The island sushi train is pulling into station

Since pretty much the beginning of the year, I've been harping on about having a sushi train. We had one at Casey Station and it was great fun, even though the 'train' was a couple of trays on caster wheels and we just pulled it up and down the table.

For as long as I've been harping on about it, our Ranger (Chris) has been dropping very unsubtle hints about a top secret woodwork project he has had on the go; maybe a sushi train, maybe not.

After many months of talk and not a lot of action, we finally set the date for the last weekend of September. Because Chris wasn't quite sure he'd get his secret masterpiece finished on time, it was widely publicised that there would be some sort of event on that weekend; maybe a sushi train, maybe not.

Fortunately he pulled out all the stops, and the Macquarie Island sushi train really was not only finished on time, it exceeded expectations in every way. Danielle assisted with some stunning tunnel artwork, and Chef Annette and I got busy in the kitchen creating all manner of Japanese deliciousness.

So in the end the worst kept secret of the year was a riotous success of both hobby skills and cooking.

The Macquarie Island Sushi Train in all its splendour

But back to earlier in the day....Chef Annette prepares the dumplings

While Ranger Chris sorts out the table settings

I'm roped into the fray to make sushi - thank goodness our hydroponic garden has been producing lots of cucumbers recently

The sushi line up waiting to board the first train of the evening

Ranger Chris sorts out his origami napkin folding after a half hour of googling

Jez tries to decide what he'll have first

Pete takes on the role of conductor/driver and spends most of the night winding the train up and down the table. Ali keeps an eye on proceedings.

Just course number 4 of 6 - tempura seafood. Mmmm.

Toot toot

So much choice. Greg and Rich decide on dessert.