Ship's log. At noon today on the Oceanic Discoverer, we had honey chicken and rice, followed by gourmet sandwiches and salad, fruit for dessert. I mention this in case you think that by this stage of the voyage, we would all be eating bully beef and dry crackers, with rationing in progress. Not the case. I stocked up.
After lunch, I boarded the landing craft again with our party. We set off on a choppy sea to another nearby island in Prince Frederick harbour. The new mystery island, or rather "islet" has no name like dozens of others in the vicinity. Made landfall on a very steep beach involving a scramble up to the top.
Over to the left of the cove was a large overhanging rock. In exploratory mode, I found a cleft in the rock face, just big enough to squeeze through sideways. Curious to see where it went, I debated whether to go ahead. Phillip Parker King would have had no hesitation, but perhaps he would have been more adventurous, ( and thinner) than myself.
Finally accepted the challenge ( should have eaten less at lunch !) and managed to get through using a subtle sideways movement that would have done credit to Harry Houdini. On the other side ( see above photo) was a beautiful sheltered grove of mangroves with pristine white sand and cool shade. A tranquil place indeed, and well worth the squeeze to get there.
On returning, I found other members of the party had found aboriginal drawings on the rocky outcrop. The artwork looked rather like a curious letter "C" with a pair of spectacles in the middle.
No doubt it has a symbolic meaning known to the original inhabitants of this island.
From curious crevices to ancient aboriginal art, an excellent place to visit, and another memorable day visiting a deserted island offshore in the remote Kimberleys, Western Australia.
