eevon.sg

Eevon flew over the Indian Ocean, cycled half an island, frolicked in cool waters, patted a small kangaroo-like marsupial and lazed on a crispy lawn.

Sounds like fun?

YES IT WAS. I did all that at Rottnest Island, a nature reserve characterised by dark green Rottnest tea trees and lofty cypresses.

I love this island.

I think Rotto is one of the most picturesque hideaways unspoilt with natural beauty. Perfect place to wind down and cycle like there’s no tomorrow. Ok kidding.

A little background on the cycling; I think that conquering Rotto with Winn, my pretty sista and CW, our tough guide on these bikes is a courageous act. Why?

Those rented bikes were super lousy and literally a PITA!!! We suffered from an irritable butt ache the next 2 days after conquering Rotto. All you delicate girls who are thinking to try what we did, be prepared!

(:

I have a confession to make. We only managed to cover half of Rottnest Island. YES, not the entire island. Unfortunately, we woke up late and were only just in time for the 12pm ferry. Hey I’m on a vacation. How could you expect me to wake up earlier than an average day? That’s ridiculous. Heh.

Though it is a tiresome task, cycling around the island is really the best way to enjoy its beauty and everything it has to offer. I appreciate the fresh air, tranquility and a total lack of traffic. What a perfect getaway from an over-crowding city-life.

Felt so at home cycling carelessly on this charming island once inhabited by Aboriginal people for approximately 23,000 years when rising sea levels separated it from the mainland of Western Australia. It’s just so awesome to just keep peddling without ideas or serious thougts messing up my mind.

Then suddenly, a teeny-weeny crazy feeling came over me.

I got distracted by an enticing secluded beach!

Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

Couldn’t hide my excitement. Skipped along the shoreline while both of them shared a smoke. I just had to soak up this awesome scenery. Look at the marvelous blue background.

I can’t believe that this lovely island was once a prison for Aboriginal people between 1838-1931? Rottnest was also an internment camp during both world wars. Goodness. What a dark history for a place so beautiful.

Fascinating isn’t it?

Dark stories aside, the island is refreshingly uncrowded with 63 sheltered beaches and 20 bays to choose from and that’s bad because I have a strong tendency to stop by every now and then to touch the crystal blue water and soft golden sand.

I know. I have such naughty fingers.

We would have gone for a quick swim if it wasn’t so chilly. The weather was spectacular and the cool sea breeze was never that comforting but the waters were still too cold. Argh should have stayed overnight to star-gaze.

Am so regretful for not having that planned out.

Good thing we scored at Quokka spotting. Oh hello little kangaroo-rat babies. I was so delighted to see these chubby rat-looking creatures!

Look at his beady eyes! SO CUTEE! I shall name him Koka. Lol. Ah Koka is almost about the size of a domestic cat. Missed Yuniko so much that I had to pat Koka a couple more times before my cravings to touch furry animals were satisfied. Koka’s thick shaggy fur was course and odd.

I felt like pulling his tail but he hopped away before I could try. Bad Boy. Pfff.

Native to Rottnest Island, he looks like a pint-sized kangaroo doesn’t he? Yeah he is not a rat! He’s actually a small marsupial like the forest wallabies and tree kangaroo. Lovely little creatures. Was playing with the thought of smuggling it to Jindi’s backyard. Nah.

Oh guess what. I’m sure you won’t like this too.

My worst ever experience at Rotto was this deceiving looking uphill ride! It was a horrifying route to the lighthouse. OMG. It looked OK right? But it was so tough to cycle up this cunning, sly, steep hill! We were like so gonna kill ourselves when CW said that’s the only way to reach Little Salmon Bay.

Blahhh we made it in the end. But it was tough. By the way, it is compulsory for a helmet to be worn at all times while riding. Urghh. Uncomfy. Thank goodness we made it over the salt lakes and got to one of the stunning cliffs.

After all that strenuous peddling, I needed a breather and this is the perfect spot to let my hair down.

Staring blankly over the horizon, I listened to the waves crash and died upon the rocks wishing that time could come to a standstill. Then I realised that it would be a huge mistake. I wouldn’t want that because I was alone. Felt like an aboriginal prisoner awaiting for some sort of emancipation. Yeah it was a rather grave feeling. Maybe the death of waves sneaked some grieve into my heart. Since that’s the case, I guess I rather be stuck in this imaginative vision with a soul mate. Makes more sense now. I’m so selfish. I know. But that’s just too bad.

I remember a story my girlfriend once told me. She lamented telling her ex everything he needed to know about her which include her desire to visit Rottnest but yet no action was taken. Years passed and he gradually forgot. A classic case of humans taking things/people for granted. In turn, she seemed to have forgotten how she fell in love with him too. Sad right?

Anyway a moment of peace and isolation up high on a cliff is such an enjoyable escape, however temporary, from the pangs of life. You should try it too. Someday.

Hehe. I wore Vibrams for this adventure and it was a good decision. Was compelled to strike a pose with it. For that moment, I pretended I was a Vibram spokesperson.

(:

We had too little time to do more stuff at Rotto! Well there are actually lots of stuff going on here. Other attractions include guided walking tours, scenic flights, a family fun park, the Rottnest Museum, as well as tennis, lawn bowls and golf. If you are a tough and adventurous person just like me, have a go at kayaking, diving, surfing, boogie boarding or fishing.

Otherwise, simply plop yourself on any lush, rolling green lawns with a cup of hot chocolate and a good read. I love doing lazy stuff like that too.

After the exciting adventure. I was seriously in need of a cuppa hot chocolate to kick back and relax. Can always count on such simple things to make me happy. Life’s been good to me. Thank you.

Before heading back to the jetty for the late afternoon ferry back to Freemantle, I had a strong feeling that I’ll definitely come visit again. I must share this beautiful haunt with Ken. We shall catch the sunset over a glass of wine and enjoy one of the best beach-side views in the world. Shall we, dearie?

(:

If you wanna Conquer Rotto too, here are some useful links and suggestions:

• Rottnest Island: Visit their official webbie to find out more.
• How to get there: Getting to Rotto is no sweat at all. We bought tickets on the spot, took the Rottnest Express and it ferried us to the island from Freemantle in less than 45 minutes.
• If you have time, do stay over for a night or 2 so you can catch the sun rise and not over-strain on the bike tour.
• Be a smart traveller. Do your homework before hopping on the ferry. Check the weather forecast and remember to bring a good book along.

Thank you CW and Winn for the lovely company.

Tagged: adventure, cycling, girlfriends, quokka, Rottnest Island

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