Trip to Craig’s Hut with Jessica…
There is a poem called ‘The Man from Snowy River’ written by A.B “Banjo” Paterson (1864-1941)…. have you ever read it? For most of you probably not. It’s quite long and was first published on the 26th April 1890 in a Sydney newspaper called ‘The Bulletin’. This poem ‘The Man From Snowy River’ is a classic today in Australian literature.
Image from the Movie, 'The Man from Snowy River'.
The original silent, black and white film was made in 1920, and another version was made in 1982, in which Tom Burlinson, Sigrid Thornton, Kirk Douglas and Jack Thompson were the main actors. It was about a young man struggling to prove himself amongst men, having to survive through the harshest conditions one could imagine, learning the ropes of life and love after his father was tragically killed in an accident.
Craig’s Hut is located on Clear Hills near Mt.Stirling in the beautiful Alpine National Park in Victoria, and was built especially for the film “The Man from Snowy River” in 1981. It was called Craig’s Hut after the lead actor, Jim Craig (played by Tom Burlinson) and also re-used in the sequel “The Return to Snowy River”. On 11 December 2006 the Craig’s Hut was burnt down by a wild bushfire. The Hut has now been rebuilt by volunteers under the guidance of builder Craig Ogier. However Craig Ogier was criticized because the new hut was built with slightly different design from the original one.
On Monday (14th December, 2009), I travelled to Craig’s Hut with my daughter Jessica in my 4 X 4 Landcruiser. I have wanted to visit this hut for a very long time, along with my camera and tripod, and finally had the time and decided make the trip. We left my house at around midday and drove non-stop through to Mansfield and then Merrijig where we had a nice afternoon lunch (a beautifully prepared hamburger). However, we did manage to stop for a few photos along the way.
En-route to Mansfield...
You can see Mount Bulla in the distance….
Merrijig is the next small town after Mansfield, and where we had lunch. At 320m above sea level, it’s not particularly high, but definitely South enough to snow during winter.
Mount Bulla is a well known ski resort in Australia.
This way to Mt. Bulla.
Mt Bulla roadSpectacular views from the road to Craig’s Hut; jet stream in the distance very high up…
Big skies, big mountains and big trees...
Gateway to the High Country.
One thing about Victoria, there are plenty of trees….
...tall trees reaching up...
And finally, the last rugged stretch to the top…. Fortunately, it is easy in this 4×4…
Only 4 X 4's past this point....
And Finally this……..
Jessica was also about with her camera…. watching the sunset as well.
Close-up of the rebuilt hut...
This Craig's Hut... finally made it !!
Some of the amazing captures by a Canon…..
Views from behind Craig's Hut...
Sunrise on the mountain...
(1/8sec @ f/16, ISO100 – 16mm)
…from various angles….
A slightly different angle..
(1/10sec @ f/16, ISO100 – 16mm)
Incredible views over the Hut and the warmth of the early morning sun….
A warm sunrise...
(1/20sec @ f/16, ISO100 – 16mm)
More spectacular views….
View from behind Craig's Hut.
(1/25sec @ f/16, ISO100 – 16mm)
Jessica, very proud of her fire making abilities....
Used two flashes on Manfrotto 306B flash stands. (1/250sec @ f/11, ISO200 – 25mm) Manual mode: – 2EV
My beautiful daughter Jessica
Used two flashes again, visible in the reflection: (1/200 @ f/11, ISO200 – 28mm) Manual mode: -2EV
Jessica standing on the porch of Craig's Hut...
(1/200sec @ f/11, ISO200 – 24mm)
Camera: Canon 1D MkII N
Lens most used: EF 16-35mm f/2.8 L USM
Other lenses: EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L USM
The map below indicates the route we drove to Craig’s Hut….
Route to Craig's Hut from my House in Eltham.
Well, I hope that you enjoyed the trip as much as I did….. Thanks for looking…
Cheers for now…. Barry.
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