Hilary wasn’t well (headache), but we had to leave for Broome, a 2 hour trip. I had been searching for a good termite nest and found one along the road.
Fortunately the room at Beaches of Broome was ready. I left after a light lunch to check the venue for the Staircase to the Moon at Apex Park, Town Beach. There are some very nice hotels and a large caravan park this southern end of town, not what I expected. And the bay (Roebuck) was not a swamp either, rather a large water body with the usual mangrove fringe. The park and beach are small but shady; an old earthen jetty leads out. I decided to set up against the northern fence which runs at about 125 degrees, as the moon would be at 110.
I then went to the point again to look for the dino prints, and think I found some. Hard to find as there are no signs or maps available. The cliff face here is a very bright red contrasting with the white beach sand.
Just enough time to return to Beaches – Hilary was better, and then return the 4×4 to the airport. I missed the bus so caught a taxi to the Park, to find the food market was set up, and a large number of people already there at 4.45. My spot was still open so I set the tripod up and more people arrived till it was almost standing room only on this highest grassed dune. Several people were unsure where and when the moon would be up, or what camera setting to use, asking my advice! A red tinge showed up at 6, slowly getting brighter, but a few degrees south of where my iphone compass showed. This was not good as it was almost parallel to the fence along which were people. Never the less, I fired away, adjusting mainly the f-stop as the moon changed from red to orange to yellow and the ‘steps’ reflected off the low tide mud, even a reflection of the round moon As it broke from the horizon, a gap appeared below it, so the stair no longer led to it. I picked up my gear and hurried for the bus, stopping briefly for a few shots in the market, to find a large queue for the bus. Despite this, I was able to get a seat for the 20 minute entertaining drive in the packed bus.
Termite Mound 
Termite Mound 
Apex Park 
Dinosaur Prints 
