As we are only camped approx 3km away form the ferry terminal the decision was made to have a day cycling & snorkelling on Rottnest island.Rottnest, translated measns rats nest and is called so due to the inhabitants of the island the Quokkars resembling the common rat.

It was a lovely morning, the sun shining (not a rarity for this part of the world admittedly)and a gentle breeze so what better way to get going than a bike ride through a landfill site.Yep found out our campsite is on an old landfill.Once through that and on to the beach tracks things looked up.It was an easy ride but gem was preparing herself for a very un-crotch friendly day.

Boarding the ferry I wondered if I was going to turn into my alter-ego Captain Chunder.After no safety brief whatsoever (I love the blasé attitude of the australians.But I am sad for noticing things like…there's no safety brief) we were off.The sea was a little choppy but the vessel went at a rate of knots so I felt ok.We collected the bikes and a map of the island form the Info Centre and after a few "HOW FAR's"from Gem we hit the road.

The landscape on the island was by no means paridise but the water and the beaches more than made up for it.The first beach we stumbled upon had a wreck sitting in no more than a few metres of water, an old winch and crank jutting out of the swell.We didn't venture in here as the wind had picked up and the beach felt a little exposed.

We continued alon gthe road to a litle beach called Salmon Bay.I donned my snorkelling gear (I challenge anyone to look good snorkelling) and thought it a good opportunity to try out the underwater mode on the camera.See the results for yourself.I popped out for lunch then back in a second time as there was a plethohora of marine life to view.I dreaded getting out as the wind carried a chill to the dampened.

We leisurely cycled back( now I use the phrase 'leisurely' to highlight the fact that it wasn't a race, just incase the old, fat and slightly disabled lady who overtook us ever reads this…I could've taken her in any sport of her choice!)and as we neared the town we were overtaken again this time by a rather large girl in a very small bikini, I think she may have, due to her size, had a fog horn instead of a bell on her bike, but don't quote me on that.I was glad to be overtaken this time as further up the road she had spotted some Quokkers and stopped to take photos, I took the same opportunity.

Back at the town we had an ice cream and relaxed under the shade of a tree awaiting the arrival of the ferry.The trip back to the mainland was violent with lots of ooh's and aaah's accomponying the rocking motion.

Back on solid ground and a treachorous head wind had developed.The cycle back wasn't exactly enjoyable but we made it all the same.We sorted ourselves out and started to pack ready for an early start to venture norht up the west coast mindful of the fact there's a cyclone sitting fat and happy off the coast of exmouth.We may hqave to take our time.

Gem's Note: Rottnest was beautiful, but come on, after 15kms ish of cycling I was a wee bit grumpy!Didn't help that I slipped and took off half my heel (despite what Rich might say it was a very serious injury you know) in the first few mins.