July 12: Sunday stroll to Eagle Cave

A day without wind is a rarity on Macquarie Island. In a change from the usual prevailing westerlies, this morning we awoke to a light south-easterly wind. Myself and Ben decided a walk around the north-west featherbed SMA to Eagle Cave would see us tucked in out of the winds completely, so we set out at 0800hrs. Ben donned his headphones, but my incessant chatter finally broke him, and he gave up on the music. This part of the coast is usually exposed and windblown, so to stroll along in such great conditions, admiring the offshore surf breaks was a treat. In a round trip walk of 5 hours we checked out the caves, explored the beaches, and collected (more) marine debris treasures. The haul this time was a few bottles, green string, and a large docking rope.
We treated to reflections of the plateau, in Duck Lake, which reflected the colours of the mountain so beautifully.
A great way to spend a Sunday morning. We made it back to VJM (Station) by 1300hrs, despite the appearance of my baby giraffe legs and some spectacular uncoordinated feats of physical daring on the rocky sections with about an hour to go!
Thanks Ben Golden for the company!







Reflections of the plateau. Photo: Jacque Comery





View toward Half Moon Bay from the featherbed. Photo: Jacque Comery

Duck Lake. Photo: Jacque Comery

Ben 'hipster much' Golden. Photo: Jacque Comery

July 11: Macquarie Island Blue Eyed Shag

This cormorant is endemic to Macca. On this rainy day these birds were sitting out on the rock stacks, enjoying the misty conditions.


Macquarie Island Blue-eyed Shag. Photo: Jacque Comery

July 10: Garden Cove Rockpools

A low swell day on the east coast this time, gave me another opportunity to check out the rockpools in Garden Cove. The east side is typically more sheltered, as the prevailing winds and swell here are from the west.
With Mark and Ben coming along, one to spot for Orca's (joking...  kind of) and one to spot for grumpy Fur Seals, we waded around in the sheltered knee deep pools.
There is a myth here that if we tap the rocks with  a pole that the resident Orca's will show up. Ben banged away for an eternity, and nothing happened! Mark was snapping pics of cute fur seals, one with a green tag, that we haven't yet  ID'ed.  Our friend #711 wasn't here today.
I saw lots of anemones, and still no nudibranches.
Whilst I donned a dry suit this time to keep my feet dry whilst wading around, my hands still froze quickly in the sub-Antarctic water with  pink washing up gloves over my wool gloves! Also I still can't put my face in the water (no swimming allowed) so have no idea what I am shooting as I can't see the viewfinder! Super fun to see how much life is tucked into the intertidal zone.



Anemones. Photo: Jacque Comery



Anemones. Photo: Jacque Comery



Anemones and Sea cucumber. Photo: Jacque Comery



Tiny critters galore. Photo: Jacque Comery



Sea cucumbers. Photo: Jacque Comery

July 9: Breadmaking

Today was my day to cook in the kitchen. I thought I'd give the bread making a go. For a bit of fun, I changed up the recipe that Chef Justin taught me and made a four seed loaf. I couldn't find linseeds so I threw in, poppy seeds, black and white sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds.
I couldn't have been more chuffed with the results.
Yah! Bread making is my new favourite hobby.



Dough ready for the tray. Photo: Jacque Comery



Ready for the proofer. Photo: Jacque Comery

Introducing my 4 Seed bread loaf. Photo: Jacque Comery

July 8: Footprints in the snow...

Gentoo Penguin footprints in the snow. Photo: Jacque Comery

July 7: Pie!

With chef off station along with 6 others, we have been talking turns to cook dinner for the six remaining expeditioners back at VJM.
Tonight I was surprised by a menu offering called "Station Leader Pie". Yah! Thanks Deputy Chef Dan for the vegie pie!

Station Leader Pie!. Photo: Ben Golden