“On a Mish” #33 Skirt Around the Bush (Part Three). Arthurs Creek(Point 2065m). Richardson Mountains. 11.3.2014. If something is hard, why do it? This is a question that many ‘non-hikers’ ask after hearing about my battles with the remote parts of planet earth. Pure satisfaction is why! Sometimes I feel like my answer doesn’t get through as it doesn’t purvey what had happened on that particular mish…
After soaking in the epicness above the Rees Valley on Peak 2065m we began the journey back to the valley floor, which was much, much easier than going up. The loose rock acted like thick water for us to surf down to the creek. What took a couple of hours to clamber up flew by easily as we raced our way back to camp.
After getting back to camp we pondered staying for another night, but knowing the weather was going to change made us reconsider that idea and continue to pack up.
After packing up we wandered back across the meadow to the entrance to the upper valley. The view of the Rees Valley from the lip of the Arthurs Creek Valley was worth a stop, and we also had to prepare ourselves for the matagouri spikes that were waiting for us below.
We followed deer tracks, and actually saw a deer on the way, then we came across an old hunting camp that stank of history and had relics of the past scattered about.
The interesting trip back down towards the Rees Valley took a bloody turn once we reached the first patch of prickles.
In places we had to push our packs along the ground and crawl through a tiny opening in the bush. At times it felt like we were in one of the ‘Saw’ movies and we were being tested by an evil villain who took pleasure in our pain.
Eventually we got through the matagouri and after a quick scratch check we continued along to the car park and end of the mish.
Once again Mother Nature had done all she could to up the effort on the adventure, and thanks to the extra effort we could enjoy a big sense of achievement. The mission also reminded us that a guide book is only a rough idea of how to get somewhere, and it is best to be prepared for anything when heading into the hills!
