A day of two halves

Tues 19 May… They have done it again! That wonderful bank H S B C for reasons known only to themselves decided to block our debit cards again. This morning with 15 bucks in cash to our name we went to the ATM but it wouldn’t play. So off we go on the usual merry-go -round first find a phone, then find another -one that works and preferably one that isn’t under Broome Airport flight path. Then it’s speak to someone in the UK who then puts us on hold, while she redirects us to India. It seems they are concerned that our cards are being used by someone in Australia- yes-us! We told them we were in Australia when we were in Perth, Alice and Katherine but we don’t think they believe us. Eventually after a wasted morning our cards are reactivated, Just as well as the Navigator (not to mention the Pilot!) was getting rather cross. The next good news was after a chat to a Pharmacist, in reference to our rash! We had been keeping it quiet thinking we had contracted something very antisocial, i.e. bed bugs, fleas, scabies or something equally as nasty. We’ve been scrattin like a couple of old dingoes these last couple of days! Anyway the girls in the chemist had a bit of a giggle and they informed us it was a common occurrence here. Sand flies!! They are common near the mangroves and the buildings nearby, like the Roey. No wonder the beer is cheap. There little critters’ are smaller than a pin head, they look like specks of dust, but you do feel a slight nip, they the next day they bites come up like hives and itch like hell. A course of antihistamine is all we need. We had planned a whole day on the beach but half of it is wasted, but never mind--- the surf is good today so out come the body boards. One hour later Peter is an accomplished surfer except for gravel rash on his knees and moved up to Grade 2 surf, that’s for 8 to 10 year olds! The Navigator is still in the beginners. Peter reckons that if he carries on like this, he will be looking for a job on Fistral Beach Newquay------- picking up litter! Anyway if the surf is up tomorrow we will have another go, maybe in the 9 to 11 class. Today has been a day of 2 halves.