Today was the first time in ages that I actually felt like I had done something. After a very early start to the day (considering I've been sleeping in since I arrived) Annemarie, Teresa, Alastair and I boarded the train for Fremantle to catch the ferry to Rottnest island. The train seemed to take ages to get there but I didn't mind as I was enjoying another really nice train experience unlike the ones in the UK.

I had hoped that we would be able to walk a little bit round Fremantle but we got there and the train station is right by the pier so guess that'll have to wait for a different day. It was already getting hot, thank heavens I decided to leave my hoody back at the hostel. After exchanging tickets and getting in line for the ferry I was beginning to wonder how all of these people were going to fit onto the ferry. Surely it would sink under that much weight? Anyhoo, the journey took about half an hour and as we approached Rottnest there were some dolphins playing in the water, unfortunately for us we were on the wrong side of the boat so we never saw any. Never mind, at least I can't chalk this one up to being blind!

We collected our bikes and helmets from the pier ( I hate helmets and never wear one in the UK but apparently it's illegal not to here so ho hum) before grabbing a map from a lovely lady at the start of the trails. She was very concerned that we had enough water, sunblock and food to last the journey. I had made myself some lunch and bought a litre of water with me so should be all good. She was nice, she even commented that we were a lovely group of people visiting the island! The bikes here are still a little bit rubbish with varying standards but much better than some of the ones I had in Asia that's for sure!

We set off cycling and made it to the first stop, the Army barracks. Very nice but a dead end and we had to turn round, thank heavens for not playing the blame game for going the wrong way since I was meant to be navigating us around the island! I couldn't believe how blue the sea was and how white the sand is here. We carried on cycling and I am not sure we were prepared for what was coming, for some reason I guess we all thought the roads would be flat here but some of the hills were so steep anyone would think we smoked 50 a day by the time we reached the top *laugh*. The lighthouse is nice and worth the little detour. I think we decided to veto the walking trail, it's only 6 km but everyone was getting hungry and the only restaurants on the island are near the pier which was another 20 km away.

It was on the route back that we got to see the wildlife of the island...Quokkas. Now you're probably wondering what a Quokka is. Well, it's a member of the Marsupial family much like a Kangaroo but a lot smaller. Similar looking to a giant rat with it's fat tail and mouse like face. I thought they were so cute! Indigenous to the island and one other island in Australia, due to no natural predators on the islands they thrive unlike the mainland. They are very friendly and not afraid of humans, but people keep feeding them food which isn't good for them so they get sick. I chose neither to feed or touch one but of course if something looks so cute you really want to! Teresa on the other hand didn't think they we cute as she doesn't like anything rat like and was a little surprised to see one underneath our table at lunch looking up at us!

After lunch we went down to the beach at Thomson bay and sat down in the sun, I as usual neglected to put any sun cream on but since my arms and legs already have a base layer I wasn't worried, my face however will pay for that later with a burnt nose! I couldn't believe how hot it was someone told me it was only 28 degrees but I was hotter in Asia and fine. Maybe it was the weeks cold weather making me think it's roasting now. For some reason I thought I would bring a towel and some snorkel gear with me as I heard that the water is great to see fish. However, after dipping one little toe in the water and shrieking like a little girl that it was so cold I promptly changed my mind about getting wet!

I had to go back to Fremantle on a separate boat to everyone else but met them at the train station for the rather packed journey back to Perth. I was supposed to go out to dinner tonight but so tired I think another TV night is in order! I had a good day today and I am glad I did this trip with some people, I would have had fun on my own don't get me wrong but it wouldn't have been the same *smile*.

The picture is of one of the Quokkas looking at us as we stopped by the side of the road. I could almost lean out and touch him - so cute!!