“On a Mish” #344 Must Go Camping (Part Three). Boundary Hill. Torlesse Conservation Area. 1.8.2022. As I began to hike my gear up to a high point, I started feeling really good. My hip may have been hurting but my mind was at ease, and there was nowhere else I’d rather be. I took my gear up to the high point in small bundles so I wouldn’t put too much pressure on my hip and back, and with each load my poor old hiking boots got wetter and wetter. With coolness creeping through my clothes and my toes semi froze, I was putting the ‘must’ part of my camping trip to the test!
As time went on the temperature dropped and the leather of my boots became more soaked than leather, and their thermal protection was no more. After setting up my tent and taking a few photos I used the golden opportunity to jump into my car and give my chilly extremities a break. My car was pointed at the low point on the horizon where the mighty Rakaia River cut its way through the mountains. My broken body was aching thanks to the chill in the air, but I would want to be anywhere else.
The Lake Lyndon Road can be used as a short cut for people coming up from the south and wanting to go west. Even though the road was caked in snow I continued to see the odd vehicle powering its way along the icy surface until well after dark. I was feeling uncomfortable cruising the road during the day and now I was watching people go much faster than me in the dark! I like life at a slower and safer pace.
Early-ish the next morning my on and off nights’ sleep came to an end and my very chilly morning routine was made more bearable by the incredible display of stars above my camp. The spoils of the evening changing to night and the rewards of seeing dark become light are witnessed best in a place where the only source of illumination is what you brought with you. These moments act as mind fuel for ‘must go camping’ cravings that for some never dull until the day they hang up their tramping boots.
As the light began to increase, I had the lovely task of squeezing my poor feet into my semi frozen boots. An unavoidable discomfort that only lasts as long as it stays front of mind, luckily the epic surroundings erased any thoughts of my cold feet. Plus, I also didn’t have far to travel before I’d have the car heater blasting hot air at my feet. It was far from my days of walking with cold wet feet for hours on end. This is another situation when describing what happens when camping can sound a little less enjoyable than what it actually is!
By the time I had got my gear into my car and was ready to head home a few cars had already bashed their way up and down the road. Just like on my drive to my campsite the icy conditions had me driving at walking speeds, as much as a crash would make a good story, I was happy with the adventure I had already had and didn’t want or need to add any drama to my drive home.
My camping cravings had been fulfilled for now, and the aches and pains told me a needed a break before taking on another challenge. The ‘must go’ had been satisfied however, on the drive home I was already thinking about what and where my next mish would be. When you love going into the outdoors as much as me, you know it will only be a matter of time before the feeling returns and I ‘must go camping’ again…
