“On a Mish” #447 Unexpected Rain (Part Two). Mavora Lakes Park. Southland. 1.2.2026. There are not too many places where rain isn’t expected to fall at some stage. This means we have to be prepared for when it might show up unexpectedly while out on a mission. As annoying as the rain can be it is just part of the environment and the way the area maintains it’s natural beauty. When you expect it all of the time it means you will be ready when the wet stuff shows up without an invitation or warning…
After working out where I wanted to camp, I needed to get my gear up to the spot. This involved three trips back and forth to my car and the campsite so I had everything Georgie and I could need. The negatives of having a bad hip and back is not being able to carry big heavy camping packs, however this does work in my favour as I now carry multiple packs, and this means I can take more comfort items with me like a pillow. A simple and yet foreign item to most while out in the wilderness.
After carrying all of my gear up to the camping spot I began to set everything up. The whole time I was getting my act together the sun was beaming down making the area much warmer than what I had been used to. It was an absolutely glorious day, and at no point did it show any signs of what was to come the next morning.
With my camp ready it was time to tackle some food, which was enhanced by the awesome views we had in every direction. I do go to the Mavora Lakes area a lot, but each time I find new views and new places to park up for the night. This place seemed extra special as it was up and away from the usual camping sites and had an impressive view of South Mavora Lake. What a day! Let’s hope the next morning is just as good.
Early-ish the next day I woke to what I thought was leaves from the beech trees nearby tapping the top of my tent. ‘Surely it could be rain, there wasn’t any in the forecast?’ To my surprise the Mavora area was getting an early morning soaking thanks to some unexpected rain. I was surprised, but also grateful that all I had to do was have some breakfast and then get my gear back down to my car.
Firstly, it was coffee time and as my Jetboil warmed the water I sheltered under the canopy of the beech trees. Due to the rain not being in the forecast I expected it to stop, however as the morning went on the intensity increased to a point where I had to retreat back into my tent for a while. Luckily, I have a tent (Marmot Tungsten) that is easily up to the challenge of some rain.
The rain eased a little, so I began to shuttle my gear back down to my car. I left my tent as the last piece of gear to collect, and as I began to collapse it the weather began to clear. Irony can be a little annoying sometimes, but at least I got some rain-training and to see the water-resistant side of my tent in action!
By the time I was beginning my drive home the sun was making the odd appearance as the clouds parted. All I could do was laugh at the fact that I had had a great night out and really the unexpected rain hadn’t caused any issues. It was an excellent (and also a damp) reminder that even if it is not in the forecast, you should always head into the wild with the idea that potentially you could get a dose of unexpected rain, so it is best to be prepared for it!
