Yesterday was spent in the saddle (of a push bike that is) on the beautiful island of Rottnest. Rotto, as it is known by the locals, is an island about 10km long by 6km wide at the widest point and the ferry journey there takes about half an hour from Freo. The island got it's name from the king sized rats that were seen there by the first settlers, hence 'Rat's Nest'. It was soon realised however, that theses funny little creatures are in fact small wallaby type marsupials known as quokkas - this is the only place in the world where they can be found. The four of us were up early and on the 0900 ferry to the island - I went with the other 3 English girls who have been sharing my dorm. Once on the island we decided to pretend we were young and fit - well, they may have been anyway, so I pretended! So off to the bike hire place for us and needless to say opted for the cheapest model - the single gear bike with a basket on the front. The island is pretty much a motorised vehicle free zone, except for a few tourist bus tours, and we spent the whole day riding round admiring the scenery. Bar an hour's stop for lunch, we were on the bikes for 6 hours and our bottoms and thighs were really sore and aching by the time we got the ferry back at 1630. The coastline was stunning and I promise to bore you with the photos when I can. We also saw 2 snakes, which we think were poisonous, 2 quokkas and a huge heron floating past us on the ocean while we were having our lunch on a secluded stretch of beach with only us on it. The weather started out quite breezy and cold, but after much pedaling we soon warmed up, and eventually the sun broke through, but thankfully not too much as we all had a very healthy glow when we got back, despite the super high factor sun block. After showering and slathering on the after sun, we went to the local Mexican restaurant for a farewell dinner as the girls head up the coast tomorrow. After the exertions of the day, it was early to bed for us all and hopefully I won't be too stiff to move tomorrow. Sherry xx