Claudia - unofficial mail courier

Macquarie Island is full of pretty tech-savvy people. But when you’re in the field there’s no such thing as Facebook, Twitter or emails.  And the radio, well, that’s only for relaying essential information and everyone can hear what you’re saying anyway.

That’s why writing letters the old-fashioned way – with pen and paper - has become the latest trend on Macquarie Island. Peter P and I, whose jobs involve moving from one MIPEP team to the next, have become unofficial mail couriers. Whether it’s a hastily scribbled note to simply say “I miss you”, or a more thoughtful two-pager carefully sealed with multi-coloured tape, MIPEP team members have become very active in sending their latest news and thoughts to each other via letter.

So what IS the latest news?

Workwise - last week there was fresh rabbit sign spotted near Landgon Point so a posse of rabbit trackers including Pete K, Ben T, Dean and Sandy concentrated their efforts on finding the perpetrator - but no luck as yet.

Gary B spent a few days with dog handlers Nancye and Mel to compare notes on how best to run the dogs, and together they tried to cover as much area as possible while there was fresh snow on the ground (that’s because snow is very good at holding rabbit scent – dinner table fact for the day).

In the meantime, Tony has been clocking up the miles as he systematically hunts on a north-south axis out of Waterfall Bay Hut, and was an absolute trooper for helping Wayne (who had a sore back) all the way back to station from Tiobunga Hut (a full day hike).

Jack, who’s been writing letters to partner Dana, has no doubt been telling her how much he enjoys spot-lighting between Tio and Windy Ridge Huts.

And last but not least the lovely Mel also turns out to be an avid letter-writer, relaying how much she’s enjoying her first month in the field (she was based at station all of last month). She’s been cooking up a storm at Brothers Point Hut, including her very own chocolate and cherry birthday cake on Friday, which she shared with Ben H, Peter P and me…

…  a very yummy incentive for us to keep delivering the mail on time.  

As unofficial Macca postie, Pete will brave all conditions...

...and I will climb mountains for the mail to be delivered on time