Old Mission, and Nimbi beach

Yesterday we explored some more. It's been great to have the use of one of the clinic cars after hours (it's used for clinic work during the day and we keep it at our place overnight and weekends). So 5 of us went out- we took Dan (med student) and a couple who've just come back after 2 years away. They lived here long enough to learn some MurinhPatha and make some significant relationships.

They took us to Old Mission, which is a small outstation on the beach. We sat under a tree with the traditional owners Anthony and Benigna, some kids, a cat and dogs. Anthony told with great enjoyment a story of some Indonesian fishermen who landed on his beach looking lost: "What island is this?". "Australia" was met with disbelief. They told stories of the mission's early days on that site. There's a pure white memorial statue of Mary and baby Jesus, reminding visitors of the strong Catholic involvement. Benigna is very devout, and has one room in her house as a dedicated prayer room. We wandered on the beach, then drove along to Nimbi, looking for nautilus shells along the way.

Tim is doing great at 4 wheel driving! It was amazing driving along the beach - low tide, a big expanse of firm sand. A creek to cross (I missed the photo unfortunately, but took another of a smaller creek). Nimbi is not far from our other beach BBQ spots: round the point and sheltered. It's a beautiful bush setting, and there's even a picnic table! We had a great walk across the tidal wet sand, and enjoyed a BBQ and chat. Brin is working as a RAN (remote area nurse) again, and Sarah, also a RAN, is doing a PhD about traditional birth practices. It was quite dark when we left, and the tide coming in. We drove home on bush tracks, connecting with the "main" road to the beach.