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Published: November 19th 2007
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Thursday 15th Awoke 7am - bit of a shock, but got ready in time (and eye seems a lot better!), only one in the kitchen sorting breakfast - I thought they'd be some backpackers successfully obtained temp work in there, but no. Walk down to the ferry terminal - seem to have timed it right as queue forms behind me, and there's still a bike for hire. Someone takes my photo as I get on the boat - really - not going to buy that one either! Find an outside seat and settle back.
We set off on time and we have commentary - as we watch Perth recede in the distance we hear about how Perth was discovered in the 1600s but was felt to be too inhospitable, but rediscovered 200 years later, formed 1829 as a city; about how the Swan River was named after the Black Swans never seen in the UK, tales of water creatures, rich houses, etc. I got a little confused at some points because it wasn't clear which was her left/right! Every time you looked down could see white clouds of jellyfish. We left 845, and after a stop in Freemantle we arrived
1030 at
Rottnest Island. Looks beautiful!
Get my bike, say 'Excuse Me, I asked for the comfort version'. 'That's it mate'. Right! So, after checking out the 3-4 shops, helmet on (on the spot fines if not), and start cycling - no idea where I'm going yet but the island has a big road loop so I think it'll be clear enough. Plenty of roadsigns and 'You are Here' maps - only problem is couldn't find the drinks fountain at the promised first point, but decided could fill up from washroom sinks... But no - that's salt-water!
Island is completely beautiful so even with a bike with next-to-no tire tread/brakes, keep soaking it in (and taking the odd photo), soaking up the sun heading off down side-allys. No need to worry about cars - there's only about 10 on the island and they know they're in the minority too! Sea looks pure, clear and jump-innable but I resist... For now. Stop at Jeannies Lookout for lunch before it completely wilts in the heat. Finally, at Little Armstrong Bay, get changed and get in the water - man - that's cold! So, out again, warm up in the sun, head back to the bike and someone points out a Quokka - for which the island is notorious. Looks like a mouse-kangaroo-cross-type! Soon runs off so continue to Geordie Bay where FINALLY find a drinking fountain... Suitable refreshed head back to the ferry terminal - hoping nothing too much comes as I rocket down the hill. Been looking forward to ice-cream all the way round and find waffle cones with options - choose Fererro Rocher and Caramel - best ice cream in ages! Back on the ferry by 345 - he puts my bike to one side and says to complain back at Perth. Off we gò through a reasonable swell which keeps soaking one side of the ferry (my side) - am sat next to Helen, a GP, who I kept running into round the island. 2 stops past (including going past where GBP10 Poms first disembarked in the 60s), and we're currently about half-hour away from Perth for 6pm - and this is where I really should have bought a jumper... Or go inside!
Well, that was funny - got back to the jetty, and actually really liked the picture they'd taken, so I bought it. Ho
hum, all that laughing at strange places to take photos... Complained about my bike but was told as I'd had it all day and it had now been put to one side for repairs there wasn't much they could do, aside from maybe give me $5 off my next ferry trip. Not going again, so no use! Meander back to hostel, checking out a few historical sites, and purchasing a very stupid looking head net for anti-fly mosquito in case I'm somewhere where it's REALLY bad - like probably where I'm going tomorrow... Made myself baked potato and used up salad/cheese, chatted with a few people, then took a nice long, relaxing shower, and sorted out my bags so tomorrow my small (and it IS small - 20 litres) is all I need to put the last things in, as I get picked up at 6.40am. Not exactly sure where I'm staying so if you don't hear from me until Monday 19th November I'm just off enjoying myself...
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