National Geographic Orion anchored in Yampi Sound in the late evening and we could see the lights of the two open cut mines in the distance. The two islands, Cockatoo and Koolan, both have substantial iron mines, extracting 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. We couldn’t believe how still the morning was, and what a great opportunity it was to look for dolphins, seeing that the water was so still and clear. It wasn’t long before we spotted a small school of bottlenose dolphins feeding on small fish in the crystal clear waters - what a great way to start our early morning Zodiac cruise! We then 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 over time. 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 literally always carry their prey head-first, making for the most aerodynamic transport. We also spotted a frigate bird soaring high above our heads, and a small flock of lesser-crested terns feeding on a large school of baitfish on the way back to the ship
Our last taste of the Kimberley has us setting out in Zodiacs. 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. 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 slide show of all the great photos taken by the guests over the last ten days was shown. And then, we were sad to say our last dinner together as it is our last day on board the ship.
