A Gamble on a Rat’s Nest

Day 5 – Rottnest Island

Leo and I stood in the drizzling rain by the docks. Our indecision pelted us only slightly harder than the raindrops. Should we stay or should we go?

The journey in question was a 1.25-hour boat ride to Rottnest Island off the coast of Western Australia. The island is named for the native quokkas, which explorers thought were rats. Dubbed the “holiday playground” for Perth locals, the emerald-colored bays are perfect for snorkeling, swimming, sunbathing. Miles of paths cross the mostly deserted island. With no cars allowed and bikes available for hire, it’s a great day trip.

Except when it’s 50 degrees and raining sideways.

But Leo and I are done with Perth. More than done. Charbroiled. We originally built in an extra day here to make sure we were coherent enough to enjoy the city after our 33-hour journey. But when we bought our plane tickets to Australia, prices were $200 cheaper if we left Tuesday instead of Wednesday, thus giving us a bonus day at the starting gate.

So we stood at the dock. Check out a unique island in possibly miserable weather or bum around Perth for yet one more day with absolutely nothing to do?

I asked a nearby barista if she thought it would rain all day.

“Well,” she said. “It’s Perth. The weather changes pretty quickly.”

I relayed that idea to Leo, who drew on Miami wisdom to make the call. “The weather there changes constantly. Let’s go.”

So we did. The ride out was rough, tossing us around in our seats and prompting the captain to pass out sick bags. They also cranked up the A/C for no apparent reason to the point where we could see our breath when exhaling. We arrived at the island (pop. 475) chilly and unsure about this plan.

But after a hot coffee, we selected a path and began walking. Soon, the sun began to peek out from the clouds. We hiked to the island’s lighthouse, Wadjemup, where we sat and ate our pre-bought sandwiches. There’s not much better in this world than eating lunch outside on a bench with such spectacular views and not a soul in sight.

By the time we made it past the halfway point on our six-mile hike, the sun was in full view and the bays were crystal clear. Still too chilly to swim, but the white sands beckoned. Our hike wore us out and we both finished tired, sunburned and windburned.

Totally worth it.

So when Leo and I return (you know, 45 years from now), we will be sure to come back.

Note: We might skip a day of blogging tomorrow, when we go to Ayer’s Rock, where Internet is rumored to be expensive. We’ll be back!

Good thing we opted to go.