|
As its name implies, Windy Ridge field hut is located at the windiest spot on the island, about 28 km south of the main station on the southern plateau. This is usually a two day walk in winter. The hut is a portable Apple & sleeps two. It is normally used by the TASPAWS rangers however it also sees occasional use by Comms personnel as it is the nearest hut to the Mount Jeffryes VHF repeater. All huts are equipped with a gas cooker, 12V wind generator, a small 240v petrol generator, comprehensive medical kit and plenty of food & fuel supplies. The mountain in the background is Mt. Fletcher, the second highest point on the island at 428 metres (1,400 ft). The 12 Volt wind generator here has been replaced twice in the past six months; the remains of one propellor were found embedded in the ground nearly 300 metres away - just as well nobody was around when it shattered. Solar panels are not used as there is generally not enough sunlight all year round to charge the field hut batteries sufficiently; although they are used at the VHF repeater sites as their power requirement is much less. |
|
