Our multi-talented (and talkative) chef Benny recently accompanied our supervising communications technical officer (SCTO), Scotty, on a working trip to the southern end of the island at Hurd Point, and has contributed this story:
I woke up to another beautiful Macca day, 40 knot westerlies blowing, sideways snow followed by sleet and rain. I got ready and made my way to the kitchen and was just enjoying one of many strong cups of tea for the day when I was told SCTO Scotty was off on another work trip down the island, stopping at a few huts to work on the communications equipment. He was also heading to the Mt Jeffryes VHF repeater station (390m) and then on to Hurd point. He was looking for an assistant. Well, I put down my tea and made a bee-line straight to our fearless station leader Ivor to try to convince him I was the person for the job. Well to my surprise, it turned out nearly everyone on station had prior work commitments, and as I had helped Scotty previously with the Mt Waite VHF repeater station (389m) repairs, the opportunity was given to me again to leave the kitchen and explore this amazing island. Scotty also agreed, but under the conditions I limit my talking level to a minimum.
This trip meant I was going to be out of the station kitchen for up to ten days if all went well and the Macca weather played nicely. It also meant that my fellow Maccaterrians would have to fend for themselves in the food department. I was not worried as all staff here on Macca are not just great slushies (choice of music debatable), but they all have great cooking ability, creativity, passion and a love for food (BMI: what BMI?). This makes for a happy station and keeps the kitchen banter flowing and the bragging rights set on high, as to who made the best meal. I also thought my crew could do with a break from my kitchen antics and my continual turnover of sometimes (maybe sometimes?) useless but entertaining information. Apparently I can talk a little too much (but that’s another story).
After signing our Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service (TASPAWS) forms to permit us, if necessary, to enter the Specially Managed Area at the southern end of the island, in the company of one of the TASPAWS rangers, Scotty and I made our way straight down to Green Gorge Hut. We both enjoyed the 15km walk and the weather was nice to us this time. After settling in and conducting an antenna console check, we got our plans sorted for our upcoming movements. Scotty noticed a special guest to Macca on the beach — a relatively uncommon leopard seal was down on the beach and we went to investigate. The little guy was a bit worse for wear, but was happy enough to pose for a few pictures and we both enjoyed seeing such a beautiful animal. Scotty cooked dinner and then I had a bedtime story from the big guy. Being a married man and a father of three kids, he sure can tell a few good ones and I was out like a light before I knew it.
We both got up early, had brekkie and headed off to Waterfall Bay hut. Once again the weather was not too bad and we made good time. Scotty and I had seen Waterfall Bay hut from the ocean on a boating trip and noticed the height of the jump down and jump up (the access tracks to and from the plateau and beach), but it was bigger than we thought when we arrived. We took it slow and steady and we arrived safely and got settled in. Antenna console checked, I then went for a little look around and was lucky enough to spot some orcas off the coast — so cool. It was then my turn to cook dinner and a bedtime story. Funny, Scotty already had his headphones on and a book at the ready. Not to worry, I thought, plenty of time yet…
We woke early, packed and headed for Windy Ridge hut, where we had planned to meet TASPAWS ranger Mike, who was going to lead us to Mt Jeffryes VHF repeater station (390m) and then on to Hurd Point. We met with Mike at the hut, collected two heavy batteries and then headed for the top of Mt Jeffryes. In true Kiwi fashion, Mike showed us what a year and a half of walking up and down Macca can do for your fitness and carried both batteries to the top of Mt Jeffryes — awesome work Mike. Once again the weather was kind to us and Scotty got straight to work with our assistance. When finished we headed straight to Hurd point. On our way to the jump down, Mike pointed out different mountains, creeks and lakes and gave us both first-hand knowledge of this part of Macca that neither Scotty nor I had seen before, and we both enjoyed the guidance. We arrived at the Hurd point ‘grassy’ jump down and it was a sight to behold: wow, pictures don’t do it justice and we sat at the top and enjoyed the amazing view while Mike shared a bit more knowledge and a few stories. We made our slow and steady way down and arrived safely at Hurd point hut. It is an amazing place to stay, as are all the huts on the island, and we settled in for a well-deserved rest, dinner and then worked out our next intentions.
We all got up early and headed for Caroline Cove, via the links track and guided again by Mike, but we had to get to the top of the jump up first — a walk that all on Macca should do once. We passed Lake Ainsworth, Mt Haswell, Petrel Peak, the Amphitheatre and we arrived at Caroline Cove. We sat down on a peak and enjoyed the beautiful surroundings and Mike again shared some more of his knowledge and stories of this amazing part of the island.
The next day Scotty and I went to visit the royal penguins that return to the Hurd Point colony each year to breed. We wanted to admire some of the handiwork the little guys get up to. The males build a little nest mound out of small rocks to impress the ladies, but we found one fellow who took it to a new level and claimed a pre-existing rock stack. Good thinking little guy!
With all the radio work taken care of we headed for station, stopping at a few places along the way and just taking in all the sights that were on offer, and made it back safely a few kilograms lighter and a little wiser.
I’m already waiting for the next trip down to Hurd. I wonder if the sparky or plumber are headed that way and need a trades assistant and personal cook?
Thanks for the story Benny!
