Sunday 18th. Rottnest Island

Today we are booked to travel to Rottnest Island and we set off early to catch the 08:45 ferry from Elizabeth quay. The journey takes just short of 2 hours firstly down the Swan river to Fremantle and then out on to the Indian Ocean to the island.

We have been to the island once before and really enjoyed cycling around and discovering the many beautiful beaches. However, we were aware that today could be quite tough as the temperatures were forecast to reach well into the 30s C. 

The ferry stops twice, at Fremantle and, then again at Fremantle north which is a new stop compared to the last time we visited. It appears that a new car park has been established on the north side of the river which makes it much easier for those living in north Perth and along the northern side of the river to reach the Rottnest ferry.

It seemed to me that most of those who boarded at Perth were tourists, like ourselves and those who boarded at Fremantle and North Fremantle were locals and, being a Sunday, the locals were a very clear majority.

There were crowds at Thomson bay as the many ferry passengers disembarked and large numbers collected their hire bikes. It was hot and quite clearly was not going to be an easy ride. The LLW did not like her bike and the first one was returned as the handlebars were too low. The next one was not a lot better but after some adjustments to the saddle we cycled off.

As we discovered the first time we visited the island, it is not flat and in fact it mostly is never flat and is a series of ups and downs which seem to be more up than down.

The scenery is spectacular and clearly the fame of Rottnest has spread since it was much busier than previously but that may also have something to do with today being the last Sunday before Christmas!

After about an hour it became clear that it would be unwise to attempt a full circuit of the island which as you can see from the photos does not have a great deal of shade. The board of Jackson's PLC was hastily convened  and after a heated debate, the decision was taken to head back to Thomson Bay for a swim.

This ride was completed at a suitable pace and the hills seemed higher that when we had cycled out from the ferry. However, we soon reached Thomson Bay and first stop was the Bakery for a quick bite and some cold drinks. 

We then headed to the beach and the water at 25C felt very cold compared to the air temperature which we were never able to check but I'm certain its was well into the 30s.

We spent an hour or so swimming or sitting in the shade before Ray decide he would like another ride before catching the ferry home. The LLW was less keen to participate but was given a good reason for not joining in when Ray's bike had mysteriously acquired a puncture. The LLW, most generously, offered Ray the use of her bike so off I set across the island and crossing a causeway between two lakes which have a reddish hue as many of the lakes on the island do Apparently this is caused by algae reacting to stress, caused by hypersalinity and strong sunshine. by producing carotenoids and reddish-yellow pigments. Not many people know that! 

At the other end of the causeway was the steepest and longest hill yet encountered but Ray did decide to climb it. However, having reached the summit. Ray recognised that he did not know where he was, having stupidly left the map behind, and sensibly returned to Thomson Bay. At the other end of the causeway was the steepest and longest hill yet encountered but Ray did decide to climb it. Having reached the summit he realised he did not know where he was, having stupidly left the map behind and sensibly returned to Thomson Bay.

A quick beer for Ray and an iced coffee for the LLW and we returned to our ferry. The Fremantle Doctor was blowing as it always does when temperatures are high and the first part of the return journey was bumpy.

A good day but we realised it was ~ 10C hotter than last time and we were 4 years older!. The LLW declared that next time e-bikes will be a necessity!