“On a Mish” #173 The Perfect Getaway (Part Two). Oreti Plateau Camp. Eyre Mountains Conservation Area. 23.9.2018. When you break down certain aspects of camping it doesn’t sound like much fun. Wet feet, long walks, and sleeping on rocky ground isn’t many people’s cup of tea, until you give it a go. I find that a lot of the people who say they don’t enjoy camping haven’t been on the right mish yet. If you find the perfect little getaway then 95% of the time any discomfort is forgotten, and the sights and sounds take over the senses…
After a couple of crossings, I was no longer worried about wet feet. Because it was September the water was a little bit chilly, but no one was forcing me to do this so there were no complaints. Originally, I wanted to camp and then climb Smooth Peak. However, time and the weather was going to prevent that happening. My plan now was to camp at the base of the peak to test things for a future mish.
Eventually, after what felt like a thousand creek crossings, I dragged myself up onto the plateau and my wet feet scenario made sense. The elevated view across the valley was excellent and my timing meant it wouldn’t be long before the sun began it’s evening show. After quickly setting up camp and preparing a meal I found a spot on the golden tussock to chill, and then watched the sunset with a warm drink in hand. It didn’t take much effort to get here and yet it was providing all the good stuff usually seen on much more difficult missions.
Early-ish the next day I was up with a sky above me much different that the one when I went to sleep. The clear air and many stars were now replaced by dark grey clouds and a building wind. The wet weather had arrived earlier than expected. By the time I got my tent packed up and packed away into my pack I felt the first drops of rain. The rest of me wanted to get a taste of the wet-boot action from the day before.
The rhythmic pitter patter of rain on my hood kept me moving in the direction of the small car park near the Von Valley / Mavora Lakes Road. Thanks to a small fire and dry socks, my toes were semi-dry, but that all changed with the first creek crossing. The familiar squish squash from the day before returned to my feet and stayed with me until I got to my car an hour or so later.
I had only been gone for about 14 hours and I had been on an excellent little mish. There were mountains, birdsong and enough wilderness to keep me satisfied for a little longer. Sometimes all you need is a little getaway to reset the brain and prepare you for what the world throws at you next…
