No camels this morning again, but the walk along the dune top path is pleasant in the early light, despite a cool wind. People started to arrive with gear for the day, kids in tow. The trailer of surf boards, umbrellas, and deck chairs was in place; a young woman planted the umbrella post at regular intervals with another peg and cable to hold it in case of wind. The few fishermen, and walkers were lost in the vastness of the beach.
We caught up on business mail and I prepared for another moon session, reading the advice pdf’s, ultimately deciding on a slightly different spot on the cliff edge 100m north of Apex Park. I intended to use the old smaller crop camera to get a longer length with the 24-105 lens but in modifying settings I found I could only stop the flash using an auto mode, so back to the inadequate 105mm max. Would be nice to have a 100-400 L. We left at 5.15 on the bus arriving at the park at 5.40. Crowds were already there but the area I wanted was clear. Too dark to get a day shot first, or to focus correctly, or to point in the right direction – not a good start. Hilary bought fresh donuts from the market and we waited for 50 minutes. Passed the time with another guy from Perth. Seems silly to have so many people waiting for the moon.
I started shots when I saw the red glow about 6.50, but soon realised the focus and direction were off. Recalling advice to focus using zoomed in Live View, I was able to get it all ok, taking multiple shots at various time and aperture settings – and then it was over as the moon became brighter and separated from the ‘steps’ on the mud flats. I had no time to appreciate the view as we hurried to catch the bus at 7.20, not as full as last night. I learned a lot these two nights, some of which conflicts with the advice on the web.
Beaches of Broome 
Surf Rescue 
Fun stuff for the Beach 
Cable View South 
Cable View North 
Umbrella cords 
Stairway to the Moon 
Stairway to the Moon