Ted's Action-Adventures: Djugarargyn

The days following Ngamakoon were possibly the most frustrating of the entire trip. I spent large chunks of time on the beach recovering from an illness that manifested itself just as I arrived at Kooljaman. It seemed like Broome north. In addition, I was vainly trying to set up a fishing trip with Eddie and his uncle Bruce, while calling Steve Nicholls every day in an effort to get in touch with the Djugarargyn mob (of which he was the male half) who had originally agreed to host me. I spent two long days in limbo.

On the fifth, I went to the office to see if I had any messages (Eddie? Steve?) as I'd done every morning since Ngamakoon. Steve had called and said he'd be around. I rang him and we both commented on how unfortunate it was that I didn't have my own truck and he was fresh out of fuel. When we hung up, it looked like I'd be going home without meeting Steve or Deb. Later, as I was walking down to the beach for the sunset, a guy from Melbourne who I'd spoken to briefly a couple days earlier offered to give me a ride back to Broome. It would be one day earlier than I planned on leaving, but I'd save $100. I told him I'd have to think about it.

From Oz Fieldtrip 2008

I called Steve after the sunset. He agreed to host me. Gary agreed to drop me off at Djugaragyn the next morning. It was all set and I couldn't believe it. After more than 3 weeks of tedium, I was finally going to get a chance to make inroads!

I could barely contain my excitement as Gary, his wife Angie, and I trounced along the road to Djugarargyn. A shirtless Steve Nicholls greeted us at the truck. I knew things were going to go very smoothly. Steve had a relaxed sense of humor and a friendly disposition. He showed me around Djugaragyn after Gary and Angie pulled away.

First, the kitchen and front yard.