Behind the Scenes...Rottnest Island WA

Fun on the high seas around Rottnest Island....

Day 342 - Riding High.

 Not far from the mouth of Swan River lies in the Indian Ocean a little oasis called Rottnest Island.  Turquoise waters, limestone cliffs, and infamous quokkas hangout at Subway.  Bikes weave in, out and across the island.  May I mention at this point, there are a lot of hills on this tiny island.  10km on a bike felt like 90km :).  Then there is the 'adventure ride' in a small boat to circum navigate the island.  Did I mention small boat, large seas with 2.5 - 3m swell and cross winds, seat belts fastened, armed with two 300hp Mercs, crew smiling, it was hold on and lets go.  I've only lost my wits about me and went into shock once in last 12 months it was on a wee little 4WD track in the Victorian High country with sheer drops either side of the vehicle, going down.  This was probably no different.  When you hear the engines come out of the water after the wave you have just gone over and about to descend into another wall of water, no blue sky to be seen; OMG.  BUT what a ride, once started to breathe again it was amazing, and when we got to the calm side of the island it was like, can we do it again......awesome.  Rottnest Island is worth more than a day trip.  Next time it would be nice to stay a couple of days, and try and find one of those bikes with engine.  :)

Day 341 – Cottesloe Nights.

 
 The ocean sunset over Cottesloe beach eluded us by sinking behind horizon clouds, instead of the clear ocean.  Yet it doesn’t take away the beauty of Cottesloe and building (originally built in 1910) on the beach that now houses Indiana restaurant.  Seeing it at night with Sculptures by the Sea lining the shores puts a different perspective on the blue skies and waters of a very popular beach in Perth. 

Behind the Scenes; Margaret River WA.

 Ever had one of those ‘oh dear’ moments!  It happened on day 340 whilst visiting the Margaret River area.  The wineries, micro-breweries, chocolate houses are some of the manmade treats in the area.  Nature gives you the beautiful beaches and country side.  She also throws up those rogue waves whilst visiting Margaret River Beach.  Wide angle lenses really get in there.  Sometimes you have to get a little closer, not sooo close that a wave is going to take you back out into the Indian Ocean.  As I said ‘oh dear’ on the last shot, whilst scrambling down the wet slippery rocks, kelp, foot twisting, wave coming around the corner, slipping, holding on to said camera, and still remaining upright.  Heart beating out of my chest; still had camera in hand that was main thing all be me a little wet.  As I make my way back to hubby waiting on the beach.  He couldn’t understand why I high tailed it.  I apparently missed the best shot!  Will just have to live with the one that got away!  This time chose the camera from a salt bath, and yep I may have said something other than ‘oh dear’ but this is a ‘g’ rated show.  

Day 340 - Busselton Afterglow.

  Extending out to sea Busselton jetty bends its way into the Indian Ocean 1.8km long.  It is the longest wooden pier in the Southern Hemisphere.  Started to be built in 1853.  Ships started to use it some 10 years after that.  It wasn’t until 1960 that the full length was complete.   Now it is a stop off place in the Margaret River playground for tourist and fishermen alike.  When the sun sets in the Indian Ocean lights begin to shine down the entire length as a beacon out to sea.   A very peaceful and beautiful spot to watch the sun go down after playing in the wineries, and chocolate houses of the area. 

Day 339 – Swan magic.

 Setting sun in the west dips into the ocean as the day fades to an end.  On the water twilight sailing cruises down the Swan River between Perth and Fremantle.  Once the home of the infamous America’s Cup.  With the departure of the Cup Perth is still riding on a sailing high.  In the afternoon sails pace back and forth across the beautiful Swan River enjoying the light breezes of the Fremantle doctor mixed with autumn temps.