Favourite pastimes
When I meet someone new and tell them that I work in the Australian Antarctic Program, they often wonder what one does with their free time when on a station for an extended period of time. This summer is my first at Macquarie Island (affectionately called Macca by most) and I have been making the most of my free time while I’m here.
We are lucky enough to have a lovely group of creative and skilled people around station and everywhere you turn, someone is making something, which has inspired me to be a bit crafty myself. In past seasons I have scavenged in the plumbers' workshop for copper scraps to make earrings and I have continued that hobby here. I also was lucky enough to get chippy help cutting wood scraps and making a chopping board!
I have taken full advantage of our awesome chef and have been trying to learn some of his tips and tricks, particularly his wholemeal sourdough process. When I’m not following the chef around the kitchen, I’ve been working on some crochet projects.
My favourite pastime though, is penguin watching. I have fallen completely in love with the king penguins on Macca and nothing brings me more joy than a walk down the beach with a group of kings following along!
There’s never a shortage of ways to fill your free time when you are surrounded by such an amazing landscape and talented expos!
Anne Hellie, Ranger in Charge
