National Geographic Orion anchored in Yampi Sound, amid the islands of the Buccaneer Archipelago. Two islands, Cockatoo and Koolan, have substantial iron mines, from which they extract rich ore. Evidence of the iron is readily evident when looking at the ancient sandstone, much of which has a patina of rust. Laid down as a series of sedimentary deposits, the sandstone is sometimes replaced by a layer of much softer, gray siltstone. This entire rock formation has been bent and buckled over great spans of time, forming synclines and anticlines. Much of the rock has been turned on its side, and stands vertically.
Our morning started early, so after a quick breakfast and coffee, it was back on the Zodiacs, as we poked into inlets and scoured the shoreline for wildlife, scenic surprises, and photo opportunities. An osprey sitting on a nest was a highlight. Unlike most birds, ospreys use the same nest year after year. Their nests can become huge. Ospreys are fish eaters. Once a fish is caught, the birds carry their prey to a tree or to their nest, where they consume their meal. Ospreys have uniquely adapted feet, covered with sharp spicules that help them from dropping their often slippery prey. Ospreys virtually always carry their prey head first, making for the most aerodynamic transport. Other wildlife we spotted were a couple of brown boobies diving for their breakfast, and a frigate bird soaring high above our heads. On the way home we were lucky enough to spot a small pod of snubfin dolphins swimming slowly for the safety of a small bay in the distance.
Our last taste of the Kimberley has us setting out in Zodiacs, as we headed for Crocodile Creek for a swim! No, we didn’t swim with crocodiles. It is said that the rock formation as one approaches the creek looks like a crocodile. As our expedition leader Dan says, you need to drink at least four beers to see a crocodile in the rock formation. Crocodile Creek cascades into a large pool that, when above the high tide line, is cut off from the ocean and thus from crocodiles. After carefully inspecting the pool for crocodiles (none were found), we were happy to take a refreshing plunge in the cool fresh water. Adding to the fun was an ice cream station set up by our hotel crew. We then headed back to the ship for an afternoon of relaxing before a slideshow of all the great photos taken by the guests over the last ten days. We then, sad to say, had our last dinner together, as it is our last day on board the ship. And finally our last hurrah was a DVD presentation of the entire voyage - what a great way to end our voyage! Good night ladies and gentlemen, and farewell.
