High Country Huts

High country huts have a special place in the heart of any regular hiker, especially alpine winter hikers. Even on day hikes I always make sure i’ve marked their locations should the worst happen. Fortunately I’ve never been in a situation where I needed to use the services of a hut but there is comfort in knowing there is refuge from the weather, the possibility of a warm fire, a reasonable chance at a good night's sleep and a base should a rescue be warranted.

catch me i'm falling

Huts are basic and usually fragile structure, subject to the harshest weather, and not built to do anymore than provide shelter from the elements. They were originally constructed to support the movement of stock or mustering by the local landowners. They now form a part of our history that is cherished by many. Many of the huts have been repurposed to offer a known base station to rescue services or trail hikers. Over the years bushfires have impacted them. The fact that they are usually rebuilt through shared funding and labour arrangements, often with involvement from volunteers, is an indication of the special place they hold in our hearts and minds. Whenever I’m visiting a hut I treat them with the respect they have earned and leave no physical trace of me ever being there.

"catch me i'm falling"

I’ve visited this hut twice. The second time in late spring of 2019 when there was an unseasonal snowfall forecast. I spent the better part of half a day getting this image. Being my first time with this type of subject I found I had to try a number of techniques until I’d capture the frames I needed. Originally post processing was directed by what drew me to the composition, the billy can in the light and snow falling down into the fireplace. Eventually I noticed the one large snowflake falling into the billy can and the image came alive and had the visual story to tell, “catch me i’m falling”.