Instant noodles, lasting regret
During my pre-departure training in Tassie before hitting the high seas to Macquarie Island, I was able to explore the culinary delights Hobart has to offer.
While on my quest, I stumbled upon a Chinese noodle restaurant called China Lanzhou Beef Noodle. From that moment on, I was hooked. Every evening, like clockwork, I would make my way to that noodle house to gorge on those delicious noodles. With such a one-track mind, my plans to go shopping for some essential items, such as waterproof socks, that would benefit my experience on Macquarie island kept getting pushed back. As I delayed these purchases day after day for another hit of those succulent noodles, I inevitably left it too late and before I knew it, I was on the Nuyina. As I sat on the boat, I worried my priorities had been in the wrong place.
Now four months later, I reflect back on my time in Hobart and wonder if I used my time wisely. After a few trips out in the field in what I have found to be the typical Macquarie island weather I have given more thought to the essential items that would not have gone astray during these trips.
Currently sitting here at Bauer Bay Hut, in the early morning, I wince as I slip my feet into a freezing cold pair of soaking wet hiking boots. My peers, fortunately for them, do not have the same issue as they slip on their waterproof socks, having listened closely to the advice given during station week and taken note of the wet weather that was to come.
I can’t help but stop and think back to those Chinese noodles ... was it worth it?
And the answer is YES!!! Damn those noodles were good. Hand stretched noodles right in front of your eyes, dropped into a clean beef broth, there is really nothing like it. Just the distant thought of those noodles makes it easier to get through these cold mornings and gives me enough of a boost to power up the mountain to live another day here on Macquarie Island.
Shout out to China Lanzhou Beef Noodle House. I will be back at the end of December, keep that broth brewing, the thought of it will sustain me until the end of the year.
Your number one consumer,
Banjo
