Derby

Arrived in Derby & joined the queue at the caravan park. This was the first time there was more than one van in front of us on check in. Guess it will be busy now we are near Broome at this time of the season.  Had to laugh, one young girl got out of her van & ran to reception, got behind me in the queue & announced loudly "I've booked" . Hope she learns to relax as she gets further into the trip.

Derby has the largest or second biggest tides in Australia (depending on what report you read),& the 9th largest in the world. The old wharf was originally used for export of pearl shell & wool, this new one was used for live cattle & oil. Its a big semi circular structure that can be driven around. A favourite spot for sunset & fisherman

                                 

This is a favourite spot at sunset & we were lucky to be there for a super moon as well as big tides. The water at full height was about 1mt under the deck at 11.4 mts. Lots of grey nomads & locals out for the nights excitement. Not a lot to do in Derby! 

                                 

We also went on a short tour through the School of the Air. Since February this year the schooling is now done by computer link up instead of wireless. The old way had lots of static & delays however the day we went the satellite was being affected by the cloud cover so communication was experiencing delays. Really these kids in the outback don't get their education easy! 

 

Top photo is the old equipment & the new computers at the bottom. The teacher was trying to run a third class science lesson about sifting but was frustrated by each kid getting messages at different speeds or static breaking up the voices. Solution - lesson over for the day. 

We did our usual tour of the local cemetery & once again were surprised at the local initiatives that make this place in each town unique. From old hats, boots, taps(?) and various ornaments of 60cm cats to miniature angels,a variety of seats for contemplation, Derby cemetery was an interesting conglomeration of memories.

                         

We ended up having a week in Derby. "Why" you ask? Well it wasn't the most exciting town but from here we flew to the Horizontal Falls & we had to wait for a booking as peak season