knitting clubs and bowling clubs, but we didn’t participate as the grey nomads looked serious. We only stayed for a few nights but what really brightened the moment was mum + grandmother’s cooking =5-star restaurant, it was delicious. With Lita (grandma in Spanish) our routine changed as we would do meditation then exercise or as I call it "ejercisio" (exercise).

We would go fishing and have a go but this time we let Lita do it as she had never tried fishing. It was very interesting because when she thought she had a fish she would point the rod up in the air and try pulling it instead of just reeling them in. In the end we caught nothing but at least she caught fresh air for starters.

The next day we moved to another station not far from Barn Hill called Pardoo Station once again this place has been raved about. We arrived an already had a warm welcome by a bloke named Jeff then dad and Jeff spent hours talking about fishing while we were unpacking. After packing we did a bit of exploring as it was a big caravan park. Once again it had a bowling club but also it had an all-you-can-eat restaurant which looked appetising.

We tried bowling for the first time and we could not stop playing until the weather was scorching hot but that’s just Australia isn’t? I couldn’t tell if it was the weather or the competition as I was tired and exhausted.

The next day I had the whole day planned of activities but suddenly we got devastating news that our great grandma died at the age of 92, she had a fantastic and encouraging run. Dad went back to Melbourne to support his family while we stayed behind.

Fishing was good as every day we would come back with 3 or 4 whiting and put it on the barbie and have a roast with potatoes. Soon a week passed as we did some day trips and beach walks, daily exercise, bowling, fishing, swimming and having fun and showing Lita all our hundreds of souvenirs.

Time flew as dad came back a week later, we were all glad and happy to see him, so we tried out an all- you- can- eat restaurant. I tried not to be greedy but there was so much, so I helped myself to more than I needed. I was stuffed full of goodies as I served myself some well-cooked fish, potatoes and much more.

We packed up quicker thanks to Lita but then we made the long journey towards Port Hedland. Three hours later we arrived at port Hedland still half-awake I soon realised there was a mountain full of salt that was weird.

We arrived at a golf club, set up camp and did some evening shopping.

After I don’t know exactly how long we spent there but soon after we left and set up home base at the golf club. We had some crackers and dips as usually then rested for the big night tomorrow.

As Port Hedland was one of the biggest ports in tonnage with over 3 million tonnes of produce, billions shipped each year we decided to see what it was like as a seaman. We went on a seafarer boat that picks up and drops off passengers from ship to ship, so we had the privilege to see the cargo’s and the massive boats that gets shipped to other countries. While we were there we talked to a lot of the seaman and heard it was a rough job as even some of them can be away for 9 months without seeing their families.

But the seafarers provide them kindly with loads of food, comfort and WIFI as most of them are volunteers and don’t get paid much. I couldn’t see much as the gigantic ships were in our way they are 18m tall and when you looked closely there was a red line and even when they were filled the weight of the cargo would sink the boat under the red line where it is then transported.

Our time ended at Port Hedland we learned a good deal about it and wouldn’t mind coming again.

We left Port Hedland and headed to Karratha but soon we realised it was cheaper to stay at a place called Dampier another mining town. It was on our bucket list as the famous movie Red dog and Red dog true blue originated from Dampier.

We got to the caravan park and the amenities where clean and there was friendly staff which was great. The owner even loaned us the movie, so we watched it and tried not to cry but the temptation was strong. The next thing we did was we wanted to see the red dog statue to pay our respects. We got there and took lots of memorial pictures with red dog, black dog, and white dog.

The next day we went to another recommended place called the north west shelf project. It was a good school day as it was very educational. We got to see the mines and hear the experiences which gave me an overall look at how hard it is to work as a miner being away from your family. They get payed a lot, but they work for a week then spend a week with the family which sounds really difficult.

Our last destination we went to before going to Tom Price was a cheap and affordable campsite which costed $5 a night, we payed for 4 nights. We got there and achieved getting a stunning view right off the beach.

We tried our luck fishing as usually and actually managed to hook up loads of whoppers what a spectacle. I was told to get the bucket, but we were hooking in too many fish that there was no more space. Mum and Lita were surprised, we were having a blast. We rested the night but didn’t sleep for long as we were being chewed like gum, we needed a blood transfusion as the mozzies and midges killed us. The next morning, I don’t think it was morning as we left at around 6 or 7 o’clock forgetting about the 4 nights. Taking the long drive to Tom price and saying goodbye to insects.

[NM1]