2 - 4th November 2010
On the connecting ferry, two very large ladies had claimed 4 seats for themselves; their botties were so large that they spilled through the back of the seat and rested against Pete's knees...!
As soon as we arrived on the Island we saw the Quokkas - they were everywhere! So were the flies!
After waiting for our tent to be delivered to the campsite, we put up our tent, then explored. The trouble with Rottnest is the lack of shade and in temperatures of 42 degrees, the sun really gets to you.
On the second day, we had booked bicycles and snorkelling gear to allow us some time to explore the coral reefs. The flies were so bad and have the tenacity to keep up with the speed of a bicycle, we capitulated and bought head nets. We snorkellled at Salmon Bay which has the most beautiful corals of cream, yellow and pink and were delighted to spot a giant cuttlefish.
The water, however, was very, very cold and after about 20 minutes, muscles start to cramp. We had to return to the beach several times, warm up and then return back to the snorkelling.
By lunch time we had had more than enough so decided to cycle the Island but had to admit defeat due to the hills, the heat and the flies.
We stopped for a break and some food in the shade of a small bush and a Quokka immediately joined us, seeking out titbits, followed closely by a Black Skink. The interaction between the two was very entertaining.
In the evening, we saw several large stingrays by the Pier.
Next morning, the temperatures soared again. We loaded up our bicycles and set off for Little Salmon Bay and Salmon Bay for more snorkelling. We were so entranced by the beautiful coloured fish and the massive crayfish we encountered, that we left late and had to cycle like fury to return our gear before we incurred an extra charge.
After cake from the outstanding bakery for breakfast, we tried to walk in the incredible heat. It soon became too much for us so we sought solace in the coffee shop unitl our ferry picked us up at 16.00 hours.
For anyone fancying a visit to Rottnest, make sure you have a fly net, sunshade and perhaps stay just a day!
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