“On a Mish” #410 The Little Ledge Above the Lake (Part Three). Lake Lyndon Area / Craigieburn Forest Park. 5.7.2024. Camping is a strange pastime. There is something so appealing about what some would find incredibly uncomfortable. Taking away the comforts of modern living and replacing them with the wild wonders of the outside world can be both a dream and a nightmare depending on which side of the fence you sit on. In case you hadn’t worked it out yet, I am someone who loves being exposed to the outside world and it is going to take more than a buggered hip and back to change my mind!
As I took in the view, I had to still consider that I was only halfway through my mish to the top of the little ledge. Back down at my car was my second, and much heavier pack, but at least I knew I would be carrying it up to an epic spot. On the way down I decided to see how my downhill running skills were, and this was when Georgie decided to dart out in front of me mid stride. Not only did I go for a tumble, but I also managed to fall directly onto my hiking pole which jammed into my gut like it was a sword delivering a death blow. From there I decided running / jogging wasn’t a very good idea!
After gathering my second pack I began the painfully slow task of lugging it up to join the other bag. Georgie was loving the freedom to roam, and as I watched her zoom around, I was wondering if there was a way I could attach the pack to her and let her do at least some of the work! That was something to think about for the future, but for now the carrying was my job.
Eventually I dragged myself up onto the ledge, and after a rest and gaze at the incredible view, I got to work setting up my camp. As I sorted my tent, I looked over to the other little mound I camped on with my dog Ernie. I can feel his energetic energy whenever I go on a mish now, and I know he is up in Doggie Heaven watching what Georgie and I are up to, as well as causing as much chaos as possible!
There was a definite chill growing in the air as I jammed the last peg of my awesome new Marmot tent into the ground. Georgie retreated to the warmth of her little bed, and after I put a blanket on top of her, she drifted off to sleep. While Georgie slept, I spent the remaining time of daylight marvelling at the epicness I had found on the little ledge above Lake Lyndon. My body could still feel each painful step up and down the little hill, but it was well worth it for the view.
Another wild idea had been taking up restate in my head and I had removed it by completing the task. Before I went to sleep, I surveyed the area around the little ledge like I normal do when on a mish, and I saw that the hill above me wasn’t too far from my camp, or so I thought. I pondered the next day’s plan, and it was then that my head began to fill with what ifs and another wild idea. Sorry hip and back but it looks like I’m going to put you through some more torture early-ish the next day…
