To stay at Green Gorge Hut, is to be transported to another world. This self contained universe is only half way down island, and yet it feels like you are the only inhabitants of the island. Everything you could possibly need for cooking up a hearty meal, is tucked away in the shelves of the kitchen or in "Shangrila" the storage pantry. We have a gas powered marine stove and oven, and a 'fridge' which comprises shelves on the porch. With an outside temperature of rarely over 4C, and no scavenging predators, this is the perfect solution. Endless entertainment resides in the contents of the bookshelves and scratched old CDs compiled by Rangers and visitors past provide some fun surprises in the car stereo system we use to play music. Short daylight hours and no distraction of internet and electronics offers a wonderful opportunity to sit and chat, day dream and nap. Oh, wonderful hut life!
The most was made of daylight hours with several trips outside to photograph the Green Gorge locals. The blustery westerly winds racing down the valley provided the Giant Petrels the perfect amount of offshore wind to extend their huge wings and hover about with ease. Another posse of curious King Penguins lives here with their fluffy chicks. They gravitate towards you whenever you chose a spot on the beach to sit quietly with the camera. Inherently inquisitive they have no disregard for any attempt to maintain wildlife approach distances. One silly chick tried to walk back to the hut with me!
Another layer of Macquarie Island revealed, and every new one is equally beautiful and dramatic as the last. How shall I leave here!
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Green Gorge Hut. Photo: Jacque Comery
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The wonderful Green Gorge Hut is tucked in the tussock at the edge of the beach. Shangrila is to the right, and the RAPS wind generator can be seen behind the hut. This place probably has the most spectacular porch view that I have had the privilege of enjoying.
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Cooking up some hots snacks in the hut galley. Photo: Jacque Comery
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Drying socks and gloves over the heater. Photo: Jacque Comery
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Relaxing evening in the hut. Photo: Jacque Comery
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Hut bread success. Photo: Jacque Comery
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Abbey Road King Penguins. Photo: Jacque Comery
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These four penguins marched along the beach with such self assurance and attitude I couldn't help drawing parallel to the Abbey Road Beatles album cover. Crashing surf, howling winds, battling elephant seals...no problem... we got Penguin attitude. Move aside strange biped...
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Southern Giant Petrel. Photo: Jacque Comery
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I have spent hours trying to capture photos of these beautiful birds. Awkward and ungainly on land, they are effortlessly elegant on the wing. Whilst sitting on the beach with my big lens trying to capture these flighty shy creatures in the distance, this bird flew right up, and crash landed right in front of me. Eventually folded up it's giant wings and sat right on down. The most wonderful moments are always those that come to you unexpectedly.
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Curious posse of King Penguins. Photo: Jacque Comery
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Regal King Penguins. Photo: Jacque Comery
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Southern Giant Petrel balancing with the wind. Photo: Jacque Comery
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White variation of the Southern Giant Petrel. Photo: Jacque Comery
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In the dark winter afternoons the white variation of the Southern Giant Petrels are like bright beacons on the beach, whilst their brown counterparts blend into the scenery. These birds are very clumsy moving around on land, and take great advantage of extending their huge wings for stability, whilst they prowl about the edge of the penguin colony for any stray chicks to seize.
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