SHOT OF THE DAY – PHILLACK SADDLE

SHOT OF THE DAY – PHILLACK SADDLE – AUSTRALIA

This trip was my first overnight snow hike and camp. I decided to hike from Mt St Gwinear in Baw Baw Shire, just an hr east of Melbourne. This precise spot was from my campsite at Phillack Saddle near the summit of Mt St Phillack.

Photography was a little secondary in my mind on this trip. Preferring to pay more attention to embracing my inner Bear Grylls. Despite only being for one night, a lot of preparation was required. A 6km hike in with an overnight low of about -5 degrees. I was blessed with perfect weather. Clear skies, full moon and no wind. Even an aurora was threatening to show, but alas did not. For sunset I found myself very rushed with little time to shoot before darkness descended. However the next morning, I caught first light and found it an almost spiritual experience. Complete silence amongst the snow gum trees, with them being illuminated bright orange from the rising sun. It was a special moment and was instantly my ‘shot of the day’.

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